Syracuse University Marching Band
Encyclopedia
The "Pride of the Orange" Syracuse University
Marching Band
is the collegiate marching band of Syracuse University
. They are also referred to as the acronym, SUMB. The band consists of more than 200 members. The SUMB performs at all home Syracuse Orange football
games throughout the season in the Carrier Dome
, and also takes part in parades and other performances throughout the year. It is one of the largest student organizations at Syracuse University, and one of the oldest collegiate bands in the nation.
On May 9, 1901, the Syracuse University band performed its first public concert in Crouse College
auditorium, now the Setnor Auditorium. The band's first performance at a football game was on October 12, 1901 at Archbold Stadium
, versus Lafayette College
. At the time, there was no distinction between the marching band and the concert band, thus one band performed several tasks.
The band was disassembled in 1904 by Chancellor Day, due to financial indiscretion but was later reformed in 1907. In the years that followed, the band merged and then separated from the ROTC program at Syracuse University. The band, which was originally under the control of the Athletics Department, became part of the Fine Arts department, and finally became its own division under the Setnor School of Music
. Around this time, the marching band and concert band separated into their own entities.
Due to World War II
, enrollment numbers for the band dipped significantly, and in 1940, women were invited to join the concert band. Women were invited to join the marching band as well, although only as majorettes - not musicians. In 1944, majorettes first appeared along side the band. A flag corps was added in 1945. Women were not allowed to march in the band as instrumentalists until 1966.
After receiving these awards, the band was welcomed home with a banner stating how "proud" the university community was of their efforts at the competition. This influenced the announcer at the opening day football game to introduce the band as "The Pride of the Orange".
both instrumentally, and vocally in four-part harmony.
Run On and Pre-Game Sequence
The band enters the field via the "tunnel", located at the southwest corner of the Carrier Dome
, by running onto the field. They perform the following musical selections in order, which form the Pre-Game Sequence:
Among other various pre-game chart transitions, the band marches the Syracuse "Block S" down the field during the playing of the fight song, coincidentally named Down the Field.
The band also forms the outline of the state of New York during New York Medley. During the drum break of "New York Medley", the outline of the state will bow clock wise, ending with the figure of Long Island.
In previous years, the band would perform the fight song, "Down the Field", a second time during the pre-game performance accompanied with the band members forming the word "SYRACUSE" one letter at a time. This part of the performance, known as "Spell Out," was done until 2006. This tradition was attempted to be brought back by a script spell out of the word "Cuse" but has since been removed from performance.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
Marching Band
Marching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
is the collegiate marching band of Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
. They are also referred to as the acronym, SUMB. The band consists of more than 200 members. The SUMB performs at all home Syracuse Orange football
Syracuse Orange football
The Syracuse Orange football program is a college football team that represents Syracuse University. The team is a member of the Big East Conference, which is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I conference that is part of the Football Bowl Subdivision...
games throughout the season in the Carrier Dome
Carrier Dome
The Carrier Dome is a 49,250-seat domed sports stadium located on the campus of Syracuse University in the University Hill neighborhood of Syracuse, New York, USA. It is home to the Syracuse Orange football, basketball, and lacrosse teams. High school football championships are also held in "The...
, and also takes part in parades and other performances throughout the year. It is one of the largest student organizations at Syracuse University, and one of the oldest collegiate bands in the nation.
History
In the years before 1901, individual colleges at Syracuse University hired bands to perform at football games. As per tradition of the university, freshmen organized a band for the Colgate vs. Syracuse game held every year. The need for organization led to the eventual hiring of Hamilton E. Cogswell, former Supervisor of Music for the Syracuse Public School System, as the director of the new SU band. The first rehearsal of the band took place on February 4, 1901.On May 9, 1901, the Syracuse University band performed its first public concert in Crouse College
Crouse College, Syracuse University
Crouse College, also known as Crouse Memorial College and historically as John Crouse Memorial College for Women, is a building on the Syracuse University campus. It was funded by John R. Crouse, an "enormously wealthy Syracuse banker"...
auditorium, now the Setnor Auditorium. The band's first performance at a football game was on October 12, 1901 at Archbold Stadium
Archbold Stadium
Archbold Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium in Syracuse, New York. It opened in 1907 and was home to the Syracuse University Orangemen football team prior to the Carrier Dome opening in 1980. It was the third concrete football stadium built in the country....
, versus Lafayette College
Lafayette College
Lafayette College is a private coeducational liberal arts and engineering college located in Easton, Pennsylvania, USA. The school, founded in 1826 by James Madison Porter,son of General Andrew Porter of Norristown and citizens of Easton, first began holding classes in 1832...
. At the time, there was no distinction between the marching band and the concert band, thus one band performed several tasks.
The band was disassembled in 1904 by Chancellor Day, due to financial indiscretion but was later reformed in 1907. In the years that followed, the band merged and then separated from the ROTC program at Syracuse University. The band, which was originally under the control of the Athletics Department, became part of the Fine Arts department, and finally became its own division under the Setnor School of Music
Setnor School of Music
The Rose, Jules R., and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music is one of five areas of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University. The Setnor School offers both undergraduate and graduate study options in a larger university setting...
. Around this time, the marching band and concert band separated into their own entities.
Due to World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, enrollment numbers for the band dipped significantly, and in 1940, women were invited to join the concert band. Women were invited to join the marching band as well, although only as majorettes - not musicians. In 1944, majorettes first appeared along side the band. A flag corps was added in 1945. Women were not allowed to march in the band as instrumentalists until 1966.
