The Cornhusker Marching Band received a visit from University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds during their pre-game warm-up outside Kimball Recital Hall on Sept. 12.
In an e-mail to band members, President Bounds said:
“Can I tell you how inspiring it was to see all of the parents, family and friends of the band members surrounding the green space in front of Kimball Hall? What a great opportunity to see the band’s talents on display! I appreciate that your parents chose to send you to the University of Nebraska; you are part of something really special.
You really are the ‘Pride of all Nebraska;’ your performances are an integral part of the game-day experience. I am very proud of your talents and energy and the spirit you bring to the university. I am aware of the immense amount of time you spend putting your performances together—please know that your efforts are well worth it. Thank you for being such terrific ambassadors for the University of Nebraska.”
Sept. 12 was also the band’s first Tuba Day. Fifty high school sousaphone players joined the Cornhusker Marching Band for their halftime performance of “All About That Bass” and “Uptown Funk.” The students also participated in a masterclass with Craig Fuller, principal tuba of the Omaha Symphony and a senior lecturer of music at UNL.
"We've had a couple of lean years in the cycle of tuba players in our marching band," said Assistant Director of Bands Doug Bush. "So, we thought holding a 'Tuba Day' would be a good way to draw some attention to the instrument while also recruiting for the future."
Bush was pleased with the response.
"We kind of laughed when we set it at 50 participants," Bush said. "The response was amazing. And, now, we are considering if we should offer this kind of event with a different instrument each year."
-- additional reporting by Troy Fedderson, University Communications