The Bass Drum Journal March 2011 of The Harvard University B and Vol. 91 No. 1 ...And The Band Marches On When I think about it, it’s quite interesting to be in and around 74 Mt. Auburn Street during the fast-moving days of college. Bandies come and go through the Band room, bringing with them their varied backgrounds, ideas, and talents, and leaving with close friendships, creative, fun memories, and perhaps the most school spirit of any Harvard students. They arrange new music to keep our tunes fresh, dynamically changing the sound of the Band on a yearly basis. They build fantastically enormous props to woo the crowd and intimidate other bands. They write hilarious shows that would put Jay Leno to shame. They design new furniture, they take photos, they repair instruments. And of course, they do their ever-present schoolwork.

So much of this annual cycle of the Band happens so quickly, year in and year out, that I wonder how often people stop to wonder about the Band and its history. To the casual observer, the well-run nature of the Band he un ever ets on the arvard niversity and and the engrained nature of its traditions may T S N S H U B ! make it seem that the Band has always been the band marches down mass. ave. before a football game. the way it is, and always will be. How glad She survived the reformation of the Band after she does speak. The resonant sound that fills I am that such is not the case! Having just WWII, attempts to rob the Harvard Band of Soldiers Field at home games is none other passed its 91st year, the Band is constantly her glory, several relocations as the Band room than a source of constancy and connection that changing and evolving, yet retaining moved, and, most recently, the flood of rings throughout the Band over generations. the characteristics and traditions 2010. Who, I wonder, has seen Bertha, for me, represents the Band: the spirit that make it so definitively the Band. so much of the Band as Bertha of fun and creativity, the intermingled past and This dynamic intersection between old herself? From its founding future, and the community that surrounds the and new, same and different, is what days to the golden era of Mal music. She speaks with a voice from the past fascinates me about the Band. Holmes to the present entry into and the present, laden with all of the color, a new digital age, she has seen originality, and music that marked the Band In the middle of it all, it all. If only she could speak, of yesteryear and still identifies it today. throughout the years, has been surely she would testify to the spirit Bertha, the Big Drum. Born in the and perseverance of the Band that As we are constantly turning from the 1930s of a sly idea and a blank has gone on since 1919. past to the future, it is good to look back in order check from the Associated Harvard that we may better go forward. Because of the Rachel Hawkins Clubs, she has been with the Band Manager And of course, energy and hard work of Christine, Andrew, in various incarnations ever since. as all good bandies know, Jen, Matt, and Liz, the past year with the Band has been amazing and memorable. Thanks enough cannot be said! They and all that have come before are inspirations and invaluable guides to me and to the rest of the senior staff and Band. And as we look on to another year of our college days, so will the Band go forward with us and beyond us, keeping the spirit of music always alive.

INC,

Rachel Hawkins ’12 is currently serving the Band as Manager for 2011-2012. She is an Organismic and Evolutionary Biology con- centrator from Gallatin, Tennessee.

Inside... Drill Master’s Report ... 2 2010-2011 Band Awards ... 4 Confetti! the band celebrates its victory in the traditional Band Memories ... 6 fashion. Conductor’s Corner ... 7 Check out the online version of the Bass Drum Journal and keep up with band news at www.harvardband.org A Chronological Series of Highly Entertaining Halftime Romps With help from several experienced own. And ours was actually funny and Prop Crew members, over 50 new interesting. Despite initially deciding Columbia (Lions 7, Crimson 23) recruits, 18 Drill Meetings, and 1 Drill that Cornell would make a great Poison Party, the Band was able to produce 9 Ivy, we eventually realized that Cornell’s We took it upon ourselves to educate glorious halftime shows during the 2010 true hero was none other than Hospitality Columbia about sustainability, with our football season. We began the season by Man, with his fists of pillows and aptitude lesson plans including the phrase “squash embracing a third dimension, and ended for carefully placing mints. We then is murder”, the McDonalds McRib™, it watching the Crimson beat the bulldogs drew ooohs and aaaahs from the crowd and Dick Cheney’s thoughts on proper for the 4th straight year. I now present with Prop Crew’s own Iron Man, whose firearm usage. Of course, upon further to you an abridged version of everything costume included a working light that had inspection we realized that at the heart that happened in between. to be seen to be believed. of the problem was a combination of researchers failing to heed warnings Holy Cross (Crusaders 6, Crimson 34) Lehigh (Mountain Hawks 21, Crimson about 4Loko and the rent being too damn 19) high. Our first show