onSPORTS

A periodic feature in onCampus, onSPORTS highlights the academic, administrative and athletic accomplishments of less-visible sports and activities.

TBDBITL

By Kevin Fitzsimons

The Ohio State Marching Band:

tradition of pride, labor of love

By JONI BENTZ SEAL, onCAMPUS staff

They take the field according to schedule, home and away ... In uniform and in formation, striving for peak condition ... National champions in their own right. They are not the football Buckeyes, but are equally loved, entertaining and respected as an icon of the university. They are the Ohio State University Marching Band.

"The Ohio State Marching Band is truly an American phenomenon," said Jon Woods, the band's director since 1984. "Like their predecessors, today's band members have a tremendous work ethic and standard. We know people expect to see the best band, and they work very hard not to make mistakes and let the fans down."

One of the few college all-brass and percussion bands in the country -- perhaps the largest of its type in the world -- the Ohio State University Marching Band is, today, much more diverse than during its humble beginning in 1878 as a 12-piece, all-male fife and drum corps. While the group has undergone many changes during its 125-year history, it is steeped in tradition, among them the pregame Skull Sessions, the Ramp Entrance, Hang On Sloopy, Script Ohio and the renowned dotting of the "i." Since 1976, the band's membership has held steady at 225 marching members.

Woods said the consistency of the performance level of the band year in and year out has made it an exceptional example of its ilk, evidenced by its receipt of the Sudler Trophy in 1984, which is given to collegiate bands that have sustained a long tradition and history of excellence.

A band of distinction

Contrary to expectation, the majority of band members are not music majors, although most have some previous marching band experience -- typically in high school.

"Former high school band members need to quickly learn a new marching style during tryout week because most high school bands use what is called a 'contemporary corps style,' which is a very smooth marching step," Woods said. "We use high legs and lots of snap and energy, which we feel fits our football environment and is the uniqueness of the marching style of Ohio State."

Woods said there are a number of college bands around the country, such as Texas A&M, who use this "traditional" marching style, but the OSUMB incorporates contemporary ideas into its show movement. "We've been told we're a model of a band that blends both traditional and contemporary marching styles very effectively," Woods said.

In addition to this unique style, Woods said another feature that distinguishes the OSUMB from others in the country is that all band members -- veterans as well as newcomers -- must make the cut in yearly tryouts. Previous band members are not guaranteed a position and must prove themselves alongside new candidates, who arrive with the additional motivation of knowing that they are on equal footing with returning veterans.

"Our musical standards are very high," said Graduate Assistant Director Mike Stewart, who was a five-year undergraduate member on trombone. "Everyone goes through tryouts marching, playing and doing both. These high standards are maintained throughout the season with weekly music checks, uniform inspections and a formal system of challenges."

Summer sessions help prepare returning and prospective marching band members for tryouts.

In preparation for tryouts, returning and prospective band members alike gather for "summer sessions," voluntary and informal practice sessions in which candidates for the next year's band work out together. The sessions, which run for two hours two evenings a week from June through August, allow new candidates the chance to learn the marching fundamentals and school songs and give veterans a chance to get back in shape. Stewart said some 200 to 300 people attend the summer sessions, commuting from all over the state.

"The summer sessions are taught by the band's student leaders, who take great pride in preparing the new people for the final tryouts," which are Sept. 2 and 3 this year, Stewart said. "The tryouts are open to anyone -- even those who did not participate in the summer sessions -- and include one music audition and a total of four marching auditions." After two rounds of cuts, the final 225 band members are announced at the end of the second day.

Rehearsals for the new band start almost immediately and run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for the remainder of the summer, and 4-6 p.m. every weekday during the school year. Studio rehearsals often are recorded and played over the loudspeaker on the new practice field south of the stadium, so that the band can initially focus on learning the drill without having to concentrate on playing.

