Maryland Bands Centennial Celebrations
Thank you everyone for joining the University of Maryland Bands and our Centennial Celebration last year!
Stay tuned for another 100 years of events and reunions, starting with Homecoming 2009 in October.
Latest Centennial Announcements
Kaleidoscope Concert
The Kaleidoscope Concert has a long tradition at the University of Maryland, and this year, the Alumni and is being asked to join the performance. We know many of you may not be able to return easily, but mark your calendars, and try your best. This invitation took 100 years to get, and it may take another 100 years before we're asked back! Details and rehearsal schedules will be posted here as they are confirmed.
We look forward to having the largest Alumni Marching Band Performance ever on the Deckelboum Concert Hall Stage!
To All Our Inspired Band Alumni
Posted October 30th, 2008, 11:54 pm by L. Richmond Sparks
One word, “WOW!”
I am hoping to get this word out quickly to everyone who shared and brought back the essence of the Maryland Bands – ‘You!’ Words cannot describe the JUBILEE as a whole; however, grins of excitement are still buzzing through emails and phone calls.
There is not enough time for me to answer all the wonderful emails that I have received, so I want to express my appreciation via this format. Yes, we worked hard in planning this homecoming for two years. The UMBAO Board of Directors, the Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, the Sisters of Tau Beta Sigma, and the Men and Women of the current Mighty Sound of Maryland are all to be thanked; but, it was your presence that made the event come alive! We have made a big splash in the news. I received a full-page report of our Centennial from a newspaper in Holland!!! Go figure.
Friday Night Centennial Reception
Posted October 23rd, 2008, 9:48 pm by Marianne Kassabian
The Centennial Reception and the Homecoming Alumni Band check-in start at 5:00 pm tomorrow, October 24th. We invite all band alums to mix, mingle, and share stories for the evening.
There will be light fare, media presentations, pictures, and maybe a surprise or two. The Reception will continue when the Homecoming Alumni Band participants leave for rehearsals, but will continue when they return.
Light refreshments, finger food, and birthday cake will be provided.
ΚΚΨ & ΤΒΣ Alumni Picnic
All alumni Gamma Xi Brothers and Beta Eta Sisters still in the area after Homecoming are invited to our annual picnic. Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of food and games.
The picnic will be held at Calvert Park just outside campus:
4811 Drexel Road, College Park, MD 20740
Band Centennial History Exhibit on Campus
Posted October 5th, 2008, 8:06 pm by Dick Taylor
From Anne Turkos, University Archivist:
I am happy to report that I have just finished installing the exhibit "Musical Milestone: Celebrating the Centennial of the University of Maryland Bands" in the first floor lobby of Hornbake Library. I hope you all will have an opportunity to come by and see it. Many of the images are drawn from our work on the history book, but there are a few new ones in there as well.
Flag Squad Photos Still Needed
Posted October 1st, 2008, 9:57 am by Betsy Turner
We've been working steadily since August on the slideshow and Maryland Bands history book. However, we are still missing lots of details (no names, no photos, no info) for many years. If any alumni flags, silks, or color guard members possibly have photos and other information from the years below, please send them to jwt.edt@verizon.net. Thanks!
Welcome Letter to All Alums From Dr. Sparks
Posted September 28th, 2008, 10:42 pm by L. Richmond Sparks
Welcome to all Maryland Band Alumni!
Homecoming is upon us and The Big Event will take place on Friday night, October 24th as we will be hosting all participants of the Maryland Band Program at a reception in the John E. Wakefield Band Rehearsal Hall. We are expecting band alumni dating back into the 1940’s. We expect all baton twirlers, flag twirlers, color guard members and we are especially proud that we have located our founding Pom Pom members and will have many of them back for this once in a lifetime Celebration. If you ever played a horn, beat a drum, danced, twirled, directed, or even just carried water and apples to the band members of this University — We want you here! This evening is for you!
Homecoming Registration Due
Update: Deadline extended to 10/6
Registration for Homecoming 2008 must be completed online or postmarked by today. You must register by this day if you plan to march — we will not accept walk-up registrations this year.
See our Homecoming page for more information.
Homecoming Reception & Rehearsal
We invite ALL Band Alums to mix, mingle, and catch up with your fellow alumni at the 100th Reception and Homecoming check-in. The festivities begin at 5:00 pm. The reception will continue when the Homecoming participants leave for music and routine rehearsals from 7:30-9:00 pm. This Friday night rehearsal is mandatory for all alumni who plan to march at Homecoming.