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.