UB Revives Marching Band with Return to Division I-A Football

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The opening of the 1999 football season at the University at Buffalo will mark the revival of a tradition when UB's new marching band takes the field at the first Bulls game on Sept. 11 against the University of Akron.

Based on attendance at a special band camp held on campus last week, membership in the band -- "The Thunder of the East" -- is expected to number close to 100. The decision to revive the marching band, which last played in 1972, was made in conjunction with this year's return to Division I-A football.

The band members will march in uniforms of white pants and blue pullovers this season, but next season will wear custom-made uniforms, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation.

Thomas E. Baker, executive director of the foundation, said it is proud to provide seed money for the revival of a marching band at UB

"After all," Baker added, "what is 'big-time' college football on a Saturday afternoon without the marching band escorting the fans into the stadium from across the campus? Perhaps the UB marching band can also become a regular half-time performer at the Bills games."

Ronald H. Stein, UB vice president for advancement and development, said a well-attired marching band adds an incomparable element to athletic events and to campus life.

"I applaud the efforts of the Oishei Foundation trustees and want to thank them for realizing the importance of a marching band in bringing both recognition and prominence to UB," he added.

Stein noted that the existence of the band will help UB recruit talented students who are multi-dimensional in their interests. "The Western New York region has a strong tradition of high-school marching bands," said Stein, "so it's very exciting that UB can now expand on that tradition with the help of the Oishei Foundation."

The John R. Oishei Foundation was established in 1940 to support medical research, care and education, as well as cultural and social needs in the Buffalo area.

Barbara J. Ricotta, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said the Oishei grant "gives us time to design a special permanent uniform that uses UB's blue and white colors and shows off our school spirit."

Ricotta said excitement ran high at last week's band camp, with "The Thunder of the East" performing Friday at UB's new-student picnic. Music teachers from several area high schools attended the camp to work with band members and Kenmore West High School, which formerly had a marching band, has loaned some instruments to the UB band. Mark Flynn, who held the same title with the UB pep band, will direct the marching band.

The band camp also resulted in "The Thunder of the East" identifying a drum major, Nathan Kress, who formerly was drum major for the University of Nebraska's "Cornhusker Marching Band" and now is enrolled in UB's MBA program.

"We plan to celebrate by inviting band members from the '60s and '70's to join us for our debut at the Akron game," Ricotta added.

Anyone wishing to donate the "The Thunder of the East" can call Ricotta's office at 716-645-2982.

For information about how you can help support the University at Buffalo, go to http://www.buffalo.edu/giving