The biggest band sound in the history of Delaware will be heard this season as the more than 200 members, the most ever, of the University's Marching Band step out in style Saturday into Delaware Stadium. The two responsible are Alan Hamant, director, who handles the musical aspects, and Mark Alexander, associate director, who does everything from outfitting the band to making travel arrangements. Practice, including a three-day band camp over Labor Day weekend, starts as soon as the semester begins, and it's intense, according to Hamant. After an orientation, the band practices marching.
Music is rehearsed indoors and recorded.
Next is more marching to the recorded music, and finally, the band marches while playing. It's difficult to march, read music and play all at the same time. It's like simultaneously being in the orchestra and the chorus line in a musical. There are some Blue Hen traditions associated with the band. Other band sections will probably perform this way as well this year.