The Boston College Marching Band (BCMB), also known as the Boston College "Screaming Eagles" Marching Band, is the marching band for the Boston College Eagles. Founded in 1919, The Band is the largest and most visible student organization at Boston College, and represents the school at home football games, most bowl games, international events, and parades.[1]
Band
The Boston College Marching Band has about 220 members and is under the direction of David Healey. The Band consists of the following sections: high brass, low brass, woodwinds, battery, front ensemble and dance team. Professional section instructors and student leaders oversee and facilitate all rehearsals and performances. While auditions are not required for instrumentalists, they are required for visual team members and the positions of assistant conductor as well as Drum Major.
A Boston College Marching Band drum major conducting on the field
The Band performs two different half-time shows a year in the drum and bugle corps style of marching. These halftime shows, which are approximately 6 minutes in length, typically consist of 30-40 sets. The Band also performs in the stands during the game, electrifying the fans with a wide repertoire of music.
In the 2010, 2011, and 2012 seasons, the Band traveled to Canada to perform a pre-game and halftime routine for the Montreal Alouettes. The Band has also had the opportunity to perform with the Boston Pops Orchestra at the annual Pops on the Heights concert.
Three hours before kickoff, the Boston College Marching Band parades through Lower Campus and leads the football team into Alumni Stadium. Afterward, The Band performs a short concert on the steps of Silvio O. Conte Forum.
Before the football game starts, the Marching Band performs "The Pre-Game Show." Pre-Game starts with a High-Brass Fanfare, performed by the Trumpets and Mellophones. The Band then prances out onto the field and performs a series of BC fight songs. First, the Band performs "Sons of Maroon and Gold", "All Up For Boston," and "Shipping Up To Boston." The Band then salutes the opposing team by playing their fight song. The Band then proudly performs the nation's oldest fight song "For Boston." During "For Boston," the Band forms the letters "BC" on the field, and during the final phrases, "italicizes" the letters to match the school's logo.
In the stands, the Band also plays a variety of music. After every first down, the Band plays a short, 4-bar fanfare similar to "Sweep Down the Field," another BC fight song. The Band also plays numerous cheers, such as "E-A-G-L-E-S," and "Booty Drop". Some songs the Band played during the 2012–13 season were:
Current staff of the band include: Brian Shanbrun-Woodwinds, Tim Leonelli-Low Brass, Mark Soo-High Brass, Simon Mazzoli-Percussion, Sanjay Pamaar-Percussion Assistant, Dan Salant-Front Ensemble, and Daria Healey-Dance Team.
