Ohio State University - Makio Yearbook (Columbus, OH)

Page 17 text:

Energetic Jim Bodman of Alpha Tau Omega led the Marching Band into intricate formations this year. In an exhibition of spirit that Band members dis- played even on the sidelines, trumpeters give the cheerleaders a hand and provide musical accom- paniment for enthused cheer section. Most enthusiastically re- ceived and most familiar of all formations of the Band is the famous Script Ohio. Tradition has it that the Tuba man long- est a Band member is ac- corded the honor of dot- ting the i .

Page 16 text:

Ohio State Marching Band Spirit was their by- ' word . . . All of the enthusiasm and spirit that moved a crowd of eighty thousand to its feet for every kickoff seemed to stem from a group of 120 men nattily attired in navy blue, scarlet and grey trimmed uni- forms and white spats — the Ohio State Marching Band. This re- markable group exhibited the particular spirit in question at every football game with fabulous performances of musical formation that put any (and we mean ctny) similar organization in the country to shame. Besides the field formations, they entertained football crowds with sideline demonstrations of their fervor in backing the Buckeyes. Always the success of pre-game rallies depended upon their perform- ances there. Weeks of rigorous practice under the watchful eye of Director Jack Evans preceded every exhibition of marching skill. Members were chosen only after meeting stiff tests of musical ability and physical agility which they displayed convincingly with every performance of the Band. Nothing short of a touchdown against Michigan can equal the pride Buckeye Fans feel while watching their smart, snappy, All-American Marching Band strut across the gridiron, sending a musical challenge echoing throughout the vast Ohio stadium.

Page 18 text:

Pausing a moment from the rigors of Band practice, members stop to welcome each other to another year of fabulous and talented performances. Ma rch iuf Ban d . . . The first week of school preceding the first perform- ance was a busy one for every Band member. Eight hours of grueling competitive practice occupied each member ' s day. During these practice sessions, every man who as- pired to a regular Saturday afternoon position with the Band proved his worth by marching at the pace of 180 archy high steps per minute. He was expected to commit to memory his part in each of the intricate formations and the musical accompaniments as a matter of course. Rigorous as the requirements may have been, the honor of performing under the baton of Jack Evans proved a great inspiration . . . approximately 300 men turned out to compete for positions. And when the practices were done Director Evans had 120 top performers plus three alternates (just as good) for each row. I m yS t Vw HIB IR -i »m From his high lookout in the west side of the Stadium, Jack Evans, with the aid of the loud- speaker system, directs the Marching Band in practice. Excitement mounts in the last minutes before the performance. Here the Band watches every step of the opposing; b.ind ' s show, while w.iitinj; to ni.ike its own spectacular appearance.