Bass Drum Journal April 2012 of the Harvard University B and Vol

Home , Cabot House, Dartmouth Big Green

The Bass Drum Journal April 2012 of The Harvard University B and Vol. 93 No. 1 Be of Stout Heart and True When sweeping a glance around my office in 74 Mt. Auburn St., which has now been a cherished home to more than a decade of past Managers, I find it rather comforting, amusing, and inspiring to discover fragments of the past lurking around every corner and nesting on every shelf. From the thriving animal menagerie that now includes a cheerful walrus, a twinkling unicorn, a duck with funk, and a tangled web of creepy spiders, to the sneaky, hot-glued alarm clock that never falters in its nightly quest to send me home, and from the impressive hive of shiny keys jingling in the cabinet to the tender little clay heart that proudly proclaims “I L♥VE THE HARVARD BAND,” each distinctive morsel of yesterday serves as a reminder to me of the Band’s ever enduring sense of nimal ouse the band marches down mass ave. while humor, heart, and spirit – the qualities that A H ! bandies fall in love with year after year. looking snazzy to boot. There is also a handsome mug that sits cozily snuggled up to my computer, men’s and women’s hockey teams through the David, Tanya, and Glenn left big shoes to basking in the glow of the monitor. It Beanpot Tournament and the rest of their seasons, fill as they did an incredible job working stirs up memories of my freshman year which included the Band’s support at the men’s with unwavering dedication and bringing when my lucky class joined the Band hockey ECAC quarterfinals. The Band also returned about a fantastic year for the Band. They during the midst of the 90th to play for a welcoming crowd at the left lasting memories that will stay with Reunion - when this mug first Men’s HYP Swimming and Diving bandies for years to come, and they cannot made its grand appearance in Meet and had its first ever chance be given enough credit for their hard work. HUB history. As a starry-eyed to cheer on the women’s Swimming Chris, Max, Liz, Cat, and I hope to add and shy new bandie, I waded and Diving team at the Ivy League to that character and help lead the Band in awe through the countless Championship. to greater sounds, sizes, and spirit! With stories from and about crusties With consistently sold out games, inspiration from the Band’s glory smiling hailing from every age of Band the men’s basketball team continued from all four walls of this office, such as history. Even then, though I to be a source of great excitement for the photo of the Band doing its first ice could not fully appreciate the bandies. Having won the Ivy League show, the photo from the 1950s showing exceptional, incredible event I title outright, the Band showed its the Band at its largest in history, and the was a part of, I already found unwavering support by traveling photo of the Band doing its first swim show myself taking pride in with the team and making its ever, the Band will continue to strive for more ground-breaking achievements, more calling myself a member Nina Khosrowsalafi first appearance in the NCAA firsts, and perhaps even adding more to its of the Harvard University Manager March Madness tournament in collection of world’s largest things. We hope Band. Despite struggling Albaquerque, NM. Sporting our you all will be around to join us this year! unsuccessfully to keep my facts straight new basketball warm-up shirts, generously donated about nearly a century of history, I knew by Coach Tommy Amaker, we have ecstatically then that the brilliance of the Band centered performed for an enormous student crowd all season INC, on its dedication to celebrating its vibrant long and have been privy to some of the most intense past while always looking forward to the and thrilling basketball games Lavietes Pavilion has future in order to outdo itself on an even seen in recent years. grander scale. In the upcoming spring season, we hope to This fall, we recruited forty-five continue our support of Harvard Athletics with the Nina Khosrowsalafi ‘13 is currently serving new bandies, who by now have all been lacrosse, softball, and baseball teams. We will also the Band as Manager for 2012. She is an introduced to the HUB and its traditions, be attending community events, including leading English concentrator from Corpus Christi, and who have already begun to take up the the MS Walk and the annual Duckling Day Parade Texas. heroic challenge of carrying out the Band’s on Mother’s Day. With such wonderful recollections next triumphs. The Band also carries on of the 90th Reunion, we hope that our crusties don’t its proud tradition of always sounding wait another two and a half years to come back to great through a great rise in the number of nside play with us, but rather, join us this year in Boston I ... student arrangers. In addition, the Band and Cambridge to share their crazy stories with the has continued to display its iconic status as Drill Master’s Report ... 2 newest bandies, to catch up on what is currently quintessential “Harvard spirit” by playing going on with the Band, and to make even more 2011-2012 Band Awards ... 4 for the third annual “Harvard Thinks Big” great memories! Low Brass Fund ... 6 lecture series and leading the way for the Along with the growing hope for the return of Conductor’s Corner ... 6 Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Parade sunshine and warmth to Cambridge soon, I am also Anderson Society.... 7 honoring Claire Danes. filled with great energy, enthusiasm and passion Jazz Musings... 7 The Band’s winter schedule saw the to serve as Manager this year. Rachel, Duncan,

