Greetings! The Hawkeye Marching Band is entering its final week of the 2020 season. As I reflect on everything we’ve accomplished, I’m feeling so much gratitude— to our students, our staff, our leadership in the School of Music, and to all of our campus partners. This semester was a machine of moving parts that relied on everyone to show up in ways that are unprecedented. Planning for the 140th edition of the Hawkeye Marching Band began in April. As it became clear that the season would be different from anything we’ve experienced before, I decided to guide my decisions based on the following principles:
- Safety of Hawkeye Marching Band students and staff
- Meaningful musical experience for every member of the band
- Impactful engagement with our entire community (on campus, in Iowa City, and beyond)
This season is by far one of the most unique and memorable in the HMB’s history! I am incredibly proud of the work we have done in partnership with healthcare professionals, scientists, and epidemiologists to prioritize students’ health and safety while also creating a meaningful experience for them! You can read more about what we’ve been doing here: https://hawkeyemarchingband.uiowa.edu/band-140
While we’re disappointed that we aren’t able to perform during the games in Kinnick Stadium this season, we are incredibly proud of the work we have done with our virtual performance series! The Hawkeye community really came together to celebrate what our students are doing, and I am so proud of the level of focus, commitment, and musical growth we’ve made as an ensemble! This year, we recorded:
- Pregame
- Favorite selections from our Rec Building Show
- Trumpet and Trombone Cheers
- Two complete halftime shows (which premiered online during the October 31 and November 7 home games)
- The Hawkeye Victory Polka
- Alma Mater Iowa
As you may remember, the Hawkeye Marching Band collaborated again with country music star Pat Green last September. Beyond our live performance at halftime, we spent time recording a special version of Pat’s hit song “Wave on Wave,” the song behind The Iowa Wave during each home game. We released this version on October 30, and all proceeds from downloads and streams will benefit the patients of the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. (Download/stream on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!)
I’m proud to announce the incredible upward trajectory of our fundraising efforts over the past year! Prior to 2019, the HMB averaged $30-40k in annual donations. Last year, we cleared $160,000, and we are already closing in on $130,000 in 2021! The incredible generosity of our supporters has allowed us to take many steps forward in my vision to enhance various elements of the Hawkeye Marching Band. Thanks to several landmark gifts and the success of our GOLDrush campaign, along with a growing base of donors, we were able to purchase a brand new line of Yamaha Xeno trumpets this year (a first for the Hawkeye Marching Band!), half of our sousaphone line, and brand new flight cases for each of these instruments! Thanks to a generous donation from Bob and Robin Salomon, we also established the Hawkeye Drumline Excellence Fund, an endowment which will support the drumline in perpetuity!
I have been blessed to work with the greatest alumni in the country! The support I receive from former members of the Hawkeye Marching Band is absolutely unmatched! The Alumni Band, which has been around since 1973, laid a wonderful foundation under the leadership of Tom Davis, and more recently, Johnny Gilbert, for the exciting work that is being done now! I am so thankful for their service and the culture of alumni engagement they fostered for many years, and I'm equally grateful for the work of Jeff Sebille, who has taken over the reigns as music director.
Specifically, the Hawkeye Marching Band Alumni Advisory Board has been outstanding in their pursuit to deepen the relationship between the Alumni Band and the current HMB. Since their inception in 2019, they have taken a leadership role in many areas:
- Mentoring
- Homecoming (including virtual events during the 2020 season)
- Year-round performance opportunities
- Fundraising (including the purchase of the Sudler Trophy)
- HMB History Archival project
Thanks to their efforts, they were recently awarded Affinity Group of the Year by the University of Iowa Center for Advancement! Congratulations!
As many of you may know, our Alumni Board president, Dr. Kirk Phillips, is an epidemiologist and faculty member in the UI College of Public Health. This summer, as the HMB developed our protocols to keep our students and staff safe, Kirk was instrumental in helping us navigate the guidance coming from the university, the state of Iowa, and the CDC. So much of our success in mitigating risk during the pandemic is thanks to Kirk’s thoughtful guidance and steady hand. Thank you Kirk!
I am so grateful for the support we have seen from our friend, family, fans, and alumni this year! In a year like 2020, it has meant so much to me, our staff, and our students to connect with you in so many ways through music and Hawkeye spirit. We are aware of the place we hold in the hearts of so many Hawkeyes, and it is a privilege and honor for the Hawkeye Marching Band to serve as a source of light and inspiration during these uneasy times.
On Iowa and Go Hawks!
Eric W. Bush
Associate Director of Bands
Director of the Hawkeye Marching Band