From right: John with his co-drum majors Sam Baldwin and Sam Brickfield with the Heisman trophy.

This past December, the SUMB Leadership was invited to play at the Heisman Trophy Gala in New York City. As a senior, this was a perfect ending to my marching band career. We did not have the opportunity to travel to a Bowl Game this year, but having the Gala to look forward made the end of the season just as exciting. I am sad that the entire band could not come along and perform, but it was a great experience with our dedicated and talented leadership.

In the weeks leading up to the Gala, we rehearsed the fight songs for all of the schools who had players chosen as Heisman Award nominees. As each player was recognized, we played their school’s song. This was also a very special performance for Syracuse University and the SUMB because it was the 50th anniversary of Ernie Davis winning the award. Performing the Alma Mater during video clips of Ernie Davis and hearing Floyd Little speak about him so movingly really touched my fellow band members, the audience, Heisman winners past and present, and me personally.

During the Gala, we were invited to go back stage and take section pictures with the Heisman Trophy. Not many people can say they’ve done that! After the night was over, we had some time before our bus arrived, so we walked around the corner to Times Square and played an impromptu performance for all of the people who were walking by. My final moments in an SUMB uniform were conducting my fellow band members in the middle of “The Crossroads of the World,” and I could not have thought of a more perfect finale to my 4 years as a member of the SUMB.


John Hylkema is a senior Music Education major and was drum major of the SUMB during the 2011 season.

The spring semester has started and with it ends another successful season for the SUMB, but fear not! The Pride’s members stay active in other university ensembles including Sour Sitrus Society, Symphony Band, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Band, which perform regularly during the spring. And soon enough, preparations will start for the 2012 season.

Make sure to stay tuned to the SUMBlog for information on the spring scrimmage, leadership auditions, and offseason updates from the band!

If you’d like to write for the SUMBlog please e-mail SUMarchingBand@gmail.com to help with on-going assignments or to suggest your own article.

The march (sorry) to the 2011 season continues…

1. The SUMB will be performing at the Central New York Veteran’s Day Parade on Saturday, November 5. We anticipate, but cannot yet guarantee, that the total time commitment will be between two and half to three hours.

2. The home football game vs. Wake Forest that was scheduled for Saturday, September 3rd has been rescheduled. This game will now be on Thursday, September 1, at 8pm. Thursday night football!

That’s all for now; we hope your summers are going well!

2011 SUMB Leadership

Sam Brickfield (Senior Drum Major)
Samantha Baldwin
John Hylkema

Flute

Carina Gutjahr (Music Instructor)
Erica Hughes
Liz DiFabio

Clarinet

Ashley Nichols (Music Instructor)
Kyle Rubin
Dana Jaskier
Rhaiana Campbell

Alto Sax

Jordan Campo (Music Instructor)
Derek Tefft
Jeff Barrett

Tenor Sax

Juli Mateyko (Music Instructor)
Kayla Walsh

Mellophone

Jackie Feibus (Music Instructor)
Kevin Stouffer
Hannah Gorton

Trumpet

Taylor Freitas (Music Instructor)
Geoff Sheldon (Music Instructor)
Ross Hecht
Jason Kammerer
Maggie Swartout

Trombone

Jon Gesicki (Music Instructor)
Donal Erickson
Adam Brooks

Baritone

Ashley Orifice (Music Instructor)
Tracy Isman

Tuba

Rachel Quam (Music Instructor)
Kristy Glaser

Drumline

Sean Barry
Gerard Hugel
Michele Mitchell
Nicole Drasin
Jen Ortiz
Mike Passalacqua

Color Guard

Elizabeth McClain
Ashley Zanitto-White

- Leadership and Drum Major applications are due this Friday at 5pm.  None will be accepted late!  be sure to sign up for an interview time outside the Band office (402 Crouse College).  Drum Major Candidates will receive their packets with all scores/info at about 5:15pm that day; we’ll leave them on the table outside the office.

- The Drumline “Tune-Up” practice will be on Friday, April 15, from 5:30-7:30pm.  We are still working on a location.  This practice is for you to dust-off the parts of your brain that play marching percussion, and perhaps more importantly, get a chance to get some reps/instruction on any new instruments you’d like to try out for in the summer.  Lastly, it’s a chance for you to do some playing so that you don’t go from November to August without playing.  Be sure to attend!

- Everyone should plan on attending the Spring Scrimmage on Saturday, April 16 at 1pm (we’ll let you know if the time changes).  This year, we’re adding a new component to the Drum Major auditions that involves SUMB member feedback.  You’ll be asked to evaluate each candidate on their musicianship, presence, and perceived  comfort with football.  You’ll then be asked to list your top 5 candidates.  You won’t be “voting for the Drum Major”, but your feedback will go into the overall selection process.  Remember that all Leadership candidates are required to attend.

- Please remember to fill out a Returning Vet form by Friday.  It makes Fran’s life much easier if you do it sooner than later, even if you aren’t coming back (and that is very sad).