of the year celebrated the long tradition of nighttime football The Band overcame 40 mph winds Penn (Crimson 14, Quakers 34) games throughout Harvard’s history – to shed some light on the upcoming both past, present, and 2010 midterm elections, armed with The Band was pleased to visit future. We demonstrated the knowledge we gleaned from Glenn Philadelphia again, but this time we did the Crimson’s superiority Beck University. For example, did you things the right way by participating in over both Team Edward know that the first Tea Party Protest some themed tours. Our first tour, the and Team Jacob and occurred when the Queen Ben Franklin Tour, exposed us to extreme recounted John Harvard’s o f Hearts refused to show her kite-flying and the country’s first state elusiveness at night. Finally, birth certificate? Or that school. Next, the Philadelphia Athletic we looked to the future of the the Obama administration Success Tour showed us the unpleasant Band at night games, featuring recently changed its motto reality of Rocky Balboa’s face as well as giant 3D glasses with a 32-foot to “Yes We Might Eventually”? the sounds of Santa sobbing. But the real span (a longer distance than the Like any pragmatic voters, we surprise came when we got in one little Crusader quarterback could throw, looked for common ground and fight and our mom got scared and said, apparently). found it: a British re-invasion “You’re moving with your auntie and in response to BP’s gulf uncle in Bel-Air!” Brown (Crimson 14, Bears adventure. And we formed 29) Andrew Maher a dynamic Venn diagram on yAle (bulldogs 21, Crimson 28) Drill Master the field to prove it. Our trip to Providence Our final triumph came at The Game, coincided with Brown’s first ever Princeton (Crimson 45, Tigers 28) where our halftime show included over night game. As veterans of nocturnal 110 bandies in a Wizard of Oz-themed football (see above), we felt that we Saddled with severe time constraints show. Dorothy of Harvard was whisked were qualified to provide some advice. (hey alumni, I dare you to all email away by Hurricane Earl to the land of We discouraged the quarterback from Princeton’s AD with complaints), we Oz, where she had to follow the Crimson using the stars to find his receivers, made our show short and sweet. In a brick road and avoid a grotesque squad even though Prop Crew came prepared showing of great sportsmanship and of precision marching minions so that with what might be the world’s largest camaraderie, we returned an historic she could finally defeat the droopy-eared sextant. Safety was also of top concern Princeton flag that Harvard students Wicked Witch of New Haven, which – we provided Brown with fair warning had…ummm…acquired more than 50 she did with ease. The show featured an concerning the most dangerous killer of years ago, but not before unveiling our array of visually-appealing props such the night: the chupacabra. own bigger, brighter, and flaggier Harvard as a large collapsible house, gigantic banner while playing that catchy “Wavin’ Crimson slippers, winged monkeys, an Cornell (Big Red 17, Crimson 31) Flag” song you might remember from the enormous bulldog-witch, and a cameo World Cup. It was awesome. by Bertha. The game ended with Harvard With glorious weather (thanks Matt!) victorious, and I am happy to say that my and a refreshed band following our Dartmouth (Crimson 30, Big Green 14) fellow members of the class of 2011 and off-week, we overwhelmed the Cornell I never saw Harvard lose to yAle during band’s superhero show with one of our Featuring nearly 100 members for our time here as undergrads. an away game, we officially welcomed the class of 2014 to the HUB. Our show I owe a lot of gratitude to the efforts 2011 took on a spooky feel as we examined of Christine, Jen, Matt, and Liz, as well the role of Halloween in the frigid, my veteran Prop Crew and a fantastic ootball rural subculture of Dartmouth. When junior staff. You guys made the year fun, F the Dartmouth freshmen weren’t busy entertaining, and quite eventful. running around a bonfire 114 times, it Schedule turns out that they enjoyed Halloween INC, Date Opponent Where treats like Snickers, Twix, and 84% of Sat., Sep. 17 Holy Cross Away the Keystone Light consumed in the Sat., Sep. 24 Brown Home northeast. Of course, the real highlight was seeing them in such popular costumes Andrew Maher ’11 was Drill Master from Sat., Oct. 8 Cornell Away as Zombie-Jane Austen and Franken- 2010-2011. He is a Chemistry concentrator Sat., Oct. 15 Bucknell Home Keggy. from Bow, New Hampshire. Sat., Oct. 22 Princeton Home Sat., Oct. 29 Dartmouth Home Catch up on the latest HUB news and events. Sat., Nov. 5 Columbia Away See halftime show videos and photos. Sat., Nov. 12 Penn Home Sat., Nov. 19 yAle Away Visit the Band’s new blog: WWW.VERSETWO.WORDPRESS.COM 2 Illegitimum non Carborundum! Marco! One of the most interesting aspects of my time spent in the Harvard University Band has been that each year has been a different experience. There are probably many reasons for this. For starters, being a senior is a lot different from being a freshman. My role within the Band also changed year to year as I held new staff positions. But what has really kept my experience dynamic is the Band’s constant innovation.

