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EMU Marching Band

Band Home | MB Home | Join | History | Events | Staff | Members

 

Facts and History

 

"Pride of the Peninsula"

The Eastern Michigan University Marching Band begins its 115th year during the 2009 season. Comprised of nearly 180 of the finest musicians and students on campus, the Pride of the Peninsula continues to be a strong supporter of EMU athletics, performing at all home football games, many away conference and non-conference games, and various venues throughout the southeastern Michigan area.

 

Band Facts

• 180 members, a majority are non-music majors
• The EMUMB began in 1894 and enters our 115th year as one of the oldest bands in the country
• The band’s high step, termed “ankle knee”, dates back to the mid-20th century.
• Three to four shows EACH season
• Rehearsals: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 4-6pm
• Credit: 1 hour for being in the Marching Band (may act as human performance credit in other majors!)

 

History

Founded in 1894 entirely by students of what was then the Michigan State Normal School, the “Normal Band” was a vital part of the rich musical heritage of the University. In 1915, chairman of the Conservatory of Music, Frederick Alexander took control of the Michigan State Normal College Band (the university name was officially changed in 1899), marking the first time a music instructor, employed by the school, directed the band.

From 1924-1964 the band saw significant change. With the hiring of Wilfred Wilson as director, John Barnhill as the band’s manager, and James M. Brown as football coach, the band became an official organization of the Normal College in 1924. Since the Normal Band was an all-male organization, the Girl’s Varsity Band was formed in 1925 and in 1939 joined the Normal Band as the group became coed. During the time of World War II, the band saw two notable events: the writing of the Huron Fight Song and the alma mater Our Pledge.

In 1964, Dr. Thomas Tyra assumed the position as Director of Bands at now Eastern Michigan University (b. 1959). During Dr. Tyra’s tenure, EMU saw, rapid growth in student enrollment, which contributed to the band doubling in size, the opening of Rynearson Stadium, and the establishment of High School Band. In 1976, Dr. Max Plank, then Assistant Director of Bands, became Director of Bands at EMU and held the position until 2002 as the longest tenured director in the history of the band program.

The EMU Marching Band moves into its second century advancing a long tradition of service to its members, the campus, community and State of Michigan, and proud of its strong contribution to the musical, academic, and extra-curricular life of this institution. It rightfully takes its place among the nation’s oldest and finest university band programs.