Dr. Eric Bush at Kickoff at Kinnick 2024

Greetings, Hawkeyes!

I am writing this message on the eve of the annual Cy-Hawk game here in Iowa City. Like every time these two schools meet, tomorrow is sure to be memorable. I know our marching Hawkeyes are already feeling the excitement that comes with a rivalry game played at home! We are three weeks into the Hawkeye Marching Band’s 144th season, and it’s already very clear that we have an outstanding band this year.

The HMB staff and I have been preparing for this moment since March: interviewing student leaders, holding auditions, show planning, drill writing, arranging music, organizing CAMBUS schedules and residence hall move-in dates, assembling rehearsal uniforms and preparing instruments… and that’s just some of the work that goes into our “summer break!” And it’s all worth it. Because there is so much to look forward to this season.

This year brought in one of highest numbers of audition registrations since I became director of the HMB six years ago. Competition for acceptance to the band gets tougher every year, as our retention rates are also outstanding. We had far more members return this season than in any previous year!  Mark your calendars to check out these students in action — whether it’s in Kinnick Stadium or via livestream from the comfort of your own home! Check out the HMB’s full season performance schedule here.

Tenor Saxophones in Kinnick Stadium
New rank case with new game day saxes
Alto saxophones performing during Kickoff at Kinnick

A few things I’m especially excited about heading into this season:

  • For the first time ever, every single member of the Hawkeye Marching Band will be performing on a university-owned game day instrument. Thanks to our generous alumni and donors, we were able to purchase a line of game day alto and tenor saxophones! Some of these beautiful instruments were purchased in memory of former HMB alto saxophone player Stacy Thompson, and others were purchased through gifts to the band from other families, such as Tim and Kathy Ternes,  Randy and Cheryl Brenton, Maggie McCoy, and Jared and Carol Hills. Thanks to these wonderful supporters of our students!
  • This season saw the introduction of bass trombones into the HMB’s instrumentation. Paired with our record number of sousaphones on the field (24!) I think you’ll agree with me that the band’s sound is richer, darker, and more balanced. Be sure to check out some of our recordings to hear the difference! Thank you to HMB supporter John Allen for making this a reality!
  • We have a really fun lineup planned for our halftime shows this season, a great balance of pop culture, history, and Hawkeye spirit. Make sure you're following the band on social media so you can stay in the know about everything we’re bringing to Hawkeye Nation this season!
HMB singing the Alma Mater at sunset during band camp

I hope you’ll take a moment to read through the rest of this newsletter to catch up on some of the other exciting developments for the Hawkeye Marching Band. We have a lot of celebrate and look forward to, and I know our 144th year is going to be a great one.

On Iowa, and Go Hawks!

Eric W. Bush
Director, The Hawkeye Marching Band