Hawkeye Marching Band - Traditions

Traditions

• Hawkeye Victory Polka - The HMB plays their rendition of the song "In Heaven There Is No Beer" after every Hawkeye victory. The band alternates between the verses instrumentally and vocally, along with Hawkeye fans. The song was originally played many times during a game when it was first introduced in the 1960s. However, controversy arose concerning the song's lyrics. Critics of the song claimed that the tune promoted the abuse of alcohol and that it was an inappropriate song for the band to play. In 2001, the University of Iowa President completely banned the song from being played, either instrumentally or vocally. However, overwhelming support for the song prompted the President to bring the song back to Hawkeye athletic events. The song is now performed only after Hawkeye victories and on special occasions. The HMB does not circulate sheet music of the "Hawkeye Victory Polka" or teach incoming members how to play it. Members must learn the song by ear. (The song is commonly known amongst band members and alumni as "The Beer Song".)

• Hey Jude - Arranged by former HMB director Tom Davis, this popular Beatles classic was first played during a halftime show in 1968. The band then began to play the song during the break between the 3rd and 4th quarters. The band has played "Hey Jude" in this way ever since. The song is played during the band's Rec Building Concert, post-game performances and other special events.

• "Sousy Bowl" - During the week of the Iowa/Iowa State rivalry game the sousaphone sections from both the Hawkeye Marching Band and the Iowa State University Marching Band come together for a game of full-contact football. This annual event is alternates sites depending on which university is hosting the rivalry game that Saturday.

• "Vocal Alma Mater" - Unlike some other schools in the Big Ten, the Iowa Alma Mater is not played at football games, due to the length of the song and the complexity of the lyrics and melodies. For this reason the Alma Mater has been an 'unofficial trademark' of sorts for the HMB. They perform two versions of the Alma Mater, an instrumental ballad and a vocal version. The instrumental version is rarely played due to the popularity of the 4-part harmony vocal version. The band sings the vocal Alma Mater every week in the "tunnel" underneath Kinnick Stadium just before marching pre-game on the field. It is traditional that band members remove their marching shakos and/or hats, link arms and sway while performing the music. The band also sings the Alma Mater after the game is over and most fans have already cleared the stadium.

• The Boom - "The Boom" has become a trademark of the Hawkeye Marching Band. Occurring immediately prior to the band's pregame routine at games, the band's announcer speaks through the stadium sound system "It's time to get ready for the boom!" Immediately following this announcement, the drum line's bass drum players all play a single count, creating a loud boom that echoes inside the stadium. The Boom signals the beginning of the pregame routine.

• Band Camp Week - "Band Camp Week" aka "Hell Week" is the HMB's training week. It is held the week before classes at the University of Iowa begin and is held all day each day. New members learn the marching style as well as other important techniques while veteran members practice the same techniques. The first show of the year is also taught during this week.

• Rec Building Concert - Before every home football game, the HMB performs a brief concert inside the UI Recreation Building along with the Iowa Dance Team, cheerleaders, and the school mascot Herky. The band stands in concentric arcs and plays the common pregame fight songs as well as that week's halftime music. "The Series", the band's marching cadence, is also performed.

• Drill Down - Towards the end of Hell Week, all members of the band participate in a competition known as the Drill Down. The band begins in a large block formation and the drum major calls out various commands. If a band member makes any sort of mistake during this competition, he/she is eliminated from the competition. It is common for the drum major to intentionally confuse band members in order to gauge their concentration and skill. The eliminations continue until only one member is left and crowned the winner.

• Bones and Tones - The Rec Building Concert's opening act. Members of the baritone and trombone sections combine to entertain the concert crowd with different musical selections every game. The music for these performances is typically arranged for multi-part bones and tones by the members themselves. The small ensemble features particular cheers and tunes unique to the two low brass sections.

• Saxamatone Kickball - During Hell Week, the baritone and saxophone, both alto and tenor, sections combine to play a game of kickball on the marching band's practice field. No other sections may participate in the competition, but the drum major and Golden Girl may participate as either players or as officials. The baritones, although always vastly outnumbered (as much as 40-12) are the reigning champions for a third consecutive year, winning this year's match 5-4 in the bottom of the 9th inning.

• Band Banquet - After the marching season has ended, the Hawkeye Marching Band holds a formal dinner for all members of the band. During this banquet, students who have been selected by their peers as exceptional members of the band are awarded the "Rank of Honor" by the director. Members also compile a slide show to be played commemorating the past year and the different events and happenings during the season.

• The Salt Block- The Salt Block was just that - a block of salt commonly used in cattle feeding - carried along on band trips and events by the Sousaphone section. The Salt Block was featured at nearly every Sousy skit at the yearly Band Extravaganza. Tradition was that the Salt Block would be held for one year, then passed to another member of the Sousaphone section for safekeeping. It is traditional that every Sousy licks the salt block, in order from the most experienced member to the newest.