The challenge

Although the band numbers 225 members, only 192 take the field during most performances. Each of the 16 rows has two alternates, with an extra in percussion, bringing the total to 33 alternates. Alternates are very much a part of the band, Woods said, practicing with the band, serving as backup to regulars, and marching in parades and pre-game shows. But their most important function is to keep regular marching members on their toes by challenging for their positions. Every Monday in 20-minute mini-tryouts, alternates can challenge a marching member for that position in the next performance.

"OSU students challenge themselves more so than in other bands around the country," Woods said. "I don't know of anyone else in the Big Ten that holds regular challenges like these, and it's definitely the largest contributing factor to our consistency and tradition of excellence."

Script Ohio and the renowned dotting of the "i" are a big part of the band's rich tradition.

Brains, brawn and backbone

The band prides itself on its consistency off the field as well, Stewart said. Most band members excel academically because poor performance in the classroom -- they even get a grade for band -- may render them ineligible to participate at the bowl game. And the band takes care of its own, with approximately 30 scholarships, funded by donors and the TBDBITL Alumni Club, awarded last year.

In addition to academic soundness and good time-management skills, band members must also have the physical conditioning to tolerate a rigorous performance schedule.

"With performance shifts requiring seven to eight minutes of simultaneous marching and playing, you can imagine the aerobic stamina that is necessary," Stewart said. "Wearing a full uniform, carrying an instrument -- which can weigh as much as 40 pounds -- and performing in the heat of early fall can be physically demanding. Being a member of a marching band takes hard work and discipline."

But the members don't go it alone. Four directors, including Woods, Stewart, Assistant Director Jon Waters and Percussion Instructor James Moore, and 16 paid student staffers support the band in everything from equipment management to uniform tailoring.

While Woods is responsible for a number of innovations in his 19 years as band director, he is committed to those traditions that have endured. "The 2003 band is not the band of 1960 or even 1980," Woods said. "There have been changes in our uniforms, our music, our shows -- everything's become much more complex. But this tradition of excellence was always there, and each year's band -- for their time -- was on the cutting edge. Today's members put on this uniform with pride because of the alumni that came before them."

For more details, including the band's history, composition and roster, visit the Web at www.acs.ohio-state.edu/org/osuband.

Brutus named to All-American mascot team

Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye has been selected to the second annual Capital One All-America Mascot Team. Brutus joins 11 other BMOCs (that's "Big Mascots on Campus") whose fur, feathers and scales will be featured in an upcoming national television advertising campaign showcasing the competition for the Capital One National Mascot of the Year title.

Brutus will go head-to-head, -beak and -snout against Albert (University of Florida); Aubie (Auburn University); Big Red (Western Kentucky University); Chip (University of Colorado); Cocky (University of South Carolina); Hairy Dawg (University of Georgia); Harry the Husky (University of Washington); Monte (University of Montana); Scratch (University of Kentucky); Smokey (University of Tennessee); and YoUDee (University of Delaware) to battle for the title.

Being named an All-American comes with its fair share of perks ... the recognition, a national television advertising campaign, adoring fans, and the cash -- each member of the mascot team receives $5,000 for its school's mascot program.

This year's pack of characters was chosen from Division IA and IAA athletic programs with college football teams. A panel of judges, including original Phillie Phanatic David Raymond, mascot guru and historian Roy Yarbrough, and representatives from ESPN and Capital One, selected the 12 finalists in June. Judging criteria included interaction with fans, sportsmanship and community service.

The winner will be selected based on the judges ranking (50 percent) and the online voting from fans (50 percent). The National Mascot of the Year will be announced during the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, 2004, and will receive an additional $5,000 (for a total of $10,000) for its school's mascot program.

