Marching band featured on new Web site
Released: October 11, 2007
Athleticism, coordination and talent. These three words describe what it takes to be a member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater marching band. For its hard work, the band has received well-deserved recognition.
The Warhawk band is the first university band to be featured on a new Web site devoted to generating positive buzz about marching bands. The site, www.marchingtvchannel.com, was created the second week of July and is 100 percent streaming video.
"This is a really positive site about the activity of marching bands," said creator Mark Fralick. "We have had a tremendous response to the site."
The feature piece focuses on marching bands across the country and asks "Why We Do This." The piece is centered on the UW-Whitewater program, but includes other bands as well. Students from the Warhawk band and other bands are interviewed along with directors.
"I am so glad to have UW-Whitewater on the site," Fralick said. "It has such a tremendous tradition of turning out great music educators."
The site features an interview with Glenn Hayes, the director of the Warhawk band. Hayes talks about Whitewater's long-standing tradition with the marching band and the music business.
"Being the first marching band featured on the site is a huge honor for all of the work the students have put into the band," Hayes said. "It is an affirmation of the music department here on campus."
Hayes said the students are what make the marching band exceptional. "They're very dedicated, hardworking and passionate people," he said. "We have defined our style as a contemporary marching band. We focus on music and visual representation to be entertaining. The marching band members are so well respected throughout the state and are seen as a model for high school marching bands because of what they do and how they do it. They're a phenomenal group of people."
UW-Whitewater junior Nikki LaFurge was also featured in the video. A member of the band for four semesters, LaFurge enjoys meeting new people and showing audiences how to interpret music through physical form.
"I think it's a great opportunity for the marching band to be featured on a world-wide Web site that talks about marching and the overall "awesomeness" of being a part of this type of organization," LaFurge said. "I can't wait for everyone to see what we have done and accomplished at our halftime shows."
The UW-Whitewater Warkhawk Marching Band performs at every home football game halftime show. Don't miss its excellent performance at Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 13.
- Sarah Dupree,dupreesc02@uww.edu
