Orange flags wave in sync as booming drums beat out the "Good Ol' Song." Students stride across Turf Field clutching shiny instruments as they set the tempo of the University's new marching band.
The marching band, created in spring 2003 with a $1.5 million private donation, will have its inaugural performance Sept. 11 at the first home football game of the season.
Associate Director of Bands Douglas L. Phillips said the band is ready to perform, as he watched band members march through the sticky summer air Tuesday afternoon.
In preparation for its debut, the band held an intensive training camp for a week and a half, Phillips said.
"They are very fast learners and hard workers," he said. "You will hear a lot of U.Va. songs. We found some old songs that were part of U.Va.'s traditions that some people might not have heard in a long time."
First-year College student Aislynn Raymond, who twirls an orange flag for the color guard, said the band members are well prepared for the performance.
"I think there are a lot of expectations resting on us, and I am sure we'll surpass them," Raymond said.
Director of Bands William E. Pease said he is impressed with the students' musical talent and leadership.
"It is so much fun to work with this caliber of students," Pease said. "They rehearse like a professional group."
The band is composed of 170 students, first years to fourth years, music students to chemistry majors. About 10 students from Piedmont Valley Community College also are in the band.
Although the students never played together before this week, Pease said the band members rehearse with an aplomb that he has never encountered.
Along with a new sound, the marching band will bring a new spirit to athletic events, Phillips said.
"It's going to add a different and a new level of excitement to sporting activities," he said.
Reading over sheet music with his fellow band-mates, first-year College student Adam Williams said the band members are honored to re-establish the marching band, which last existed at the University during the 1940s.
"It's really cool to be part of something so new," Williams said. "It will really raise the spirit level."
Drum Major Woody Wingfield said the pre-game show, stand music (between plays) and half-time shows will invoke a new, energizing spirit.
"We always have something that will keep the crowd going," Wingfield said.
Phillips said the students are eager to perform for the University.
"They seem to be pumped and excited and ready to get out there and do the job," Phillips said. "I do not think the nerves will happen because the minute they step into that stadium they're going to get so pumped about everything that is happening. They know their stuff."
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