Check out the online version of the Bass Drum Journal and keep up with band news at www.harvardband.org How to succeed in sports without really playing In 2011, the Band not only remained Cornell (Crimson 41, Big Red 31) Lion King 3D, including the story of undefeated for its ninety-second At Cornell, we told of the Adventures Simba’s younger brother Steve, who was consecutive season, but we also propelled of Alice in Collegetown, a Harvard banished from Harvard Rock after failing the football team to a perfect Ivy League freshman who got lost while exploring “Counting Piles of Money 101”, and season and the basketball team to its first the steam tunnels. After being thoroughly was forced to live in the shadowlands of ever Ivy League Championship. These annoyed by caterpillar bros and the Mad Manhattan. After trying a little “Hakuna momentous wins were each preceded by a Fratter, she attempted to take the tunnels Matata” with Timon from Hanover and hilarious and thought-provoking halftime back, but found that she had exceeded her Pumba from Providence, Steve had no show, and I would be remiss if I didn’t inter-tube bandwidth cap. After confusing worries for the rest of his days, and recount them to you now. which story she was in, Alice clicked her generally has been Occupying Pride Rock heels together, and woke up next to John ever since. Men’s Basketball v. Princeton Harvard, awash with relief. (Tigers 67, Crimson 79) Penn (Quakers 20, Crimson 37) The Band returned to the hardwood Bucknell (Bisons 3, Crimson 42) The Band, codenamed Agent Double-0 this year to ruminate on the Oscars To celebrate Harvard’s 1636, took it upon ourselves to take on and offer Princeton condolences 375th anniversary, we the evil Penn mascot, Quakerfinger. His for losing the Best Supporting recounted how bygone evil plans to switch the labels for steel- Ivy award to Stanford. After anniversaries might have cut and rolled oatmeal and to become hearing us compare St. Patrick’s been celebrated. At the a consultant after graduating from Day celebrations in Boston and 275th, Harvard graduates Wharton were constantly thwarted by New Jersey, the basketball team such as Morgan Stanley, Agent 1636, until he began to superheat went on to clinch its first ever Ivy Goldman Sachs, and JP giant vats of oatmeal in the cavernous League Championship. Licks Occupied Wall underbelly of Penn. We tried and failed Street for the first time. to plug the oatmeal hole with Harvard’s Holy Cross (Crimson 22, For the 175th anniversary, endowment and put out a public service Crusaders 30) President Kirkland marked announcement on all channels, but it At our first away game of the the occasion by opening coincided exactly with the national test year, the Band was thrust into a trans-Cantabridgian of the emergency broadcast system. the spotlight after a Wikileaks Duncan Watts steam-powered shuttle What are the odds?! Tune in next time cable revealed we had to reject Drill Master railroad. The 75th to hear the thrilling conclusion of “From yAle for homecoming on two anniversary coincided Oatmeal With Love”! separate occasions. We delved into our nicely with the opening of the Harvard- newspapers and found out that the debt Smithsonian Center for Astrology and yAle (Crimson 45, bulldogs 7) ceiling allowed us to buy unlimited Hot the Mallinckrodt Lab for Alchemy and At The Game, the Band found itself Pockets on credit, and that apparently Spontaneous Generation. as Earth’s sole defenders, as the world’s Rick Astley was running against Pizza very existence was threatened by hideous Hut for the Republican Nomination. Princeton (Tigers 39, Crimson 56) yAlien invaders. We managed to keep the The Band, in an altruistic turn, bulldog-spawn out of Harvard by forcing Brown (Bears 7, Crimson 24) attempted to help Princeton to become them to show their IDs at the gates, We took the opportunity at our first better connected to the outside world. and started our own counterinvasion. night game to congratulate Brown on Princeton has been trying to fix their We weakened the yAliens by educating being named the sixth most hipster college problems by copying Harvard and having students in New Haven’s vacant in the US, and help them achieve the their 265 years and five month anniversary, classrooms and getting rid of that wierd number one spot. We suggested releasing complete with a ten-pound Wawa buffalo smell. After restoring New Haven to lecture videos on vinyl, replacing their chicken flatbread. Princeton’s isolation its former squalor, Cthulhu Dan tried mascot with a Sri Lankan sloth bear, may be a hindrance, and Harvard can to overcompensate us into submission, and changing their name from Brown to relate; we too were isolated once, but we but we destroyed him with our stacked Sepia. Of course, Harvard is so hip that fixed that by building Boston around us. resumes and brought him down from the list didn’t even know we existed. Unfortunately, while we may have gotten the inside. Once again, the Band saved Most people don’t even realize that we’re Yo-Yo Ma to play Happy Birthday for us, the day and freed the world from yAle’s only interested in academic success Princeton could only hire the Jack-O- pernicious influence. to comment on the socio-economic Lantern player from the Princeton Band. oppression