Every year we were trying new things. The Band always plays at football, basketball, and hockey games, but then there were those unusual gigs. Over the past four years we’ve played at elighting and ntertaining the band performs at a polo lacrosse games, D E ! a swim meet, game with grace and a dash of panache. a track meet, a to Rhode Island—especially our manager biting wit. He egged us on, and we egged volleyball game, who fell ill on the way. Fortunately, the him on. Soon this quaint Sunday afternoon and so much more. Harvard Band has a knack for making polo game had worked itself to a fevered Usually there even the worst days fun, and soon all of pitch. We thrived on the atmosphere, are just a few our misgivings were quite forgotten. once again encouraging the Crimson to such gigs per fight fiercely and impress them with our season, but it’s Upon arriving, we began taking stock prowess. enough to expand of our surroundings. Here was a group our horizons of young college-aged bandies ready to It had probably been a long time since Matthew Trout and keep the scream, cheer, and yell for the Crimson fans this emphatic had visited the Newport Drum Major Band involved while the rest of the crowd was decidedly Polo Club. Even if we were completely in a diverse not invested in the outcome. These were out of our element, we ran with it. The array of athletics. These games also polo fans, not particular fans of either fans will probably never have a polo offered some of the biggest surprises and team. As they politely golf-clapped at the experience quite like that again. I don’t made for some of the most memorable sauntering steeds, we were not entirely imagine they’ll be playing our rendition moments of the past four years. sure how to react. We chose the only song of Chamillionaire’s “Ridin’ Dirty” again that seemed appropriate, and the Band anytime soon. In the end, the Crimson This year, keeping with tradition, trumpeted out “Fight Fiercely, Harvard.” were unable to outride the Huskies (it the Band saddled up and headed to the would have been peachy, but they did fight Newport Polo Club for a match between As play began, we soon regressed to fiercely). However, the Band emerged Harvard and UConn. The day had an our hockey game mentality. We shouted at a winner, as always, and delivered a inauspicious start. Having just invested all the top of our lungs in support of Harvard performance that few of us, and probably of our Saturday in the football game (one using our newly learned vocabulary like few of the fans, are going to forget. that ended in a triumphant win), most of us “chukka.” Feeding off our presence, the probably would have rather been sleeping announcer jumped into the fray. He was INC, in Sunday morning than travelling on a bus British and had a characteristic sharp, The Band sincerely Matthew Trout ’11 was Drum Major from thanks our 2010 2010-2011. He is a Government concentrator Anderson Society from Renovo, Pennsylvania. Members: HARVARD SUMMER POPS Mr. Scott A. Berney BAND TO PERFORM Mr. and Mrs. Michael Beseda ON JULY 31 and Maureen O’Herin The thirty-ninth season of the Mr. Neal D. Borden Harvard Summer Pops Band will start Mr. Christopher T. Clark rehearsals Wednesday, June 29, 2011 Mr. John S. Connolly from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. Dr. Thomas Diflo Mr. Timothy E. Feige The band will rehearse every Dr. Barry W. Furze Wednesday evening in July and is Dr. Wendy E. Livingston planning for a concert at the Hatch Shell Ms. Louise W. Losos on Sunday afternoon, July 31. The theme Mr. and Mrs. Peter L. Malkin for this summer’s program is “Concert Dr. Neil R. Miller of the Mall.” Ms. Elaine B. Murphy For more information, check the Mr. John Peterson DMs Unite! the drum major Mr. James L. Robo Band’s website, www.harvardband.org, keeps an eye out from the drill and click on “Summer Band.” Mr. Samuel Oscar Sheagren master’s podium. Mr. Thomas G. Stemberg Bass Drum Journal 2011 3 A StudCon’s Eye View Band Members One aspect of the StudCon position focus on improving songs that we already Presented awards that I never paid much attention to until played well. When this rehearsal time and I acquired it is the vantage point from licensing restraints allowed, we introduced The Stephen D. MacDiarmid Award, which the StudCon communicates with the many new arrangements in addition to those named in honor of Steve MacDiarmid ’77, Band. True to its purpose, this perspective added to the Tune Sacks during the winter is presented annually to a versatile musician proves useful for watching sporting events and spring. Over the course of five home in the freshman class. This year’s recipients and communicating musical information football games, we premiered five new pop are Louis Coppersmith, Andrew Kalina, before and during songs. It also serves as tunes during halftime shows (as well as one and Georgia Shelton. Louis is a trumpeter a great place to people-watch. at an away game). Trying out the four joke/ from Phoenix, Arizona. When asked about four song format at two football games also his band experience to date, continuing in Sure, a StudCon’s attention is usually allowed us to increase our musical range his father’s band tradition (former Manager