History

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Band Alumnus John Turner, on June 19, 2010. He is probably better known as half of the Dynamic Band Duo Betsy and John Turner, and father of Chris Turner, another Band alumnus.

During his tenure at Maryland from 1970-1975, he played clarinet and tuba in Concert and Marching Band, and was ΚΚΨ President. He met his future wife in the band. "My first words ever to John was at the red/white game….I was playing drums and I turned around to him and said, 'Don’t tell the equipment staff, but I lost my plume!' I didn’t know it at the time, but he was the Head of the Equipment Staff. His comment back was, 'Your secret is safe with me.' Paul Deafenbaugh, whom I knew much better, was bent over laughing his head off, and I couldn’t understand why." The following year, one formation had John and his tuba hitting the same mark at the same time as Betsy and her flag. "I kept hitting him in the head about 3 steps out. John yelled a lot."

The Band That Wouldn't Die Movie Night

On Tuesday, October 6th, there is going to be a premier of a documentary on the Baltimore Colts (which later became the Marching Ravens) band and how they continued to play in Baltimore after the Colts left. The story, detailing Baltimore's struggle to get the NFL to return to the city, is told through the eyes of the Band that continued to play without a team. The film was directed by renowned director and Baltimore native Barry Levinson and is part of the ESPN Films’ 30 for 30 documentary series featuring thirty films from some of today’s finest storytellers. Each filmmaker will bring their passion and personal point of view to their film detailing the issues, trends, athletes, teams, rivalries, games and events that transformed the sports landscape from 1979 to 2009. The film received rave reviews at the Toronto Film Festival and is a fantastic story for anyone who has participated in the marching band experience.

The premier is going to take place at M&T Bank Stadium on October 6th. Tickets to the event are just $5 and will be well worth the price of admission.

Just as a quick note, the history books are finally en route. Your copy/copies should arrive in the mail very soon — if not already.

If you do not receive your full order by early next week (week of September 14th), please contact the publisher with your order number to get shipping confirmation.

The Band Centennial History Book will be shipping out in August. There were some tweaks that had to be made, causing us to miss the two-week summer break from the presses. During that break the presses were cleaned and we will be one of the first to roll as soon as the plant starts up again next week.

We are very proud of the book. It is beautiful, full of photographs, and the song book will be something everyone should have. After all, the last one was printed in 1941!

If anyone missed ordering the book, or song-book, the only book store to carry them will be the Maryland Book Exchange on Route 1, just across the street from our Chapel Field.

Thank you,
L. Richmond Sparks

Extended one last time by the publisher — order by February 23rd!

I have great news for everyone! Taylor Publishing has allowed us to extend the order deadline for our Musical Ambassadors of Maryland: A Centennial Celebration.

Many of you have called to see if it is too late, and the answer is “It will be soon!” The new and final deadline is February 23rd. You must understand that there will not be a second printing, nor will there be any extra copies printed. This is an absolute pre-publication sale, so if you want a set NOW IS THE TIME! We will not delay the delivery of the book. You can expect it in mid-April. There are many who have not yet taken the opportunity to purchase this fabulous pictorial history book about YOU!

Happy Holidays everyone! The Homecoming DVD will be available for purchase soon (in a few weeks). For only $28.00, you will be able to keep a video of the largest alumni band in Maryland history. The DVD contains:

• Coverage of the Henderson reunion
• Interviews with everyone at the Henderson reunion and Homecoming
• Footage from our alumni truck to Byrd Stadium
• Alumni band pre-game and halftime performances

We'll let you know as soon as it's available for purchase and shipping or pickup. In the meantime, don't forget to buy a copy of the limited-edition Centennial History Book.

Update: Deadline has been extended to February 23, 2009.

The University of Maryland Bands is celebrating its Centennial, and you have the opportunity to read about its rich history through a limited-edition, hard-cover book, Musical Ambassadors of Maryland: A Centennial Celebration, to be published Spring 2009. The lavishly illustrated book features historical artifacts and photographs from University Archives and other sources coupled with a narrative that portrays the band’s development—both pitfalls and promises.

Only $45, and includes the book, songbook, and Companion CD! Deadline to order is January 15, 2009.

Buy the Centennial History Book

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.