Ella McDaniel leads the Hawkeye Marching Band as its Golden Girl, the main featured twirler. She’s finishing her fourth and final season leading HMB. She grew up dreaming of doing this, starting twirling after seeing a group of twirlers at a dance recital at four years old. “I saw the twirlers and I was obviously just so amazing at what they were doing,” said McDaniel. “I had no idea what was happening, but I knew I wanted to do it, and spend my life doing it.”

Each fall in Iowa City, as leaves turn color and temperatures cool, there’s a distinct buzz around campus. Students, faculty, alumni, and fans wrap themselves in Hawkeye Black and Gold, ready to begin another academic year cheering on the Hawkeyes. At the heart of it all, providing the soundtrack for all the excitement and nostalgia, are the hardworking and talented student musicians who make up the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band (HMB). Our beloved HMB is just one part of a robust and storied band program in the School of Music now serving more than 700 students, which has adapted, grown, and changed remarkably over more than 140 years.

The band's mellophone section extends deal with kitchenware business after making history last year.

The marching band’s “Best of Bluder” show honors Bluder’s legacy as she announces her retirement from the university.

when Colts director Vicki MacFarlane compared Kara Metzger — a former drum major and current staff member for the Dubuque, Iowa corps — to the prolific point guard, it was no small comment. “I guess she’s like our Caitlin Clark,” MacFarlane said. “She’s the reason people want to keep coming back.”

A challenge is bringing metal to marching bands. One band participating is directed by a Montrose native and Central Michigan University alum.

Marching band and metal music coming together may seem strange, but two Iowa Marching Bands are up for the challenge. Both the University of Iowa and Iowa State are finalists in the Metallica Marching Band Competition. The heavy-metal band is challenging marching bands at all levels to create exciting, unique, and impressive performances using their music. Both Iowa and Iowa State submitted their Metallica set, and they have made the top five for the Collegiate - Division 1 category.

A petition led by Hawkeye fans urging the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to “let the bands play” has declared victory after event organizers this week announced both the Hawkeye Marching Band and the Pride of the Southland Band will perform on the field before the News Year’s game and at halftime.