focused on the aforementioned games and within a single halftime show. Sam Coppersmith ’76), Louis replied “Band music, but there were those times when has given me the chance to play along with while looking around to encourage a The flood that swept the band room fabulous musicians, get to know hilarious crescendo (or to calm a fortissimo), this summer (or the Great Flood of ‘010, people, and have a great time, all while I learned a whole lot more. Nothing as it has come to half-jokingly be called) wearing a stylish crimson jacket.” Andrew, particularly earth-shattering, mind reminded us all of the importance of from Edina, Minnesota, is a French hornist you, just certain intricacies of keeping our music safe. We started in the Wind Ensemble and the HUB. Also behavior that Bandies may the process of ensuring that there a second generation bandie via his mother, not know I know. I’ve is a running list of the Band’s Alexandra Campbell ’82, he currently plans learned, for example, arrangements and purchased to concentrate in Molecular and Cellular when some Bandies keep digitizing software that will Biology. Georgia is an oboist in the Wind time by bopping their heads allow the Band to scan printed Ensemble and plays saxophone in the Band. to certain measures of their music directly into Sibelius. She hails from Edmond, Oklahoma and ennifer oupy favorite songs. I can tell J H Eventually, the Band could will be concentrating in Organismic and when some of them are Student Conductor have an electronic library in Evolutionary Biology. particularly excited or sad based on changes addition to the physical one. in the intensity of their dancing. I notice The Malcolm H. Holmes Award ’28, when some of them steal glances across Working with the Band musically named after beloved Director Mal Holmes, is the Band at oblivious certain someones. over the past year has strengthened presented to two dedicated freshman Bandies. my appreciation for the difference the The 2010 recipients are saxophonists This knowledge is not restricted to intricacies of a musical performance can Opetoritse Adefolalu and Jack Davison. undergrads. I’ve observed which Crusties make. Watching the Band over the past year Opetoritse is planning to concentrate in play even more enthusiastically when their has strengthened my appreciation for the English with an emphasis on creative writing, favorite fight song is up, which are likely difference the people in an organization as well as studying Music as a secondary to remind undergrads of the potential for make. With all this in mind, I want to thank field. Hailing from Greensboro, North innuendo in cheers, and which sing along my fellow senior staffies for a great year of Carolina, Opetoritse plays for the HUB, to “Bud” (that is, in fact, how I learned friendship, quite a bit of work, and some Sunday Jazz Band, and a Music 91r funk the words.) major successes. Thanks are also in order band. Jack Davison is a freshman in Mower for my committee. They all went above and Hall who is considering a concentration in These are just a few examples of beyond their job descriptions and made sure physics. He enjoys playing jazz saxophone the hundreds of random facts about that all of the behind-the-scenes work and in small combos and with the Jazz Band in Bandies that a StudCon can happen upon enthusiasm that go into a quality musical addition to his activities with the Harvard during a term. This year, there were performance were done far in advance. University Band. He is originally from plenty of new contexts in which to make Most importantly, I want to thank the Band Blauvelt, NY. such observations. For example, the for helping me (whether consciously or not) Band extended its repertoire to include learn a little bit more about each individual The Robert T. Abrams Award, was initiated events like Polo matches and impromptu person, taking great strides musically, and in 2008 by Bob Abrams ’49. Established on weddings. As the men’s basketball team, making my experience as StudCon more the occasion of Abram’s 80th birthday, the always appreciative of our presence, found awesome than I could have hoped. award is to be presented to a senior trumpet itself with a steady supply of fans for the INC, player who has demonstrated outstanding first time in recent history, we gained a musicianship, distinguished leadership, and new, enthusiastic audience that taught us dedication to the Band. This year’s recipient cheers and danced along to our music. is Joshua Martin ’11. A Neurobiology concentrator, he anticipates a career in It was also great to have so many Jennifer Houpy ’12 was Student Conductor medicine. Through his service with the Band, bandies contribute to the Band’s musical from 2010-2011. She is a Neurobiology he has served as trumpet section leader and Herald Trumpeter. experience outside of playing their concentrator from Hinsdale, Illinois. instruments. The number of people interested in adding to our repertoire increased to the point where an additional Arrangers Rehearsal was needed. Almost half of the Bandies who attended conducting lessons in the fall were not StudCon candidates, and all attendees added great insight and learned from each other during the course.