Sidelines

Students honored for scholarship, athletics

The Department of Athletics held its annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet in late spring to honor its student-athletes for their academic and athletic accomplishments. At the event, a number of senior awards were given out, while a record 413 OSU scholar-athletes also were recognized. The winners of the prestigious Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor were synchronized swimmer Victoria Bowen and Vincent Ng of the men's tennis team. The other male finalists for the 2003 Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor were Raj Bhavsar, Derrick Butler, Pete Dillon, Andy Groom and Richard Huntwork. Female finalists were Suzanna Hyatt, Krista Keir, Jennifer Link, Jennifer Miller and Katie Virtue. Five student-athletes -- Bhavsar, Keir, Meghan McCartney, Suzy Stiling and Scott Titus -- received the Corwin A. Fergus Memorial Award. Hyatt received the Leann Grimes-Davidge Award, and Virtue received the Irving and Melvin Schottenstein Award. Jonathan Norman of the men's track and field team received the newest award for scholar-athletes, the AK and Judith A. Pierce Award.

Buckeyes take to field Aug. 30 to defend title

The national championship Ohio State Buckeye football team, coming off a perfect 14-0 season and the school's first consensus national crown since 1968, opens its season Aug. 30 by hosting the Washington Huskies at 8 p.m. in Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes play their first five games at home this year. The defending champs return 18 starters from a year ago, including quarterback Craig Krenzel, who is 15-1 as a starter, and two-way sensation Chris Gamble, one of the best all-around players in college football. Sports Illustrated has tapped the team as its pick to win another national title. And the Sporting News, in its College Football Yearbook, rates the Buckeyes' offensive line as the No. 1 unit in the nation, the offensive backfield as No. 2, the defensive line as No. 3 and the receivers and special teams as No. 5. That publication also rates the Ohio State coaching staff as No. 2 in the nation.

Varsity "O" announces hall of fame inductees

The Varsity "O" Association will induct 11 new members into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame. Inductions will take place the weekend of Sept. 12 and 13, when the Buckeye football team plays host to North Carolina State. A total of 54 women have been inducted since 1993 and 204 men have been honored since 1977. The 2003 class includes: Britta Eickhoff (field hockey), Becky Jasontek (synchronized swimming), Emily Marsh (synchronized swimming), Julie Somers-Murberger (gymnastics), Jodelle "Jodie" Stranges (soccer), Cris Carter (football), Jack Lininger (football), Tom Matte (football), Korey Stringer (football), Skip Van Bourgondien (lacrosse) and Nick Wasylik (football, basketball and baseball). Lininger and Wasylik are being inducted in the "Pioneer" category.

Anderson, Virtue lauded for sportsmanship

Junior football player Tim Anderson and senior volleyball player Katie Virtue were selected as recipients of the Big Ten's first Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. One member of each varsity team on every campus was chosen by the institution and named Big Ten Conference Sportsmanship Award winners for their respective sports. From each university's list, two Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners were selected. The winners are student-athletes who observe the rules and intent of their sports' rules at all times. The individuals must be fair and respectful to their opponent, and in addition, be enthusiastic about the game, enjoy playing it, and -- win or lose -- do their absolute best at all times. The recipients should also be active in their campus communities.

BUCKEYE BITS

Ohio State All-American thrower Dan Taylor recently competed for the United States in the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in the men's shot put finals. Taylor, the lone collegiate competitor on the U.S. squad, claimed fourth place ... Seven student-athletes earned Verizon At-Large Academic All-District IV honors. For the men, Vince Ng, Raj Bhavsar and Jason Rogers were named to the first team, while Scott Titus earned second-team accolades. For the women, Kristen White and Alexandra Shklar each earned a spot on the second team, while Emma Laaksonen was a third-team selection ... Allan Johnson, director of strength and conditioning for the football team and one of the most respected and well-known names in the profession, was inducted into the USA Strength and Conditioning Coaches Hall of Fame ... Men's golfers Zach Doran and Scott Anderson earned post-season accolades from the Golf Coaches Association of America. Doran was named to the 2003 Ping All-America Honorable Mention Team as well as the 2003 Ping Midwest Regional Team, while Anderson was named to the Cleveland Golf All-America Scholars for his excellence in the classroom ... Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Sue Stimmel has been named the Division I Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year by a vote of the membership of the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association ... The women' golf team finished fourth at the NCAA Championships, the team's highest finish in school history.

-- Compiled by David Bhaerman

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