That’s all for now, we hope things are going well!

This newsletter email contains important information that you will need if:

-       You are returning to the SUMB next year

-       You are not returning to the SUMB next year (sad)

-       You are applying for a leadership position

-       You are auditioning for Drum Major

Be SURE to read all of the information contained herein; many things need to happen within a certain timeframe for the band to continue to operate smoothly.  The newsletter is in this email in plain-text and attached as a pdf.

This newsletter is broken into the following parts:

I.    Returning Vet Forms

II.   Confirmation Forms

III.   2011 Spring Football Scrimmage/Drumline “Dust-off”

IV.   Leadership Selection Process – Application and Interview

V.   Drum Major Auditions – Application, Conducting, Teaching, Interview

VI.   Pizza Party

VII.  Miscellaneous

I.  RETURNING VET FORMS

Returning Vet Forms are due by Friday, April 1, 2011. It is extremely important that every member of the band fill out one of these forms, even if you do not intend to return next fall (lame!). Filling out a form ensures that you will be issued the same uniform and instrument if you wish; if you are not returning (sad) your notification allows us to release your uniform back into the general pool. Additionally, this information allows us to make accurate budget forecasts and requests. Moral of the story? Fill out a Returning Vet Form! Do it now. Forms are available on www.subands.com or in the band office in 402 Crouse College. There is a cute little table set up outside the band office for your convenience.

II. CONFIRMATION FORMS

Once you have filled out a Returning Vet Form indicating your intention to return, you will be placed on our list for the summer Orange Peel newsletter. In this package, you will find a confirmation form. This is the final step to cementing your return to the band for next season. In short: Returning Vet Form + Confirmation Form = you being a member of the band in 2011. BOTH forms are essential, and while they ask for some of the same information, they do tell us all of the things we need to know.

III. 2011 SPRING FOOTBALL SCRIMMAGE/DRUMLINE “DUST-OFF”

This year’s scrimmage will be on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 1:00 pm (if the time changes we will let you know. The SUMB performs at the spring football scrimmage every year. It’s a way to get us back into the swing of things before summer and serves as a proving ground for potential Drum Majors. Everyone is welcome to attend the scrimmage, but all leadership and Drum Major candidates must attend; it is required for you.

Members of the drumline who wish to change instrument assignments for the coming season are strongly encouraged to attend and take the potential new instrument for a spin.

Additionally, Mr. Dekaney and I are planning to have a drumline practice during which you can get some instruction on any potential new instruments (or just to “dust-off” your instrument so you don’t go almost a whole year without playing).  This will be on Friday evening, April 15, 2011 (do your taxes, then play the drums).  We’ll let you know exactly when/where once we determine facilities availability

NEW FOR 2011: SUMB Members who come to the Spring Scrimmage will have the chance to formally evaluate the Drum Major Candidates on a few specific categories.  These evaluations will be a part of the overall Drum Major selection process.  While you won’t be “voting for the Drum Majors”, your evaluations will help the selection committee make their choices.  You will have the opportunity to make your voice heard; make sure that you come and participate in the process!

IV. LEADERSHIP SELECTION PROCESS

Everyone who is interested should try out for leadership; it’s a great way for you to make an even larger impact on the workings of the SUMB. The leaders play a vital role in new member education and the day-to-day operations of the band. Simply put, the SUMB could not survive without strong leaders! This is a great resume builder for you as well. The leadership selection process has three parts:

1. Written application and essay
2. Interview
3. Attendance at the spring football scrimmage

The written application is attached to this email. Follow the instructions on the form. The written materials are due in paper form or via email (to jjmertz@syr.edu) by no later than Friday, April 1, 2011. NO late applications will be accepted for any reason. None!

After you submit the written application, you will need to come to 402 Crouse College to sign up for an interview. The interview time slot is 15 minutes, and you can choose a slot from the following blocks of time:

Tuesday, April 5th

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Thursday, April 7th

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Friday, April 8th

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Tuesday, April 12th

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Thursday, April 14th

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Friday, April 15th

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

If none of these times work, please get in touch and we will set up an alternative time.

If you are currently studying abroad or are not on campus this semester and are interested in leadership, submit your application by the deadline electronically and we will interview you either via email or via Skype.

All interviews will take place in Prof. Mertz’s office in 104D Crouse College.

NOTE: if you were a member of the leadership in 2009 and wish to be again, you MUST reapply. No exceptions.

Leadership will be announced on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 4:00 pm during a pizza party outside of Crouse College.

V.  DRUM MAJOR AUDITIONS

As with leadership, everyone interested in becoming a Drum Major should give the audition a try. The Drum Major is the most visible member of the band and plays many roles in the operation of the SUMB. The process is rigorous and competitive, broken into the following parts:

1. Written application and essay
2. Teaching audition
3. Conducting audition 1
4. Conducting audition 2
5. SUMB Member Evaluations
6. Interview

The written application is attached to this email. Follow the instructions on the form. The written materials are due in paper form or via email (to jjmertz@syr.edu) by no later than Friday, April 2. NO late applications will be accepted for any reason. None!

