Band on the Run

Band on the Run

SCHOOL SPIRIT

The Dartmouth College Marching Band—oldest in the Ivy League—has long been known for its whimsy, quirkiness and yes, crudity. Here’s a quick look at some of its high notes through the years.

Jessica Fedin ’17

STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER After 1910 and 1912 campus visits by famous march composer John Philip Sousa, his music became part of the band’s repertoire.

DIGITAL NOTES Last year the band became the first in the country to go paperless by using tablets, encased in waterand shock-proof glass to protect against precipitation and damage, instead of sheet music.

LEADER OF THE PACK Director Matthew Marsit serves as teacher and mentor, but the free-spirited group remains student-run. (Marsit declines to reveal his budget.)

COME BLOW YOUR HORN The band first advertised for members in 1887 with posters that declared “Fun! Fun!” and “Plenty of Young Ladies.” By 1898 it was well established and led the student body to a sendoff for Spanish-American War volunteers.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT In the early 1960s the band transitioned from a traditional formation marching band to a scatter band: instead of marching, the musicians rush and scramble into formations. Performances are usually accompanied by a humorous script that’s read over loudspeakers.

SET LIST The band plays an eclectic range of tunes, from Lady Gaga to Phantom of the Opera.

REVEILLE! Band members practice on football game days as early as 8 a.m., when the field is available. Other practices are held at the Hop.

TO THE LETTER At the annual Friends of the Dartmouth Band’s senior sweater event at Jesse’s restaurant, seniors receive Dartmouth letter sweaters, each featuring a “D” and a lyre.

HEY, IT’S EXERCISE Band members can receive a phys ed credit for playing one term.

PLAY ON The band plays at home games for football and men’s and women’s basketball and hockey, as well as during Winter Carnival and at the Homecoming bonfire.