UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC BAND OF THE HOUR BACKGROUNDER The Spirit of Miami The Frost Band of the Hour Marching Band, Pep Band, and Hurricanettes Danceline are the most exciting, visible, and involved student groups on the University of Miami campus. With a long and rich tradition of spirit and enthusiasm, the Frost Band of the Hour supports The University of Miami Hurricanes as part of the ACC Conference. The band performs for more than 70,000 people at Hurricanes football games held at Sun Life Stadium, as well as championship bowl games, nationally televised NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball games, March Madness Basketball Tournaments and marching band festival exhibitions. Our History Established in 1933, the Band of the Hour is the official Marching Band of the University of Miami. Dubbed the “Band of the Hour” by a radio announcer during the 1948 Orange Bowl half time show, it was formally renamed the Frost Band of the Hour when benefactors Phillip and Patricia Frost made a substantial contribution to the marching band program. As the largest and most spirited student organization on the University of Miami campus, its commitment to musical and artistic excellence, has allowed the Band of the Hour to maintain a long tradition of service to the university. 2 University of Miami Frost Band of the Hour The Director Jay C. Rees is Professor of Music and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Miami Frost School of Music. His responsibilities include leading the Frost Band of the Hour, the marching and pep bands of the University of Miami, at UM sporting events such as nationally televised Miami Hurricanes football and basketball games, and expanding the band’s reach and reputation throughout the region. During his 21-year tenure as Professor of Music and Director of Athletic Bands at The University of Arizona in Tucson, Rees’ bands released CD recordings, appeared on NBC-TV’s Today Show and Fox Sports, and were named top in the country by the prestigious CBDNA. His contemporary arrangements and inventive drill design have gained national presence and he is referenced extensively in the book “Marching Bands and Drumlines: Secrets of Success from the Best of the Best.” Who Can Join Any student enrolled at the University of Miami is welcome to join and participate in the Frost Band of the Hour marching band, regardless of major. In addition, students who attend Miami Dade College or Broward College are also eligible to enroll. Full time UM student members receive a $1,500 stipend per season, and Miami Dade College students receive a $1,000 stipend. 3 University of Miami Frost Band of the Hour Auditions There are no auditions required for musicians to join the Band of the Hour, simply prior musical training. However, Hurricanette dancers and flags do take an audition prior to band camp, and drum line members take a quick placement audition for specific instruments. Typical Students The band is comprised of students from all majors on campus, and from virtually every state in the country. More than 75 percent of the band is made up of non-music majors. The Band of the Hour seeks all interested students and Canes fans to join the ranks. The band’s GPA is consistently above the all-campus average, and its members include Foote Fellows, Stamps Scholars, Resident Assistants and other promising leaders. Typical Schedule The time commitment for the Band of the Hour is much less than the majority of high school bands. Rehearsals Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 - 6 p.m. and on game day mornings. Pep Band The Frost Band of the Hour Pep Band is a group of 40 musicians selected by audition from the marching band. This high-energy jazz/rock ensemble supports the spirited atmosphere at many UM athletic events. They are seen and heard by thousands of fans during events, and millions more through television coverage of NCAA games. 4 University of Miami Frost Band of the Hour The Frost Band of the Hour Pep Band rehearses one night per week throughout the fall and spring. They perform at men and women’s basketball games, volleyball games and various charity and community events. Students chosen to participate in Pep Band receive a $1,000 stipend. All travel expenses are covered to national basketball championship tournaments. How to Join Contact the Frost School of Music band office at 305.284.4273 or email [email protected] to let us know of your interest. While registering for fall classes at UM, include Marching Band (listed under “MIP 170”) as one of your classes. Media Contact For media coverage contact Julia Berg, Frost School of Music Director of Marketing & Communications, at 305.284.4895 or email [email protected]. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT February 22, 2015 Julia Berg, Director of Marketing & Communications Phone (Office): 305.284.4895 Email: [email protected] FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC PEP BAND OF THE HOUR TO PERFORM AT THE MIAMI HEAT GAME WHAT: The Frost School of Music Band of the Hour performs prior to the start of the Miami Heat v. Philadelphia 76ers, outside of the back entrance of the American Airlines Arena, off of WHEN: Northeast 8th Street. Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. WHERE: American Airlines Arena 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132 * Performance off of Northeast 8th Street at the back entrance of the arena. WHO: The Frost Band of the Hour Marching Band, Pep Band, and Hurricanettes Danceline are the most exciting, visible, and involved student groups on the University of Miami campus. Holding a longstanding tradition of spirit and enthusiasm, The Frost Pep Band of the Hour supports The University of Miami Hurricanes as part of the ACC Conference. HOW: As parking spaces are limited, public transportation is the most convenient option to get to the American Airlines Arena. The Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus are just a short walk from the arena entrance. ParkJockey offers guests the ability to book their parking in advance at select lots around the arena. To book your guaranteed spot, visit www.parkjockey.com ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT August 29, 2015 Julia Berg, Director of Marketing & Communications Phone (Office): 305.284.4895 Email: [email protected] THE BAND OF THE HOUR IS READY TO PROVE THIS IS ITS TIME CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2015) - Last season the Frost Band of the Hour left audiences in awe with its new performances, proving that even a small band can keep up with ones twice its size. Now under the direction of Professor Jay C. Rees, nationally recognized for his progressive approach and cutting-edge stlye, the Frost Band of the Hour is ready to excite and energize the crowd during the 2015 season. The Frost Band of the Hour has a deep sense of tradition, enthusiasm, and strong alumni commitment. The band’s history spans approxiamately 90 years, with performances at national bowl games and international competitions and events. Under the previous direction of Dr. Thomas Keck, the band placed emphasis on the music that they played in the stands, focusing more on urban and latin tunes in order to appeal to the audience. However, Jay C. Rees is introducing an unconventional idea to his alma mater. With a 20 year history as the director of the Pride of Arizona’s marching band, Rees revolutionized the bands image and brought it international fame. Introducing more rigorous demands to professionalize the student experience, and infuse the band’s tradition with popular and alternative music, Rees plans on doing the same for the Frost School of Music Band of the Hour. “Whether in a rehearsal or performance, it’s important to be engaged in the moment that is artistic creation as often as possible, and at the highest possible level,” says Professor Jay C. Rees, Director of Athletic Bands. “This band has the potential to continue to grow and exceed expectations, and we’re ready to show Miami that this is our time.” --- more --- Though marching band is not technically considered a sport, it is hard to say that bands do not work as hard as any other athletic team on campus. However, there is more to marching than just the physical capibilities members have to put in during practice. Along with 12 to 15 hour pracitces memorizing new music and drill, members keep themselves on a strict diet and time schedule in order to put on a good show, all while balancing school work and other extracurricular activities. “Professor Rees has definitely pushed us in a new direction,” says Wyatt Jenkins, Band of the Hour Drum Major. “There is a new drive behind everything we do, and the audience sees our hard work during every halftime performance.” Revamped and excited for the upcoming season, the Frost Band of the Hour debuts its first halftime show on Sept. 5, during the Miami v. Bethune-Cookman football game at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. About the Frost School of Music Band of the Hour The Frost Band of the Hour Marching Band, Pep Band, and Hurricanettes Daneceline are the most exciting, visible, and involved student groups on the University of Miami campus. With a long and rich tradition of spirit and enthusiasm, the Frost Band of the Hour supports The University of Miami Hurricanes as part of the ACC Conference. The band performs for more than 70,000 people at Hurricanes football games held at Sun Life Stadium, as well as championship bowl games, nationally televised NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball games, March Madness Basketball Tournaments and marching band festival exhibitions.