100 Men and a Girl
On September 26, 1947 "100 Men and a Girl", made its debut as the most iconic era in Syracuse University Marching Band history. Nearly 100 men took the field at Archbold Stadium to premier the new head drum majorette, and fire baton twirler. This tradition is still continued today, as the Syracuse University Marching Band always performs with one featured twirler, appropriately referred to as the "Orange Girl"."Pride of the Orange"
The band received its nickname as the "Pride of the Orange" upon their return to the United States after a European Concert Tour, which included a performance at the 1970 World Band Tour in Kerkrade, Holland. The band received several accolades in parade, field, and concert competition.After receiving these awards, the band was welcomed home with a banner stating how "proud" the university community was of their efforts at the competition. This influenced the announcer at the opening day football game to introduce the band as "The Pride of the Orange".
Director
The Syracuse University Marching Band is under the direction of Associate Director of Bands, Justin Mertz. He is the first alumni of the band and of Syracuse University to hold the position in the 100+ year history of the SUMB. Among the director's many duties are arranging music, overseeing rehearsals, and acting as liaison to the Athletic Department, Music Department, and the public.Graduate and Senior Assistants
Graduate Assistants and Senior Assistants are responsible for copying and distributing music, taking attendance during all rehearsals and performances, assisting with drill, and running large group sectionals.Drum Majors
The SUMB utilizes a system of three drum majors which are appointed in the Spring semester. Unlike most collegiate marching bands, the drum majors are responsible for conducting during all performances, rather than the director. Rehearsals and large group sectionals are also largely run by drum majors, with the director overseeing. This places a strong emphasis on responsibility and leadership in the drum major position.Leadership
The leadership of the SUMB include section leaders and music instructors. Each section of the band has one music instructor, responsible for teaching music to the other members of the section. Each section of the band also has at least one section leader in addition to the music instructor, though most sections feature two or more. The responsibility of the section leader is to assist with drill setting, help the music instructor, and deliver information to non-leadership membersVeterans
Veterans are members of the SUMB that are not involved with leadership, but are instrumental in the development of the section throughout the year. They set the finest example of what it means to be a member of the SUMB, and assist the leadership in whatever way necessary, be it for demonstration purposes, or simply being a mentor and friend to other musicians.The Orange Girl
The Orange Girl is the official name of the baton twirler of the Syracuse University Marching Band. Unlike other collegiate marching bands, there is only one Orange Girl as part of the organization at a time. The Orange Girl performs with the marching band during its Quad show, Pre-Game show, Half-Time show, and during quarters as the band plays during down time. She also marches with the band in all parades. Usually this position is given to an incoming freshman who will retain the position for her time at the University. During the 2005-2006 basketball season, the Orange Girl also performed during men's basketball games. The current Orange Girl is Ashley Andrew.Quad show
Before every home game, the SUMB performs a quad show. It begins with a percussion feature, where the SU Drumline will play a series of warmups, cadences, drum cheers, and highlights from the halftime show to be performed later that day. Immediately following that, the band takes to the steps of Hendrick's Chapel to perform the "Pre-Game Sequence", a few stands tunes, and the music of that day's halftime show. As is the tradition, the SUMB also sings the words to the fight song, as well as performs the Syracuse University Alma MaterSyracuse University Alma Mater
The Syracuse University Alma Mater is the school song for Syracuse University and was written by Junius W. Stevens in 1893. It is based on the then-popular song Annie Lisle. It was first sung under the title "Song of Syracuse" by the University Glee and Banjo Club on March 15, 1893...
both instrumentally, and vocally in four-part harmony.
March-over
After the band completes the quad show, the band lines up for "march-over". The band lines up in a parade block and then marches around the quad before heading over to the Carrier Dome. While marching, the band recites the SU Band Chant. Each section of the band demonstrates its own vocal responses and horn moves during march-over.Run On and Pre-Game Sequence
The band enters the field via the "tunnel", located at the southwest corner of the Carrier Dome
Carrier Dome
The Carrier Dome is a 49,250-seat domed sports stadium located on the campus of Syracuse University in the University Hill neighborhood of Syracuse, New York, USA. It is home to the Syracuse Orange football, basketball, and lacrosse teams. High school football championships are also held in "The...
, by running onto the field. They perform the following musical selections in order, which form the Pre-Game Sequence:
- 1. Fanfare for the Saltine Warrior
- 2. Eat 'Em Up
- 3. Down the Field (Fight Song)
- 4. New York Medley
- 5. Syracuse University Alma Mater
- 6. The Star-Spangled Banner
Among other various pre-game chart transitions, the band marches the Syracuse "Block S" down the field during the playing of the fight song, coincidentally named Down the Field.
The band also forms the outline of the state of New York during New York Medley. During the drum break of "New York Medley", the outline of the state will bow clock wise, ending with the figure of Long Island.
In previous years, the band would perform the fight song, "Down the Field", a second time during the pre-game performance accompanied with the band members forming the word "SYRACUSE" one letter at a time. This part of the performance, known as "Spell Out," was done until 2006. This tradition was attempted to be brought back by a script spell out of the word "Cuse" but has since been removed from performance.
Notable facts
- The Syracuse University Band performed at the first ever televised bowl game, the Orange Bowl, on January 1, 1953. It was the bands first post-season performance.
- The Syracuse University Marching Band performed at the first ever international NFL game. The game featured the Buffalo Bills against the Miami Dolphins at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada on December 7, 2008.