perpetrated by the academic Thank you to Rachel, David, Tanya, establishment. Dartmouth (Big Green 10, Crimson and Glenn for all of your support, as well 41) as the drill meeting and all crusties still The Band fought their way out of a subscribed to hub_drill. And of course, 2012 snowbank to tell a story about getting a very special thanks to Sebastian for lost in a distinctly dry forest. We ended leading prop crew through thick and thin. Football up running into Dartmouth, who could Stay beautiful, HUB. relate with being perpetually trapped in Date Opponent Where the woods. They tried to help us download INC, Sat., Sep. 15 San Diego Home an app, but in the most egregious butt-dial Sat., Sep. 22 Brown Away ever, warped us into cyberspace! While Sat., Sep. 28 Holy Cross Home fighting our way out of cyberspace, we Sat., Oct. 6 Cornell Home found insensitive pictures of Keggy Sat., Oct. 13 Bucknell Home dressed up as a frat bro, and learned that our erstwhile companion could only spell Sat., Oct. 20 Princeton Away three-letter Greek words. Sat., Oct. 26 Dartmouth Away Duncan Watts ’12 was Drill Master from Sat., Nov. 3 Columbia Home Columbia (Crimson 35, Lions 21) 2011-2012. He is a Physics and Astrophys- Sat., Nov. 10 Penn Away We took the opportunity at Columbia ics concentrator from Oaklyn, New Jersey. Sat., Nov. 17 yALE Home to protest blatant emissions from the

Illegitimum non Carborundum! 2 first priorities. According to Tom, there has not urviving n iberia There came a point when it no longer been a time in the last forty years when S I S made sense to practice the show, as no the entire Band has left a game early. One of the habits that I picked up matter how artfully the bandies stretched This was truly an exceptional case, and as Drum Major is to constantly worry themselves, we could at most legibly in retrospect, getting everybody back as about the weather forecast. When part of recreate two and a half letters. The Band soon as possible was the right decision. your job description includes controlling relocated to the hockey arena, where But I guess the question that begs the weather, you start to believe that a men’s game was in progress. This itself is, did the Band still win that game, you might actually have some influence provided a well-deserved distraction for or did nature pull a fast one on us? For over the sunshine. “Does 80% chance the bandies, as we momentarily relaxed on me, the fact that we left early does not of precipitation really mean that it’s the bleachers, rejoiced in the coffee and diminish what the Band accomplished going to rain?” I would ask on occasion, hot chocolate kindly provided by a crustie, that day. The Band endured through the while persuasively looking out at the and taught the new bandies the wind, rain and snow to show that its clouds. I seemed to be getting Engineers’ Cheer. resilience was unmatched. Despite the the hang of weather control Eventually the Band made worst circumstances imaginable, we still as the Band started off the its way outside again, but not found the spirit to make snow angels on season with clear skies and before everyone wrapped their the field, to wear goofy Santa hats, to mostly enjoyed nice weather feet in paper towels and strips make bandies and spectators alike smile, throughout the fall. However, of plastic bags to keep them and to triumphantly throw red and green nothing could have presented a from getting wet again. We confetti in the stands. greater Drum Major challenge practiced our music underneath One of the most heartwarming things than the Dartmouth game. the bleachers of the football about this game was seeing how the Band It is rather ironic that had stadium and lined up for came together when things were at their the game started at its original pregame. Although the wind worst. I saw bandies cheering each other time, at noon, it would have kept up, the rain had turned up, warming each other’s hands, and been just another Saturday to snow. The field slowly helping each other wrap paper towels with the Band. With the Tatyana Avilova transformed from green to around their feet. Bandies shared coffee kick-off moved to 6 o’clock, Drum Major white, a sight never before and soup, and saved some for Prop everything would now be seen by any of us during a football game, Crew and those who went to help them happening during the worst of the storm. and as Crimson stood opposite the Big clear the practice field. There were even As we stepped off for marchdown, Green, a Christmas-like atmosphere began bandies who left rehearsal, changed into the rain was only moderate at first, but to fill the stadium. warmer clothes, and then came back to then during field rehearsal came the Although the white field was a play with the Band! No matter how bad bone-piercing wind. While the bandies welcome novelty, we were happy to hide things got, everyone was still looking had anticipated the cold, no one had from the elements underneath the colonade out for one another. In the end, I will dressed for a torrential downpour. As the in the bleachers. Nearly everyone was remember this game fondly for the rest of rain intensified, more pairs of black shoes still shivering, their fingers numb from my life, because the Band came through and socks were soaked through; scarves, pregame, so playing cheers was difficult it together. gloves, and hand warmers became useless; at best. The Manager, a few bandies, and I So what did this game confirm and one by one, cold, miserable