The day starts with an 8 a.m. rehearsal. For a typical college student, waking up that early on a Saturday would be pure torture. But for members of the Marching Jayhawks, it’s just part of being in the band.

They assemble on the football field. Doughnuts are plentiful. Excitement is palpable. The musicians run through the pre-game performance and the halftime show. The stadium is empty for now, but in just a few hours, more than 50,000 football fans will gather here, and it’s the band’s job to get them pumped. They are as much a part of game day Saturdays as the football team itself.

The Marching Jayhawks have been integral to campus life for more than 100 years. Some of the traditions from those first years are still a part of band life today. But there are new happenings as well, like performing at the Orange Bowl. This year’s band is the biggest its been in years.

With all of KU’s past history and recent success, it’s pretty cool to be with the band.

Joining the band

No audition is required to join the Marching Jayhawks. All that’s needed is prior experience in band, love for music and dedication to excellence.

This year’s band is 252 members strong. Last year, the band had 177 members. David Clemmer, director of athletic bands, attributes the growth to several factors, including the football team’s near-perfect season last year, stepped-up recruiting efforts and retention of older students.

“The largest reason for students to join the band is the experience,” Clemmer says. “It’s an outlet for their school spirit.”

Surprisingly, most of the band members are not music majors; they simply enjoy playing music.

“I knew immediately that I wanted to be a member of the Marching Jayhawks,” says Kyle Martin, a trombone player. “I’m a fifth generation; my mom marched from ’79 to ’82, so it was just always a part of my family. When I came here, they offered me a scholarship to do band, and it was a no-brainer. The excitement of getting out there was too much to pass up.”

The perks

Being a member of the Marching Jayhawks has its benefits. Chief among them is getting to attend athletic events without having to buy a ticket, making close friends and being at the center of KU spirit. Oh, and don’t forget the one hour of academic credit.

“There are really strong friendships made in the band,” says Carol Lowman, a drum major. “When you’ve got so many people working together for a common goal of playing as best as you can, performing as well as you can for the school and for the alumni and for the team, that’s something that really brings us together.”

The band plays at all home football games and a few key away games. Of course, last year’s highlight was performing at the Orange Bowl. Lowman says her most vivid memory of her experiences in band took place there.

“When we went to the Orange Bowl, we got to stay in a nice hotel in Miami, and it was right on the beachfront,” Lowman explains. “It was hot and rainy the first day we got there. The next day the weather cooled off, and we still thought it was pretty warm because it was 50 degrees. A bunch of us went and swam in the ocean, and it was a little colder than we expected. We were all shivering and running back to the hotel, and some of the hotel staff said, ‘You’re not from around here, are you?’ ”

Game day

Scenes from the band

The Marching Jayhawks have been a part of campus life for more than 100 years and counting. Browse more photos from a recent football game performace. (Photo by David McKinney / University Relations) | Game day action

This is what it’s all about.

Before kickoff, the band assembles on Wescoe Beach for the traditional walk down campanile hill and into Memorial Stadium. They begin their descent as the campanile bell tolls.

“Walking down the hill is a big part of the tradition of being in the band,” says Martin. “Everyone lines up along the sidewalk, and you’re kind of crammed in, trying to move down without running over everybody.”

Once they reach the bottom of the hill, the band members prepare for the big pre-game show. The band is in high spirits, and the crowd is cheering. They play the fight song, the alma mater and other rousing musical pieces, all while moving on the field in a series of formations.

“There is something about being in the KU band that you are built up to run pre-game," says Martin. "We put in a lot of work in on halftime, but when it comes to the tradition of the university and the band, it’s all about pre-game.”

After the pre-game excitement, the musicians take their seats in the stands. During the football game, the band performs between every single play.

“There’s about 15 to 20 pieces of music that they play in the stands,” says Clemmer. “And they’re memorized.”

Lowman says playing in the band is thrilling.

“You don’t have to like football to be in band, but it’s a plus,” laughs Lowman. “It’s fun to be at the games and see the school and the team do well.”

By Lauren Beatty