Athletic Bands
The Eastern Michigan University Marching Band, nicknamed "The Pride of the Peninsula," was first formed in 1924. Notable past leaders of the EMU marching band include Mitch Osadchuk (1956–1964), Thomas Tyra (1964–1977), Max Plank (1979–2001), Scott Boerma (2002–2006), and John Zastoupil (2007-2009. The marching band is presently directed by Dr. Amy Knopps (since 2010). The band plays both Go Green and the Eagles Fight Song for pregame at football games, and after every game and rehearsal the marching band sings Our Pledge. Other major parts of the pregame performance include the tunnel entrance and "Floating E". The EMU Marching Band also provides a wide variety of half time entertainment throughout the season. In recent years, The EMUMB has traveled with the football team to The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Ford Field in Detroit. The EMU Marching Band has also performed at venues such as the Pontiac Silverdome and Rich Stadium in Buffalo, NY. In 2008, The EMUMB performed in America's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, MI.
The Eastern Michigan University Basketball Band is directed by the two graduate assistants of the band. Unlike the marching band which is made up of all brass and woodwinds, the Basketball Band's instrumentation is strictly "Brass and Sax." The Basketball Band travels with the basketball teams during the MAC tournament or the NCAA tournament.
The school song "Our Pledge" was written by Edward Bowles and was arranged for the marching band by Thomas Tyra. The melody of "Eagles Fight Song" was written by Larry Livingston and arranged for marching band by Thomas Tyra. The percussion parts were written by Whitney Prince. "Go Green" was written by Thomas Tyra.
Read more about this topic: Eastern Michigan Eagles
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