and ran back and forth in search of something, above all else? Through the love and wary of getting pneumonia and frostbite, anything, to help bandies stay warm, and dedication of the bandies, the Band bandies began to leave. eventually, we managed to procure two remains undefeated. As if things weren’t bad enough, containers of coffee, one large pot of beef the Drill Master’s megaphone ran out chili, and numerous cups of hot chocolate. INC, of battery, forcing him to yell over the The hot food and drink, Harvard’s great pounding sound of the rain to make offense, and the sight of Soldiers’ Field himself heard. There was no way that covered in snow provided just the right we could do music rehearsal outside, but inspiration for the Band to go out and though we searched far and wide for an Tatyana Avilova ’13 was Drum Major from perform a half time show where we indoor space, they were all occupied by 2011-2012. She is an Economics concen- brilliantly demonstrated the Band’s skills either alumni or athletes. As the numbers trator from Krymsk, Russia, now living in of arch formation. After doing a “Recap dwindled and formations became illegible, Montpelier, Vermont. of All of the Band’s Traditions in Thirty our staff realized that we would have to Seconds” during the third quarter, with make some very tough calls about the Crimson still in the lead, the Band left the oin the ummer and halftime show, but at that moment, the J S B ! game before the start of the fourth. safety and health of the bandies were our The Harvard Summer Pops Band, celebrating its 40th season, will rehearse in Sanders Theatre this summer from Wednesday, June 27th to Wednesday, July 25th. Rehearsals are 7:15 to 9:30 in the evening. Mark Olson will be the principal conductor this summer, but you can count on Tom Everett putting his two cents in every rehearsal. The annual concert at the Hatch Schell has been scheduled for Sunday, July 29th, and traditionally there is an afternoon concert in Harvard Yard on Thursday, July 26th. If you haven’t played in a while, if all you’ve ever played were Harvard songs, or if you have a member of your family that you would like to bring along to play music together, the Summer Band is the place to meet. So please come on out and join us! No pre-registration necessary. What’s that spell?! the band showers the crowd with confetti after another one of its glorious victories. Bass Drum Journal 2012 3 Leave it to Leroy 2012 BANDIE It’s seven o’clock on a Monday hear “Wintergreen” and “Up the Street,” AWARDS evening. I ought to be chugging away at over Katy Perry. Some of my favorite my problem set in Lamont Library, and gigs this year were playing at reunions Each year the HUB acknowledges several yet, I find myself sitting in my squishy and watching people really get into the new Bandies for their contributions to the Band. The awards are traditionally presented black chair in my little Mather bedroom, Harvard fight songs. The smile you see at the Band’s fall Montage Concert (formerly sipping a Blue Moon, playing with silly on someone’s face when you’re playing the Dartmouth Concert). putty, and listening to The Black Keys. All a tune that takes them forty years in the I can think to myself is, “What is it about past gives you quite a lift. MALCOLM HAUGHTON HOLMES ’28 these sounds that I’m And who am I forgetting? Oh yes, the BAND SCHOLARSHIP hearing that keeps me Band. We are a strange group. Why do we Mal Holmes was the beloved mentor/ right here, not doing play “All I Want for Christmas is You?” director of the Harvard Band from 1942 until anything?” in the middle of February? Because we his death in 1953. This year’s scholarship As StudCon, I like it, of course! (Okay that was Max’s has been presented to two of the most active, spent a lot of time doing, but you’ll meet him next year). The dedicated freshmen in the Band. pondering music. sections are actually much more guilty I’m sure every other of self-indulgent music (I’m looking at BIANCA TROMBETTA ’15 StudCon has done the Saxes specifically). What stuck out in A flutist from Boston, Bianca performs with the same, and I’m my mind though, was the Band’s affinity both the Band and Harvard Wind Ensemble. sure they’d all agree for Harvard Medley. If it wasn’t for the When not playing or singing Harvard Songs with me. Music is a Band’s positive reactions towards this with the Band, she works dorm crew, listens weird phenomenon. Anderson classic, I probably wouldn’t to jazz, R&B and classical music and enjoys It’s been discussed to have rehearsed it as much as I did, and stargazing on the roof of the Science Center. death by musicians, probably wouldn’t have developed my A resident of Wigglesworth, Bianca is philosophers, and David Abarca own affinity for it. Leave it to Leroy considering a concentration in Neurobiology. scientists alike, and Student Conductor Anderson to show me how great music I don’t think anyone could be. Conducting the medley JOSH SPEAGLE ‘15 Josh is a percussionist from Brookfield, really knows why it’s a thing. What I do was when I felt most like a musician Wisconsin, living in Thayer. He is interested know is that people like it, but not all of throughout my entire tenure as StudCon. in astronomy and recently began research it, and in most cases, only small subsets I don’t think there exists a piece of music in astroseismology on RR Lyrae stars. Josh of it. This is what made my job tricky this that embodies the spirit and tradition of is