Inside Iowa State

Oct. 19, 2007

Oct. 28 concert features Iowa State's best bands

by Anne Krapfl

It's a band lover's dream.

Iowa State's four best and largest student bands all but blow the roof off Stephens Auditorium during the music department's annual Band Extravaganza, this year to be held Sunday, Oct. 28. The show starts at 3 p.m., wraps up before 5 p.m. and includes performances by the university's top two concert bands, the top jazz ensemble and the 321 member-strong Cyclone Football "Varsity" Marching Band.

"It's a lot of fun, a real celebration of Iowa State spirit," said department chair and director of bands Michael Golemo. "And yes, it's loud."

Golemo said the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble each will play for about 15 minutes in the first part of the program, separated by a performance from the Jazz Ensemble I.

When the marching band takes the stage, members literally are "elbow to elbow, shoulder to shoulder," Golemo said. "That stage is big, it's deep ... but it's a big band," he said.

Baton twirler Emily Bright and part of the colorguard will join the marching band for some of its numbers.

"People often are surprised at how musical that group is. Clearly, they know how to march, but their music is very good, too," Golemo said.

During the concert, audience members will hear everything from jazz to band classics, including Iowa State Fights, Bells of Iowa State and the best of this fall's football halftime shows.

Tickets to the Band Extravaganza are $10 ($5 for students, children and seniors) and available through Ticketmaster, including the Iowa State Center ticket office at Stephens.

Band Extravaganza

Oct. 28, 3 p.m.

Stephens

$10 (Ticketmaster)