USD Marching Band prepares for halftime
After a year of performances scheduled and performances cancelled, The Sound of USD marching band is back for a full football season of field performances. The band travelled to Lawrence, Kansas this past weekend for their first performance.
Todd Cranson, director of the band, said he really enjoyed the band’s season last year despite the change in operations due to COVID-19. Cranson said the music is his favorite part of marching band. The band performs a variety of pop songs, including a jazz-pop crossover they performed in Kansas.
Cranson said he thinks that marching band appeals to many people because there are so many aspects to it, from music, the marching, the tradition and the energy on the field. During the pandemic, Cranson said they didn’t get to perform in front of 10,000 people and that the band felt incomplete without that element.
However, Cranson said he was extremely proud of the band’s cooperation, with the band holding their summer rehearsal camp outside in the heat fully equipped with masks.
The Sound has historically been a band of over 100 members. This year, however, they have around 65 students. Cranson said there were a lot of students in the band last year that didn’t come back for this season.
“The students that are out on the field this year are very good, excited and are killing it,” Cranson said.
Cranson said audiences can expect a real treat at football games this year, with a newly renovated DakotaDome and a student section that will now include the marching band in its center.
Piccolo section leader Alicia Turnquist said she’s most excited about being back performing halftime shows.
“The band members this year are quick learners and have been able to accomplish a lot in a short amount of rehearsals,” she said.
Turnquist said she enjoys being able to show USD and the Vermillion community what the band and music department are doing on campus.
“We are a very visual group that many people can recognize, every game creates a lot of energy and excitement in the Dome, it’s a feeling you don’t forget,” Turnquist said.
The Sound’s next performance is during halftime at the Coyotes’ first home football game against Arizona State this weekend.