anticipating studying Astrophysics and past year. the Harvard University Band quite like Physics. Picking music takes delicacy. At any Harvard Medley. It makes you wonder, one time there are at least three or four “Man, why don’t more people listen to STEPHEN D. MacDIARMID ’77 AWARD different groups of people you’re trying music like this?” Steve MacDiarmid was one of those Bandies to please. The student section reacts to Now, as you can see, there’s a lot that who seemed to do everything! Playing whatever the most popular song of the goes into picking music. Everyone has several instruments in HUB (whatever week is. I never thought I’d listen to so their own taste and it’s the StudCon’s job was needed for the gig), writing show much pop music before I was StudCon. to appeal to everybody. But boy, has it arrangements, conducting when needed, For hours on end I’d turn on the “Today’s been great! Figuring out whether to play Steve also performed clarinet in the Wind Hits Station” on internet radio and just ask “Dynamite” or Dvorak was the kind of Ensemble and sax in the Jazz Band. The myself, “Is this arrangeable?” “Was that thing that kept my job interesting. Well, award is presented each year to two of the even a real note I just heard?” and “Don’t everything was interesting, but music most versatile musicians to join the Band. we have enough Lady Gaga in the tunesack selection really got me thinking. Music already?” Really anything that shows up speaks to people in all different ways, NICK MIMMS ‘15 on Fox’s “Glee” will keep the students and I was just glad to share in that with Nick performs trumpet with the HUB, interested. Now if only they knew more an awesome band and four other amazing Pops Orchestra, HRO and G&S Players’ than just half the words to “Ten Thousand student leaders. Orchestra. Hailing from Roswell, GA, Men of Harvard.” But I’ll forgive them., he resides in Greenough and anticipates INC, concentrating in Chemistry (Pre-Med). especially after hearing them boom the lyrics to “You Make Me Feel”, and “Raise ERIC ZUCKERMAN ‘15 Your Glass” while jumping around in From Baldwin, NY, Eric lives in Canaday, David Abarca ’13 was Student Conductor slightly drunkish excitement at the yAle serves as the intramural representative for bowl. It was “More than a Feeling!” from 2011-2012. He is a Physics and his entryway, and plans on concentrating But students aren’t the only ones we Astrophysics concentrator from Centralia, in Human Development and Regenerative play for. Plenty of alums would much rather Washington. Biology (HDRB). He is a member of the Band’s percussion section, is a member of the Wind Ensemble and Pops Orchestra and loves listen to music written for the Wind Ensemble.

ROBERT T ABRAMS ’49 AWARD Named for trumpeter Bob Abrams (who in his 80’s, still plays trumpets at all Reunions), his award is presenting to a Band trumpeter player who has giving dedicated service to the Band.

RAYMOND FADEL ‘12 A native of Niagara Falls, Ray is a senior in Currier House, and in May, he will be earning a degree in History. He has served as the Trumpet Section Leader, Manager of the Wind Ensemble, and has been a regular member of the HUB Herald Trumpet Consort. As the Band Historian, Flower Fiasco! Last year’s staff leads the Band after being he cataloged, annotated, and maintained pelted with “flour”es. the Band’s extensive archives held in Pusey Library. 4 Illegitimum non Carborundum! A Chronicle of Pain and Suffering If I was allowed to use only one word to aggregate the physical experiences and sensations I’ve had in the Band, it would have to be pain. If I could use two more words, they would be unceasing, pervasive pain. Writing this article demanded a great deal of reflection, but somehow the same question kept cropping up – why would any rational person do this to themselves? And more importantly, why has my time with the Band been my most joyful experience at Harvard? After that morbid introduction, you may feel little desire to continue reading, but bear with me: I promise there’s a happy ending. But before that, allow me to elaborate on some of the gritty details. My generation will recall the yAle game in 2008, when a sudden cold snap and gusting winds pushed temperatures Happy Holidays! The Band’s seniors bring some holiday cheer down into negative degrees. Mere seconds to Harvard! after playing a fight song, valves would freeze, slides seized, and mouthpieces be- Saturdays, and among the last people to go tic experience at The Game four years ear- came gelid terrors for anyone who put their to bed after the game. It was not uncommon lier. On the final bus ride back from yAle, I lips upon them. The for me to be awake joined my ex-senior staff in celebration of only consolation I had for a full 24 hours our victory not with raucous partying, but was leaving the game on game days. My with well-deserved sleep. 