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The new Viking Marching Band at Brigham Young University-Idaho
will perform for the first time this Saturday, September 24 at
12:30 p.m. during the football game at BYU-Idaho Stadium. The
band’s show includes selections from the musical “West Side
Story.”
Jay Slaughter, former marching band director at Ricks College in
1950, will be at the game to conduct the Star Spangled Banner.
Slaughter, now 82 years-old, has precious memories of the
original Viking Marching Band. “I didn’t miss one football game
in 18 years,” Slaughter said. “We performed for every half-time
game and pre-game.”
Slaughter’s memories of the band included flying to Kansas City,
Mo. to approve new uniforms, spelling out “Ricks” on the
football field, selecting drum majors and competing at Boise
State Jr. College. “Ricks College was known for its outstanding
marching band,” Slaughter said.
Slaughter was proud to hear that the marching band was starting
up again. “I’m absolutely, ecstatically proud of the music
department today for starting up a new band,” Slaughter said.
The marching band, created to support the Student Activities
Program and give music education majors a lab experience, is
composed of 70 students.
Lindsay Taylor, a senior majoring in Music Education with an
emphasis in band, is the director’s assistant. She, along with
drum majors Jason Bull and Janelle Tingey, directors Bill
Holman, Diane Soelberg and David Taylor, played a crucial role
in forming this band with recruiting, selecting music, working
with the Activities Program, planning rehearsals and teaching
marching technique.
“The first year is so critical to be successful,” Taylor said.
“We want a good reputation so more students will join in the
future.”
Starting a new program always has it challenges. For the band,
these included setting rehearsal times that would have the
fewest conflicts with the music department, locating a place to
hold rehearsals, setting a budget and finding instruments.
BYU in Provo recently purchased new marching instruments and
kindly donated their used equipment to the band. “The
instruments were in good shape. It’s a miracle this all came
together,” Taylor said. Victor Neves, drill writer for BYU
marching band, also donated his time and talent by writing drill
for BYU-Idaho free of charge.
Taylor knows that the marching band is giving students a real,
hands-on experience. “Directors are letting students handle
everything. If I go to a school and they want to start up a
marching band, I’ll know how to do it!” she said.
The band continues to work hard and is excited for its first
performance this Saturday. They will also perform for BYU-Idaho
football games on October 8, October 15, October 22, November 12
and during half-time of a football game at Ririe High School on
October 14. Students, faculty, and community members are
encouraged to come and support the new Viking Marching Band. |