Football games offered the opportunity for more musical growth. The usual frequency of rehearsals allowed us to really Contact the Band! Address: 74 Mt. Auburn St. Cambridge, MA 02138-5051 Phone: 617-496-BAND (2263) Waving Flags! the band shows off harvard’s superior flag Email: [email protected] to princeton. 4 Illegitimum non Carborundum! Cheese, Purell, and Fortune Cookies How the Band Saved My Life Schneiders are often defined by what thize with how important band was to me. band copies and then yells “yay!” It may they provide to the band: they plan events, Former Drum Major Mark Geyer ’06 was sound silly, and it is, but the point is often they encourage tomfoolery (not to be con- making rounds on the oncology floor of to distract the band from a lackluster game fused with Tom foolery), but above all, I've Columbia-Presbyterian Children's Hospital or encourage enthusiasm by making them thought of the Schneider as being the band’s during a summer medical fellowship and shout excitedly. On one occasion, I used the best friend. Schneiders are not often defined stopped in to chat when he recognized my excitement cheer to commemorate cheese. by what the band gives the Schneider, but name on the patient list. Dr. James Garvin this year, the band was the best friend I ’68 became one of my physicians. The doc- I was on a restricted diet for a few could have asked for. tor that interpreted my scans was a former months to avoid side effects from my medi- yale bandie... I remained appropriately sus- cation, and the band had been keeping up During my first Senior Staff picious. on my “Countdown to Cheese” (my most- meeting at Cambridge’s fine Chi- missed food). The day I was free from di- nese restaurant known as “The I promised the band fun, and I was etary restrictions, we had a hockey gig and Kong,” I received a fortune particu- not about to let them down, but it ordered pizza. While I distributed the food, larly suited to my Schneiderly wouldn’t have been possible if the I heard bandies saying excitedly, “Liz! duties: “Enthusiasm can change band hadn’t so readily adapted to CHEESE!” and “Liz, you can eat pizza the current situation.” Little the new norm. My fellow Senior now!” I seized the occasion and the Cheese did I know just how impor- Staff members expected a lot Excitement Cheer was born. As the band tant this idea would become of responsibility. No one mimed the act of biting into pizza (followed to my role and my personal had signed up for this, yet by “mmm… yay!”), I realized this was one life, as “the current situation” was Christine, Andrew, Jen, of the most enthusiastic cheers I had led. It about to include cancer. and Matt rallied around didn’t seem like forced enthusiasm… they Liz Moroney me, helped me when I was really were cheering for my ability to eat I attributed my stultifying Schneider exhausted and wanted me pizza! fatigue to a long semester cou- around even if it was com- pled with an action-packed week of movie plicated. Social events saw more Purell and I tell this story not to bask in personal marathons, Boston excursions, and beach disinfectant than ever before. triumph, but to exalt in the powerful friend- parties with the band leading up to Com- ship that defines this organization. As we mencement. After quite some investigation, Bandies always had my back, whether know, the band always wins, and whether the doctors determined it was Hodgkin’s they provided sunscreen for my pale head, each bandie consciously knew it, they were lymphoma, proving to me now that Senior helped me carry grocery bags for a social making sure we won this match with cancer Staff-dom isn’t a medical condition. event, or even graciously told me to steer too. clear of them because they had the latest Doctors advised me to prevent infec- infection circulating campus. Disappointed With another Kong meeting came an- tion by avoiding crowds, especially at times that I had to miss some drill meetings, I be- other, more cryptic fortune: “The great when my white blood cell counts were low. gan using Skype online video chat to give pleasure in life is doing what people