15 minutes early to time commitments So I’ll ask again – why would a ra- retrieve pizza for the were rapidly es- tional person do this? Why would I sub- Band as I assumed my calating, and with ject myself to all of this stress, pain, and newly christened job of the combination of fatigue? The answer simply is: because it Asst. Prop Crew Man- late nights, away was worth it. One thousand times over. In ager. Little did I know trips, marchdowns, the above stories, I did not include any de- that this would only be and weekday prop tails of the joy, companionship, and spirit the beginning. building, the time the members of the HUB imparted to me. For two years I remaining for me I did not elaborate on any of the lifelong acted as prop crew to do anything be- friendships I have formed, or how much I Glenn Bogardus Ass-t under the venerable Will Schneider sides Band was exiguous have grown to truly love the Band. There Ramsey, and together we shared and diminishing. I began can be no truer estimation of what the Band the pains of constructing props – repeated- to spend more time in the Band room than means to me than by calculating what the ly lacerating our fingers chicken-wire and my dorm room, and my grades and sleep sacrifices I was willing to make to be a part aluminum sheeting, inhaling paint fumes in schedule were adversely affected. of it, and in this case the answer is clear: close quarters, and labor. Oh, yes, the labor. As Schneider and a member of senior unceasing, pervasive pain. We carried lunches, props, field lines, and staff, my hours only increased, exceeding conductors’ podiums. At the reunion, we those of a full-time job. Every day I had INC&PVP, were told our Uhaul needed to be moved Band tasks to complete, and always had from the practice field, and Will had taken insufficient time to accomplish them. My the keys with him on an errand, leaving us grades reached their lowest point, and I who remained with no choice but to physi- would go days without seeing my room- cally push the truck off the field. mates. As a leader of the Band it was im- After my first year on prop crew, I took portant to put on a brave face in all sce- on an additional junior staff position, serv- narios, even during the Dartmouth home Glenn Bogardus ’12 was Schneider from ing on the Schneider committee under Liz game this year, when freezing rain during 2011-2012. He is a Government concentrator Moroney. The combination ensured that I field rehearsal gave way to snow and bitter from Springfield, VT. would be among the first people awake on cold at kickoff, rivaling in misery our arc-

Harvard University Band Staff 2011-2012 Senior Staff Junior Staff Ali Zimmerman ‘15 -- Licensing Nina Khosrowsalafi ’13 -- Manager Allyson Freedy ‘14 -- Treasurer Calvin Tonini ‘15 -- Instrument Man- Christopher Murray ‘13-- Drill Master Darara Borodge ‘15 -- Historian/PR ager Max Wang ‘13 -- Student Conductor Mason Marek ‘15 -- Mailing & Merch Kerry Flynn ‘14 -- Internal Elizabeth Moroney ‘12 -- Drum Major Kevin Schmid ‘14 -- Webmaster Rachel Wehr ‘14 -- External Cat Flynn ‘13 -- Schneider Kathryn Wendorf ‘14 -- Assist. Drill Stephen Kent ‘14 -- Schwartz Master Timothy Barry-Heffernan -- Weisse Section Leaders Alejandro Jimenez-Jaramillo ‘15 -- Prop Cara Dowell ‘15 -- Weisse Jimmy Looney ‘14 -- Low Brass/Horns Manager Michael Raleigh ‘15 -- Weisse Ian MacGillivray ‘15 -- Clarinets Sebastian Gomez ‘14 -- Blogtographer Dorothy Villareal ’15 -- Weisse Eduardo Aranda ‘15 -- Percussion Victor Mata ‘13-‘14 -- Cinematographer Louis CopperSmith ‘14 -- Trumpets Jeffrey Edwards ‘15 -- Recruitment Directors Jack Davison ‘14 -- Saxophones James Callahan ‘14 -- Librarchivist Tom Everett -- Director of Bands Bianca Trombetta ‘15 -- Flutes Theodore Gerome ‘15 -- Music Manager Mark Olson -- Assistant Director Kim Johannson ‘15 -- Music Manager Bass Drum Journal 2012 5 The Conductor’s Corner Think about it. The Band has weath- dents arriving on campus, many bringing in the report of the President’s Arts Task ered a World War (as well as several with them their ethnic and cultural mu- Force. Even with our current excellent “Conflicts” and “police actions”); made sic (and at times instruments) to practice working relationship with Athletic De- it through the Great Depression (plus and share their own unique traditions. partment, the Band Staff and Directors whatever we’re calling the present); These musicians, along with other stu- need to remain sensitive to shifting pri- managed to maintain its spirit despite the dents trained in traditional “Band’ in- orities and needs of Harvard Athletics. Commonwealth of Massachusetts rais- struments, are preferring to participate Our upstairs neighbors and colleagues, ing the drinking age to twenty in 1979 in or initiate their own specialized music the OFA, have taken on (as well as been and finally to twenty-one in 1984; wel- ensembles. assigned) much of the organization and comed women into the Band In recent years, there background preparation for the new arts in 1970; and witnessed the has been remarkable mo- initiatives. As University hiring increas- comings and goings of sev- mentum in integrating the es, the OFA Staff will certainly expand, enteen U.S. Presidents (al- performing arts within but where? They have been (and contin- though we missed the actu- academic programs and ue to be) wonderfully tolerant, flexible, ally beginning of Woodrow classes: The Department supportive neighbors. But what implica- Wilson’s first term and have of Music’s increased sup- tions might their future space needs have yet to see the conclusion of port for performance relat- for the current Band Room? There is no Barack Obama’s term(s). ed activities; the outreach other student organization on campus, at The Band continues to and ongoing activities of least that I know of, that has such access prided itself on creatively the Office for the Arts; and autonomy within a University facil- adapting to change while main- Tom Everett and, over the last three years, ity. taining the tradition as a student Director the appointment of new directors Thanks to the