The teaching audition will take place in the morning on Saturday, April 17. Each candidate will teach a marching fundamental.

The first conducting audition will take place at the spring football scrimmage using an abridged version of the stands book from 2010. This is to see how you function in what is as close to a football game environment as we can get. This is also where members of the SUMB will evaluate your competencies in a few specific categories.  You will receive scores to prepare during the first week of April.

The second conducting audition takes place in the morning on Sunday, April 17, 2011. This will be to a recording. You will receive the score and recording during the first week of April.

The interview takes place immediately after the second conducting round. It will last 30 minutes. You can sign up for a block of time in 402 Crouse College anytime after you submit your written application.

If you are currently studying abroad or are not on campus this semester and are interested in auditioning for Drum Major, please contact me at jjmertz@syr.edu.

NOTE: Any Drum Major from 2010 wishing to reprise the role must reapply.

NOTE II: Trying out for Drum Major automatically puts you in the running for leadership in your home section. Only the Drum Major application is necessary, there is no need to fill out a leadership application as well.

Drum Majors will be announced along with the rest of the leadership on Sunday, April 17 at 4:00 pm during a pizza party outside of Crouse College.

VI. PIZZA PARTY

On Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 4:00 pm, there will be a pizza party outside of Crouse College. Every single member of the 2010 SUMB is welcome and encouraged to attend, whether or not you are trying out for leadership and whether you are returning to the band next year or not (sad). Results from the leadership selection process and Drum Major auditions will be announced.

VII. MISCELLANEOUS

-       Most of the 2011 football schedule is available at www.suathletics.com

-       Leadership Camp and Drumline Camp will start Friday, August 19, 2011.*

-       Returning Vets will report to Band Camp on Monday, August 22, 2011.*

-       The NYSFBC exhibition will be on Sunday, October 30.

-       Our performance/camp schedule is subject to change/addition/correction until June 1; the above is provided for planning purposes only.

-       Important: If you will not be at your campus or home address during the summer, you MUST notify us so we can send your summer mailings to the correct address.

*The dates for band camp might change!  We are considering beginning one or two days earlier.  We will let you know by the end of the Spring semester if this change occurs.

If you have any questions at all about anything mentioned in this newsletter or anything else relating to the SUMB, please feel free to contact myself (jjmertz@syr.edu) or Fran (fmmoore@syr.edu).

Congratulations to our graduating seniors! We will truly miss you and we wish you all nothing but success.

Have a safe and enjoyable spring break and we will see you soon!

We hope your finals and everything are going well.  We are making good progress toward finishing the details of the trip, and I wanted to give you a heads up for what you will want to bring with you in terms of your sartorial needs.

As many of you have remarked, this Bowl is outside.  In New York.  In December.  Now, NYC is thankfully not nearly as cold as Syracuse at this time of year, but it isn’t exactly tropical either.  In terms of the game day, here’s what you can do to make yourself more comfortable:

- Wear many thin layers (better than one or two thick ones) under your uniform
- Wear two (or three?) pairs of white socks instead of one

We will provide you with a very cool navy blue knit skullcap (embroidered with “SUMB”; we’re calling it SUMHat) to wear under your shakos as well as in the stands.  This will help keep your ears warm as you won’t ever need to take it off!  Bring your SUMB caps with you just in case you get warm and want to take it off during the game.

Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, at considerable expense, have purchased enough hand warmers for you all to get two pairs.  We will give those out to you the day of the game; they will make a big difference in keeping you warm, and you should not hesitate to use them.  Many thanks to the brothers and sisters for this.

The day before the game, on the 29th, we are practicing (times are yet to be set, but it will be for at least a few hours, broken up).  These practices will be outdoors.  The same advice as above applies, but remember that you do need to move and we will be doing run-on at these practices.  Since we aren’t wearing uniforms, you can wear whatever you need to be warm; again, remember that you will be expected to move and play (and move and play *well*).  If you dress in layers, you can shed some as you warm up.

As for dress otherwise, remember that the SUMB “dresses to travel”.  This means that we wear business attire when we arrive at and (usually) leave the Bowl site.  Therefore, when you get on your bus, plane, or in your your car on the 28th to show up at the hotel, you will arrive in said business attire.  This means:

- Men: Jackets and ties, no jeans or sneakers.
- Women: No jeans or sneakers; if you choose to wear a dress or skirt please keep good taste in mind.

The good news is that you can stay in these outfits that day because it looks like the band banquet will be on the evening of the 28th.  After the Bowl on the 30th, we will return to the hotel you will change out of your uniform there.  Given that this will be hectic you can wear whatever at this time.

Any other time, you can wear whatever you want; SU and SUMB apparel is always encouraged unless you’re going to act dumb.

That’s all for now; stay tuned for more specific travel itineraries soon.  Things are coming together nicely!

http://www.suathletics.com/news/2010/12/2/FB_1202105628.aspx

We will be updating this blog with details and travel information as things develop.