Cheering fans are not the only ones making noise at sporting events. The Thunder of the East, UB's marching band, has been bringing school spirit to campus since the 1920s and has never been as large as it is today.
"Our motto this season is power, precision and passion. Power of volume, precision with our marching and passion to hold it all together," said John Bowie, a junior aerospace engineering major and band member.
Before classes even start, members are working on material for the new season, learning the basics and practicing the entire season opener. They practice from 9 a.m. until noon and then again from 5 to 10 p.m.
"There is no way you can get through a season without becoming a better player and a louder player," Bowie said.
The band plays at games, the new student picnic and the scholarship gala, although they do not limit themselves to only playing at UB events. They also do local shows and community parades, according to Bowie.
In an effort to amplify school spirit and gain cohesion this year, the band is working closely with the UB Dazzlers.
"We welcome people who have never played or marched before," said Eric Rochman, commending officer and drum major for the band and junior biological sciences major.
Try-outs only exist for drum line positions - new members are not required to have experience. The open invitation has led to increasing numbers in recent years, according to Rochman.
"When I came in there were 50-something members and now we're close to [150]," said Brandon Bryant, a senior Spanish major and band member. "It's great to see the growth of the program."
Those interested in joining the Thunder of the East can sign up for band as a class and earn two credit hours, which also helps avoid classes conflicting with practices. Members of the band are paid - freshmen earn $125 and veterans of the band earn $175 per season.
The band gets together outside of practices and games just to hang out as friends. They get dinner, play Ultimate Frisbee, go to Lasertron, and plan movie nights.
"It's great to see they don't just come to band," Rochman said. "It really is a family atmosphere."
Aside from being a close-knit family away from home, the band works hard at every practice, even after pre-season in order to perfect their performances.
"We practice Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.," Rochman said.
Band Director James Mauck keeps the band motivated and encourages amplified sound and excitement, according to Bowie.
"I don't make them do anything I wouldn't do or have not done myself. It's all about motivation," Mauck said.
The band's show this season is "City Rhythms, Sounds of New York City" and is meant to make listeners feel as thought they are entering the city during the opener. The band can be heard playing at football games along with other local performances all season.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