Foundation, OFA, run staff, fostering camaraderie of three of the most prominent Crusties (like YOU!), Mark Olson, and among its members while continuing to and established arts organizations on MOSTLY, the dedicated, enthusiastic, provide service and music to the greater campus - Federico Cortese, Conductor energized (man - this is REALLY getting Harvard Community, with an unmatched of HRO; Andy Clark, Director of Choral tiring!) Bandies and Staff, the Band re- spirit of Harvard song, creativity, and Activities; and Jill Johnson, Director of mains in excellent spirit and shape. To fun. The present century will continue the Dance Program. These exciting de- preserve the Band’s core traditions, we to provide new challenges for the Band velopments have been fostered by Presi- all need to be attentive and responsive to – especially from within the University dent Faust’s commitment to, and sup- the ever shifting trends and needs of the community. With each year, I see an in- port for the arts, as well as the specific University and community. crease in the number of international stu- statements and recommendations stated INC,

Low Brass Fund: by Ken Abbot When I sat in with the Band last October, I noted the sad state of the tubature, and thought that it might be an excellent opportunity to put together an instrumental Thomas G. Everett is in his 40th year as the tribute to a fellow tuba player, my erstwhile roommate Larry Millett ‘83. I contacted Director of the Harvard Band. Larry’s friends and family to see what they thought about the idea, and they along with Larry’s widow Archana (‘83) and his sister Patty (HLS ‘88) were enthusiastic. With the administrative support of the Band Foundation and the generosity of many of Larry’s friends we quickly reached our goal of $25,000. These funds will be used to purchase and maintain low brass instruments in Larry’s memory. Those of us who knew Larry remember him as highly intelligent, occasionally wild, and almost completely bereft of guile. He had the kind of genius that most only dream of: He could compose better papers in a single draft at the typewriter (that was a thing with which we wrote stuff in the old days) than I could with weeks of work. He could encapsulate a complex situation in a single witty quip. He was the guy who unwittingly made me think that if he were the norm then I must have been an admission mistake. He was a great guy and a loyal friend, always willing to hang out, or go for a beer, or to spend an hour tossing the Frisbee around. For four years he was a fixture in the old Band room at 9 Prescott Street, and at every gig imaginable: football games, basketball games, hockey games, swim meets (he was one of the infamous swimming sousaphones at the 1980 Indiana meet), Christmas caroling downtown. Any opportunity to play was fine with him. He and I shared Schneider duties as well. After graduation he took a few years to find himself, working at a fish packaging company, the Chicago Board of Trade, a travel agency, and finally for a consulting firm, where he truly found his calling. Sadly, his early death came just as he was becoming widely recognized for his talents. Larry married his college sweetheart and raised three children with her. One son, Richard, is now a freshman at Harvard. I know Larry would be extremely proud. L a r r y M i l l e t ‘83 I loved him like a brother and miss him tremendously. May these instruments Schneider ‘82 be a fitting and lasting tribute to him.

Contact the Band! Got Alumni News? Address: 74 Mt. Auburn St. Cambridge, MA 02138-5051 Have you found... Phone: 617-496-BAND (2263) Bandie love? Exorbitant Success? Email: [email protected] Let us know, and we’ll print it in Web: http://www.harvardband.org the next Bass Drum Journal! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harvard-University-Band/102780311230 Send your news to Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/harvardband [email protected] 6 Illegitimum non Carborundum! Mark’s Remarks Jazz Musings One Saturday this fall I grabbed my well. Additionally, we will be looking for The effect of last spring’s blow out video camera and recorded the activities of additional protective space to store items celebration, “40 Years of Jazz at Harvard”, the Band. With camera in hand, I proceeded we need but not on a daily basis. continues to reverberate across campus. to record the events of the marchdown We continue to have very good Jazz at Harvard is growing and swinging! through Harvard Square, the tuba antics relations with the athletic department. Peruse just a sampling of jazz events upon arrival at the athletic complex, the Communication between our manager and activities that have occurred on morning field practice, playing from the and representatives from the athletic campus: stands in Harvard Stadium, our post game department is imperative as they coordinate •By far, the highest profile event was concert, and finally our march back to John all the performance requests. It is a the lecture/recital presented by Wynton Harvard’s statue to play fair complement to the Band to have coaches Marsalis and his ensemble. To a receptive Harvard. I shared the video and players want to have the Band and packed audience in Sanders, Wynton with my family and they were perform at their game. provided insights and demonstrated the thrilled to see what a game The Harvard Wind Ensemble has shared roots common to much of our day is like. They really had continued to present