Written by: Todd Nichols, Director of Bands, Rutgers University
We are thrilled our very own Hayden Klein, senior JMS, will be performing in the College Band Directors National Association Intercollegiate Marching Band!
The Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights are proud to announce that ten students will be performing in the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Intercollegiate Marching Band (IMB). They will join nearly 1,500 performers from 200 bands in 45 states and Puerto Rico, all working together to produce a virtual college marching band show.
Congratulations to the following performers from the Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights
Jessica Morley Drum Major/Clarinet Senior Music Education
Kyle Gelatka Drum Major/Tuba Senior Music Education
Brad Helias Trombone Senior Music Education
Zack Grun Trumpet Senior Music Education
Natalie Tews Trumpet Senior Music Education
Cara Del Gaudio Color Guard Senior History
Sabrina Gil Color Guard Senior Chemical Engineering
Serena Gil Color Guard Senior Chemical Engineering
Hayden Klein Color Guard Senior Journalism & Media Studies
Tiahna Selby Featured Twirler Senior Biological Science
“There is no question the unprecedented circumstances associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have left our university bands feeling very empty as we were unable to perform together this fall semester. This especially impacts our 2020 senior class, and I am incredibly excited for our ten seniors that have been awarded this fantastic opportunity. Our band students put in countless hours practicing, performing and serving our university week after week in the fall. This semester has been difficult for them not to be able to share their talent and passion with others. This is a performance opportunity these students will never forget” says Todd Nichols, Rutgers University Director of Bands.
Joining in unity during a time when college marching bands have been forced to the sidelines, the CBDNA IMB will keep the spirit alive by performing virtually together. This unique project will combine college marching bands from different conferences, regions, and styles in a single performance.
The Intercollegiate Marching Band will perform “End of Time” by Beyonce in a video that will premiere online during halftime of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 11, 2021.
“This is going to be a historical performance,” says Dr. Mark Spede, president of CBDNA and the Director of Bands at Clemson University. “In this unusual year when bands have been unable to perform their traditional pregame and halftime shows during college football games, CBDNA is pleased to offer this opportunity with the help of its partners.”
The IMB performance will showcase all of the unique aspects of a college halftime show including musicians, drum majors, color guard members, dancers, and majorettes.
“During these challenging times, we are excited that CBDNA, along with some amazing partners, can offer an event so positive to collegiate band programs across the country,” says Barry Houser, chair of the CBDNA’s athletic bands committee and director of the Marching Illini at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Many students in college bands have been forced apart due to COVID-19, but the virtual Intercollegiate Marching Band will be an event that will bring together nearly 1,500 college marching band students, unified as one band.”
About The Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights
Rutgers University Marching Band, “The Pride of New Jersey,” is a unity of music and motion. Founded in 1915 as a military drill band, the unit has grown to become a source of pride for the university and the State of New Jersey. The Marching Scarlet Knights take the field for all home football games. The Rutgers Band regularly welcomes new, enthusiastic members, who currently represent over 80 different academic disciplines. Recently, the band was invited to perform for President-Elect Joe Biden and on national television at halftime for the NFL’s Monday Night Football.
Image: Courtesy of Rutgers University
