Husky Marching Band

Husky Marching Band
Husky Band performs during pre-game activities at Husky Stadium
SchoolUniversity of Washington
LocationSeattle, WA
ConferenceBig Ten Conference
Founded1929
DirectorCorey Jahlas
Assistant DirectorsEdd George, Marcus Pimpleton, David Stewart, Solomon Encina, Yuman Wu
Members262
Fight song"Bow Down to Washington" and "Vict'ry for Washington"
Motto"Touch of Class"
Websitewww.huskymarchingband.org

The University of Washington Husky Marching Band (Husky Band, or HMB) is the marching band of the University of Washington. HMB uses the traditional Big Ten-style chair step style of marching. [1][additional citation(s) needed] The HMB is a year-round ensemble that actively participates in supporting all Husky sports. Members participate during the fall to help support Husky Football at all home football games and selected away games.[1] The 2025 season is the 96th for the HMB.

The Husky Band, under the direction of Bill Bissell, is credited with the invention of the Wave in 1981.[2][3]

An event for local high school bands, Band Day at Husky football games began in 1950 under former director Walter C. Welke.[4]

The HMB is a traveling group, sending many pep bands to away games. The full band has performed at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.[5] and traveled and performed in Japan, China, and Europe. In addition, the HMB plays at various community events around Seattle and does a full show at one local high school once a year. The 2015–2016 season included a trip to Vancouver, B.C. to perform at a B.C. Lions football game as well as a trip to the 2016 Women's Final Four in Indianapolis. The 2023-2024 season also included a trip to Vancouver, B.C, as well as traveling to Las Vegas, NV for the Pac-12 Football Championship Game, New Orleans, LA for the Sugar Bowl, and Houston, TX for the College Football Playoff National Championship in support of Husky Football.

Directors

  • Walter C. Welke (1929–1956)
  • Bill Cole (1957–1970)
  • Bill Bissell (1970–1993)
  • Dr. Brad McDavid (1994–2024)[6][7]
  • Corey Jahlas (2024-)

Current halftime shows

Instrumentation

  • Drum Majors
  • Feature Twirlers
  • