University of Illinois - Illio Yearbook (Urbana Champaign, IL)

Page 30 text:

Marching Mini Supply The Entertainment The marching band continues practicing well into the afternoon, working to perfect their performance for the Saturday game. Halftime at Illinois football games would be in- complete without the performance of the Marching Illini, one of the finest marching, playing, and sing- ing groups in the nation. Composed of over 175 men students from the Concert and First Regimental Bands, and selected members of the Second Regi- mental Band, the Marching Illini thrilled the crowds at this year's five home games and at an away game at Northwestern University. At each game, the band, under the direction of Everett Kisinger, is led onto the field in ILLINI formation by Rick Jarrard, drum major. Then Chief Illiniwek, portrayed by Ben Forsyth, adds to the spirit and tradition by performing his well- known war dance, after which the band plays the Alma Mater. The crowd enjoys joining them in song. In addition to providing entertainment at halftime, the Marching Illini play after touchdowns and dur- ing timeouts, which add to the enthusiasm of the fans. The band is also known for its different yells, including Blood Call, Resist Them, Resist Them, and Ricketty Ricketty Ree. The members practice forty to fifty formations a year in order to give a unique and exciting perform- ance at every game. Each precise exhibition is the result of almost eight hours practice a week. For a change of pace, the band plays one semi- classical or classical number at every performance. The Marching Illini are truly the pride of the Uni- versity of Illinois. 26

Page 29 text:

The Fighting Ulini line up on West Virginia's two yard line during the first game of the season. The Illini won 34 to 0. and Then All Eyes Are on the Fighting Illini Three vivacious Pom Pom Girls, Julann Powell, Peginne Lynn, and Brenda Payne (from left to right) wait anxiously for the next play. These girls give zest to the game. What do you mean, your leg hurts ? Get in there before the next play! 25

Page 31 text:

After Hours of Practicing to Attain Precision l •Ilillillili. ■ ■ 4HMc 1 TP' v • 4 PI ' . £,:. - '§ 1 m lUr ' J - ffi • ' ifc Mfll Relaxing on the lawn, members of the Illini band take out their instruments in preparation for their daily practice. The performance requires even more equipment. These two band members do their part by wheeling over the kettledrums. Maybe cotton in the ears would help solve this fellow's problem. Practicing for Saturday's big event, Kirby Johnson plays among French horn players. Could this be the new uniform for Illini glockenspiel players? 27