say Probably, I should have been primarily con- my two cents. Jen, this year’s StudCon, you cannot do.” At the yale game, as I cerned about the possibility of me getting would pan the computer around the room doused champagne on the head of the in- sick, but I responded, “Do you consider a at the meeting's beginning and end so that coming Schneider, I was overjoyed. At football game a crowd? If so, that’s going to everyone could say hi. I don't think most first I thought I was delusional from lack of be a problem.” bandies are aware of just how crucial a role sleep… why would I be happy to part with each of them played in my wellbeing, but the job that gave me purpose and defined How I convinced my doctor that go- few cancer patients can say they filled their me so much? It was then I realized that I ing to football games with 100 of my best days with laughter and dancing instead of had definitively, finally done what some friends was somehow the healthiest life bed rest and worry. people said I could not do, and undoubtedly, choice, I don't quite know. Well, the deal being Schneider has been a great pleasure was that I couldn’t participate when I had One of my most memorable Excite- in my life. no white blood cells, which only aligned ment Cheers truly encapsulates just how INC&PVP, with one football game this semester. Being much the band cared. I don't know how Schneider the year of a major illness seems long the Excitement Cheer has been around, like it would be a disaster, but it really was but in recent years, the Schneider has re- the best medicine. vived morale at games by devising unique ways for the band to yell “yay” (such as an Elizabeth Moroney ’12 was Schneider Former bandies came out of the wood- echo traveling row-to-row), or by acting from 2010-2011. She is a Social Studies work to help in my recovery and sympa- something out charades-style, which the concentrator from Eastchester, NY. Harvard University Band Staff 2010-2011 Senior Staff Junior Staff Edith Benavides ‘14 -- Music Archivist Rachel Hawkins ’12 -- Manager Nina Khosrowsalafi ‘13 -- Treasurer Anna Chithelen ‘13 -- Licensing Duncan Watts ’12 -- Drill Master Kerry Flynn ‘14 -- Alumni/PR Sophie Heller ‘14 -- Instruments David Abarca ’13 -- Student Conductor Radhika Jain ‘14 -- Mailing & Merch Yan Che ‘13 -- Internal Tanya Avilova ’13 -- Drum Major Louis Coppersmith ‘14 -- Historian Jimmy Looney ‘14 -- Trips/HUHDS Glenn Bogardus ’12 -- Schneider Calvin Chin ‘14 -- Webmaster Katie Wendorf ‘14 -- Schwartz Max Wang ‘13 -- Assist. Drill Master Cat Flynn ‘13 -- Weisse Section Leaders Sebastian Gomez ‘14 -- Prop Manager Ritse Adefolalu ‘14 -- Weisse Chris Murray ‘13 -- Low Brass/Horns Cha-Cha Smith ‘13 -- Assist. Prop Rachel Wehr ’14 -- Weisse Stephen Kent ‘14 -- Clarinet Carlos Cousins ‘14 -- Blogtographer Tim Barry-Heffernan ‘14 -- Percussion Fana Yirga ‘13 -- Cinematographer Directors Conor O’Herin ‘13 -- Trumpet Jack Davison ‘14 -- Recruitment Tom Everett -- Director of Bands Garrett Morton ‘13 -- Saxophones James Callahan ‘14 -- Music Manager Mark Olson -- Assistant Director Ally Freedy ‘14 -- Flute Andrew Kalina ‘14 -- Music Librarian Bass Drum Journal 2011 5 A Marchdown Memory Lane by Richard Lipman ’57 ish oaths, suggesting that the Elies were to enter the jailhouse, so our bus, bearing somewhat more surprised than pleased. about thirty bandsmen and one policemen, During a dark night in the fall of 1953, Unpursued however, we returned happily to was selected for the honor. Even within on the way to the Columbia game, word passed back through the bus that we should prepare for an unscheduled stop. Then, on a broad street facing a large hotel full of peacefully slumbering guests near the Yale campus, four buses disgorged the Harvard University Band. We blocked up silently with our 8-man front and then with a thun- derous drum roll-off we stepped ahead and “Our Director” shattered the stillness of the chilly night air.

As we marched toward Yale, rudely awakening New Haven with “10,000 Men,” “Soldier’s Field,” “Harvardiana,” and the like, it was difficult to play the trumpet while laughing.

