Iowa State University Cyclone Marching Band - Student Traditions

Student Traditions

• Sectional clothing: Before homecoming each year, each section creates some unique article of clothing to represent themselves―generally a T-shirt, though in the past capes or long underwear have been used. The members of the section are listed by rank and number on the back. Shirts from previous years are worn by returning members in reverse order during homecoming week, culminating with the unveiling of the newest shirt on Friday.

• Hockey Pep Band: This is an unofficial pep band organized in support of the university's men's hockey club. While small and modest, it has persisted for over a decade through new membership and alumni contributions.

• Homecoming is always a festive time for the band; the night before the game no exception. Current band members and alumni gather at the Music Hall before midnight and sneak to the Campanile to play for the gathered crowd under fireworks. The group then proceeds to Lake LaVerne to sing "The Bells of Iowa State" for the swans Sir Lancelot and Elaine, and then plays fight songs and favorites up and down Welch Avenue near the university into the early morning. They gather in the Friley Hall courtyard, play the entire pregame sequence, and then retire to rise early for the day's football game.

• Another annual tradition is the band banquet, a semi-formal party and dance held in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. A slide show of photos submitted by the students is shown, along with a video of sketches and parodies performed by the senior members, leadership, and directors of the group.