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The Terps football players weren't the only ones celebrating at Byrd Stadium Saturday after the team's dramatic homecoming victory.
Despite dreary conditions and steady downpour, nothing stood in the way of the Homecoming Alumni Band and Mighty Sound of Maryland's celebration this weekend of "100 years of leading the way."
Although the band celebrated its centennial this weekend, the rich history of music groups at the university dates back to 1862, when music was played at the first graduation ceremony. The Maryland Agricultural College, as it was called at the time, formed a Glee Club in 1896 and Mandolin Club the following year. The school's Cadet Band was formed in 1908, composed of only 18 instrument players and six buglers.
University Archivist Anne Turkos has worked with a team of two others for a little more than a year to put together a history of the band. She also set up a gallery in Hornbake Library with pictures and copies of old programs and music sheets.
"The quality of musicianship is at a very high level right now," Turkos said. "The program is much more diversified" than when it started, she added.
Hundreds of alumni from all over the country, young and old, flocked to the campus this weekend to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the university's marching band. The former band members met at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Friday night to meet and greet and prepare for the weekend's performance.
"I think I'm the oldest one here," laughed Murray McColloch, a 1949 alumnus who was a drum major and baton twirler.
McColloch, who now resides in Dallas, said this was the first alumni band reunion he has attended. He reminisced about his glory days as a band member, but mentioned he was also a cheerleader at the same time.
McColloch explained he would lead the band out on the field as a baton twirler, go back to the locker room, change his outfit and cheer on the field until halftime.
"I didn't get to see many games, but I loved it," he added.
Richard Taylor, a 1972 alumnus and percussionist for the band, came from St. Petersburg, Fla., for the event. He vividly recalled his nerves during the beginning of his tenure with the band.
"My first time at Byrd Stadium, it scared the shit out of me," said Taylor, who played a large role in researching the band's history along with Turkos. "I thought I was gonna puke. I didn't, but almost."
Lowell Richmond Sparks, associate director of bands, said about 150 alumni usually show up for homecoming, but this year, there were more than 500.
"I've had a lot of big moments," said Sparks, who is in his 25th year directing the band. "Let's call this the biggest."
Even Sparks's daughter understood the tremendous importance of the event. Andrea, a 2005 alumnus who was in the marching band for five years, called this weekend "a culmination of the past 25 years of hard work."
But Sparks remained humble, emphasizing the centennial was a celebration of the rich history of the marching band.
"The performance [the musicians] provide is all about them," he said.
Sparks admitted his main concern was gathering so many alumni together on the football team's practice field to rehearse. But he was very confident in their abilities, even though some hadn't picked up instruments in years prior to preparation for the weekend.
"It's just like riding a bicycle: you'll never forget it," he told his alumni band in an emotional speech before Friday night's rehearsal.
More recent alumni also partook in the centennial celebration. Noah Lazar, a 2000 alumnus, talked about the social benefits, explaining that he met his wife in the band.
"Everyone you hang out with is there," he said. "There's a performance side, and there's a social side to it."
Lazar recalled helping with the band during the 2000 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. The band has also performed at numerous NFL games and three presidential inaugurations, and traveled to New Orleans, to build homes during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II even traveled to College Park to watch "a typical American sport" as the Terps faced off against the North Carolina Tar Heels, and she was very pleased with the band's performance.
"This band is not only one of the best public relations this university has; this band is composed of some of the best and brightest students this school has to offer," Sparks said.
Zach Nemser, a 2006 alumnus who served as president of Kappa Kappa Psi, the band fraternity, for two years, said band members are always very knowledgeable of customs of the university.
"I think one of the most important jobs that the band has is keeping with the school's traditions and school spirit," he said. "Every band member will know more about this university, more about the history than any other average student."
Lazar admitted that the band requires a big commitment. Still, he seemed very grateful for his experiences.
"While you're there, it's not always fun. It's a lot of stress, a lot of work," he said. "[But] looking back on it, it's some of your best memories."
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