concerts that pay country’s music. The third program in no idea the work involved tribute to a particular composer or artist. Wynton’s two year series of Jazz Lectures at in putting on the halftime In December the ensemble performed a Harvard, enlightening evening was entitled show each week. And they concert honoring composer/conductor “Meet Me At the Crossroad”. only saw the work of a and more importantly teacher, Nadia •This year the Jazz Bands and OFA took Mark Olson Saturday. They didn’t see Assistant DirectorBoulanger. The ensemble performed on a two semester survey and appreciation the meetings, sectionals, works of composers who had studied of Blue Note Records (BNR). Seldom has and music rehearsals that under Ms. Boulanger including the a single record company established such lead up to the Saturday. premiere of the work composed for the dedication and respect for jazz artists. It is easy for those of us involved ensemble by David Patterson entitled With a passion for the music, the founding with the Band on a regular basis to take In Memoriam Mademoiselle. David had owners (Germany immigrants Alfred Lion this unique experience for granted and to noticed our tribute to Nadia Boulanger and Francis Wolff) fostered the early think everybody is aware of what we do. through our website and asked to write careers of artists such as Thelonious Monk, However most people do not have a clue of a piece for the ensemble to honor his Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, Jimmy the effort and time commitments a member former teacher. We also performed works Smith, and Tony Williams. During the of the Band has made over the course of a of Aaron Copland, Virgil Thomson, 1950’s and early 1960’s, BNR fostered and semester and for many, over the course of and Robert Russell Bennett. Our March documented the “Hard Bop” music of Art their four years at Harvard. They only see concert focused on the music of American Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and produced the final performance. Our students are to composer Vincent Persichetti including a John Coltrane’s all-time classic 1957 date, be commended for all time and dedication performance of his Symphony for Band. “Blue Trane”. they have put in as members. Hopefully With the success of last year’s commission •In the fall, the SJB and MJB presented these positive experiences will be one they project of works based on art works from a concert in Lowell Hall honoring seventy- will have and share for a life time. the Sackler Museum, we have launched eight year old “BNR” trombone artist As you probably already know this another project for this year. We have Curtis Fuller. On April 14, a tribute concert past year has been extremely busy for asked student composers to write a work was presented in Sanders for the late the Band. Along with an increase in the based on jazz artist Miles Davis. The saxophonist/flutist/composer Sam Rivers number of events they perform, the Band compositions will focus on an aspect of featuring guest saxophonists, Joe Lovano took part in Harvard’s 375th birthday party the life, music, art, or photos of Miles and Greg Osby – all artists who have and is always ready to perform for various Davis. The works were premiered in a documented significant music for “BNR”. campus, community, and athletic events. joint concert with the Sunday jazz Band •The Music Department offered three While so much is going well for the on April 21 in Lowell Hall. jazz courses this year: Jazz Harmony, Band, one concern is always present, the Jazz Improvisation and Professor Ingrid need for additional space for instruments INC, Monson’s ‘Music Repertory Analysis: and music. Our repertoire for the Band, Monk, Coltrane and Davis”, as the Music jazz Bands and wind ensemble continues Library continues to expand their new Jazz to grow as does our need for space for Collection. instruments and working space. The Band •Are you aware that there is a Joint has taken inventory of our instruments, Harvard - New England Conservatory Mark Olson has been the Assistant Director music and equipment and will be Five Year Degree Program? Several of the Harvard University Bands since 2003. eliminating items that no longer serve us EXCEPTIONAL jazz musicians have been, and presently are students in the program. The Band sincerely thanks •On March 4, a quartet and vocalist from the MJB performed at NYC’s Baruch our 2011 Anderson Society Performance Center, part of Baruch College’s ongoing public Performing Arts Members: Series. Mr. Timur Yontar •The Sunday Jazz Band, under the Mr. Scott Berney direction of Mark Olson, continues to swing hard and perform several concerts Mr. Barry Furze a year separate from the MJB. In the fall Mr. Jack Connolly they shared a Cabot House Concert with Ms. Elaine Murphey the Alumni Jazz Band (organized by Jill Mr. Neil Miller Suttenberg Altshuler ’87). The SJB will Ms. Wendy Livingston also be heard at this spring’s twentieth Mr. Dennis Lewis celebration of Arts First. They will be Mr. and Mrs. Michael Beseda playing Saturday, April 28, 11:30am and Maureen O’Herin outside the Science Center. Dr. Thomas Diflo Dr. Sue Keller Bill freaking Murray! Mur- Mr. Marlow A. Sigal ray plays a mean tuba along- Mr. Phillip Louis Prince side the Band at cornell. Bass Drum Journal 2012 7 HARVARD UNIVERSITY BAND NON-PROFIT ORG. 74 MOUNT AUBURN STREET U.S. POSTAGE CAMBRIDGE, MA 02138 PAID BOSTON, MASS. RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT NO. 59362