Standing in the student section, the band is hard to miss. When they play, they can drown out the stadium speakers. Listen for the band and they are sure to play favorites such as Cowboy Joe, in Heaven There is no Beer and the drum cadence, Boom Boom.
“I love music and being part of a large ensemble like this,” sophomore elementary education major and tenor drummer Tyler Rodgers said.
This year the band is the largest in UW history with 172 students, including about 50 freshmen, from almost every degree program on campus. The band is under the direction of Dr. Brand Williamson from the department of music.
The band manages to balance hard work with the spirit of fun. Band camp started in the summer, and during the school year practices are five days a week for an hour, with two special drum line sectionals a week, as well as practices before games.
The band and color guard learn new halftime routines for almost every home game. The band website answers commonly asked questions and makes joining easy with a link to an Internet form.
The band regularly plays to crowds of well over ten thousand people.
“It feels like were ready for battle in a way,” Roberts said.
The band plays a halftime and pregame show at all home football games and bowl games. They also play as a bar band, where Western Thunder plays at downtown bars. Earlier this season the band traveled with the Cowboys to Austin, Texas for the Longhorn game. If the Cowboys make it to a bowl game this season, Western Thunder will be playing along side them to keep the Cowboy spirit alive and well.
Every section has its own quirks and challenges. The drum line is one of the more competitive sections in the band, but for some the experiences of playing in front of thousands of screaming fans makes the extra practices well worth while.
“Drum line is productive and everyone cares. The whole experience is mind blowing,” Rodgers said. “It is nice to see that the fans actually do care.”
The marching band was founded in 1913 as an R.O.U.T.C. unit named the Cowboy Marching Band, according to the band website. The band became part of the department of music after World War II, and made the transition from playing military ceremonies to playing for collegiate football entertainment.
Along with the Cowboy football team, the Western Thunder marching band strives to make this season memorable. Clap and sing along to the half time show, there are many dramatic musical surprises coming for Saturday’s game.
Photos: Zoe N. McDonald
The Western Thunder marching band practices at War Memorial stadium for Saturday’ game. The band is the largest in UW history with 179 members.
