For Alumni Band members, nothing lifts the spirits quite like belting out "On Iowa" or "Hey Jude"—especially alongside old bandmates.

A chart-topping producer and composer recently returned to campus as a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Alumni Fellow to share his experiences with students.

Nearly 30 years ago, the Hawkeye Marching Band won one of the nation’s top marching awards – but the trophy was never purchased for display.

Michael Janssen watches the University of Iowa Marching Band like a hawk. As this year’s drum major, the 2015 Cedar Rapids Washington High School graduate struts into Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on game days, leading more than 260 marching Hawkeyes through 138 years of tradition.

“For a lot of us, music is something we love to do. For me, it’s also stress relief. I find comfort in creating music. There’s also a natural high that comes with performing in front of a crowd. Being able to perform in front of 70,000 people at Kinnick Stadium is a unique experience and one I would never give up.”

Although he’s not from Iowa, Eric Bush feels his appointment as the new Hawkeye Marching Band director is somewhat of a homecoming.

The Hawkeye Marching Band has a storied history, and this fall, Analisa Iole became an important part of it. She didn’t just join a list of drum majors that dates back to 1886; she became the first woman since World War II to hold the position.

Kevin Kastens’ love of marching band—particularly Big Ten marching bands—is evident in the fact that during 31 seasons, he has never missed a game. “Sharing with students the thrill of performing in front of 70,000 fans is the best part of my job,” he says.