Suddenly, a lone cerulean figure of one of New Haven’s Finest appeared ahead of us, wildly waving his arms for us to stop. As an 8-man front of blaring trombones Serene Seniors! band seniors pose solemnly in front of john approached him face-on, his gesticulations harvard after caroling. became wilder and his shouts less authorita- tive until his mouth simply fell open and his our buses, only to be informed by police of- the jail the group could be accommodated eyes bulged. ficers who boarded after us that we were all only within the cellblock area in which we under arrest. They want to know who was in proceeded to mill about in our relatively At the Yale campus our serenade, charge but the event had apparently afflict- splendid uniforms, much to the delight of culminating with “Fair Harvard,” was ac- ed the entire HUB with acute memory loss. a number of very appreciative and besotted knowledged by a cascade of suddenly- individuals who were being held in actual lighted windows, coarse shouts and churl- There were simply too many of us cells and who shouted loud words to us of encouragement and support. 40 Years of Jazz at Harvard An officer, obviously in authority, Celebrate from April 7-10 hoisted himself onto a desk so he could During the second weekend in April, Anniversary Program/Booklet overlook us and announced loudly and re- Harvard will acknowledge “Forty Years of Developed by the OFA, Department of gally, “I am Lieutenant Nicolo Pepe.” He Jazz at Harvard.” Organized by the Office Music, Tom Everett, with the assistance of pronounced his surname (you guessed it!) For the Arts, the Department of Music others involved in jazz activities at Harvard, identically ot that substance known to the and the Harvard Alumni Jazz Band, the the booklet will include a history of the premedical students as renal effluent. The celebration will include several related Harvard Jazz Band, a list of guest artists to entire group of bandsmen immediately events. the Harvard Campus, presentations by LFP, rocked into uncontrolled laughter to which OFA, and Quincy Jones Chair Professor the good but beleaguered lieutenant, whose Anniversary Exhibition of African and African-American Music face had suddenly acquired the color of our April 7, at 4 p.m. Photos, manuscripts, (Ingrid Monson), listing of jazz courses, band jacket, shouted, “You’se guys think commissions, posters, jazz class syllabi, WHRB Jazz Orgies, Jazz at the Pudding, you’re funny!” Right. and other memorabilia at the Richard F. The Dudley House Jazz Band French Gallery, Eda Kuhn Loeb Music After having taken up a collection to Library, Music Building 40th Anniversary of the Harvard Jazz bail ourselves out (to this day I am stil la- Bands Concert waiting the return of my $10 which, with Collection of Jazz Manuscripts April 9 at 8 p.m. in Sanders Theatre, interest and inflation, should approach the Works commissioned from such composers featuring the Sunday and Monday Jazz value of one semester’s tuition), we went as Benny Carter and Steve Lacy by the Bands, returning Jazz Masters Roy Haynes, on to perform at a half-time and were in- Jazz Bands or Office for the Arts to be Benny Golson, and Eddie Palmieri, visiting capable of spelling out anything other than archived at the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music jazz artists Brian Lynch and Cecil McBee, gibberish. Library, Department of Music and named and alum Don Braden ’85 in honor of Tom Everett, Director of Bands The Band’s subsequent court appear- Harvard Jazz Band Alumni/ae Reunion ance was before a judge who was a Harvard Public Conversation with Ingrid Monson, April 8 to 10 organized by Jill Suttenberg Law School graduate, with defense lawyers Dean of the Arts and Humanities, and Altschuer ’87, Dr. Jeff Wu ’82, and John generously supplied by the Yale Corpora- Tom Everett, Director of Bands Capello ’96, several alum activities to be tion. We were fined $1 for parading without April 8 at 4 p.m. in the Barker Center, announced include a Sunday Brunch, Big a permit and disturbing the peace. sponsored by the OFA’s Learning from Band Reading with the Alumni Jazz Band Performers Program and Jam Session. Jazz Band Alums are urged to send their current contact email Got Alumni News? WGBH- FM (89.7FM) “Jazz on WGBH and street addresses to Mark Olson at Have you found... with host Steve Schwartz” [email protected]. Bandie love? Exorbitant Success? April 8 at 9 p.m. will feature Tom Everett Let us know, and we’ll print it in and returning “Jazz Masters in Residence For more information, visit ofa.fas.harvard. the next Bass Drum Journal! at Harvard University” Roy Haynes, Benny edu/music/jazz.php or call 617.495.8676. Send your news to Golson, and trumpeter Brian Lynch [email protected] 6 Illegitimum non Carborundum! The Conductor’s Corner Mark’s Remarks For once, the HUB’s hooded rain computer generated had to be destroyed. The As I get around campus to meetings jackets did not protect the Band from getting immediate loss of printed music that could or visit with people in the Harvard and the soaked. On the weekend of July 9, 2010, the be replaced through purchase was estimated community, I often receive compliments about Cambridge area was inundated by a deluge at almost $3000. the Band. Usually they mention they love the of several inches of rain in a brief period of Band, how the Band plays great music and time, overwhelming the City of Cambridge The process of drying, cleaning, how spirited the group is. They mention what draining and sewer systems. The result was the sanitizing and replacing rugs took over a difference the band makes at events. After flooding of several basements in the Square, seven weeks. New items were purchased and thanking them, I usually tell them the Band is including the New College Theatre (the Old originally moved items were returned to the also a great group of young men and women. Hasty Pudding), Rosovsky Hall (Harvard rebuilt and newly painted space just a few days Amidst all the spirit, music, and energy Media Services), and four to five inches of before the arrival of staff and the freshman they bring to events, I have the pleasure of “brown water” settling into the Harvard Band class. Harvard doesn’t expect an insurance seeing the students outside of the Room. (If you don’t know about “brown claim settlement for another year or so. games and performances. I water” - just think of that school off of I-95 see students dedicated to the between Boston and New Haven). Although the Band room was quarantined Band with a serious concern for the summer (the OFA kindly provided me for the care of traditions The Band’s losses consisted of items with a cubbyhole desk) the Summer Pops and providing new on the floors (or just a few inches above the Band went on without a hitch, with some new opportunities. As they floor), rugs, electric cords, some electrical music being ordered immediately to replace serve the Band in staff equipment and appliances (mini-fridges, the Summer Band folders which had been positions, I see them the Coke Machine, photocopy machine, stored on the library floor. grow in character and Mark Olson fans), items of clothing, personal briefcases, leadership. I am sure Assistant Director a few pieces of furniture and a couple of My appreciation and thanks go out you all have enjoyable and positive memories instrumental cases (but, thankfully, to 2009-2010 Manager Christine Son ’11, of being in the Band, but I imagine what you no musical instruments). the several staff and Band members and found most satisfying was what you learned Mark Olsn for their timely responses and in serving and dedicating yourself to the Harvard officials supervised dedicated efforts during the summer ensemble. the clean-up with an ongoing emergency to keep the Band “afloat.” line of interacting constructors, As always, the staff of the OFA The Band has had a great and busy year inspectors, and workers in the were extremely supportive and taking on more performances and athletic Band Room throughout the helpful in providing needed events than in the past. It is good to be popular summer. In order to sanitize work and storage space. but also difficult for the band leadership to the space, EVERYTHING was Special acknowledgment must be have to turn down requests when members removed by professional given to the entire Band and staff for are not available to play for an event. movers. Nothing remained Tom Everett the flexibility, resourcefulness, and in the space (not even Band Director humor demonstrated in coping with In the fall, the Wind Ensemble performed memorabilia on the walls) the residual challenge of “The Flood concerts with the Harvard University Band except for Bertha (which had of 2010.” and Jazz Bands (Montage Concert), a joint been placed on blocks) and carefully covered. concert with Boston College, Northeastern All other items were shrink-wrapped (you INC, and Boston University (bands of the should have seen the big tuba!), removed Beanpot), and in December celebrated the and stored in the third floor Dance Studio of 100th anniversary of the birth of William the OFA. The entire Band Music Library was Schuman. You may be familiar with some of boxed up in order and moved to a Harvard William Schuman’s works such as “Chester”, storage facility in Somerville. Thomas G. Everett is in his 40th year as the “When Jesus Wept,” and “George Washington Director of the Harvard Band. Bridge.” This spring, they presented the music The most serious concern was the of Alan Hovhaness, a Somerville native in damage to the Band Library, which is the honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth. home to all copies of our Harvard songs, Guest trumpet soloist Paul Perfetti joined Ivy League Melodies, student arrangements the ensemble in a performance of “Prayer of show/pop tunes, march files, ceremonial of St. Gregory” and “Return and Rebuild the music (commencement), section cheers, Desolate Places.” In addition, the ensemble published Concert and Wind Ensemble has embarked on a composition project, scores, Jazz Band music, chamber music and inviting five Harvard student composers to several music manuscripts. Plastic gloves write a composition for the ensemble based on were used to examine each individual piece of an artwork from Harvard’s Sackler Museum. music contaminated by the sewage. Much of The works will be premiered in April in a the music, whether published, hand copied or concert titled An Afternoon at the Sackler.

Bass Drum Journal Staff Finally this past January I had the opportunity to play my cornet with the Photos Carlos Cousins ’14 professional ensemble The New Sousa Band Sebastian Gomez ’14 in a tour of China. We performed nine concerts Shaun Vigil ’11 in five different cities in ten days. It was an Hannah Horowitz ’11 exhilarating experience. Catherine Flynn ’13 Mark Olson Editing INC, Duncan Watts ’12 Rachel Hawkins ’12 Tanya Avilova ’13 Glenn Bogardus ’12 The Flood of 2010 many prized and many others Mark Olson has been the Assistant Director hub possessions were stored in the of the Harvard University Bands since 2003. Design and Layout dance Studio of the ofa follow- Kerry Flynn ’14 ing the flood. Bass Drum Journal 2011 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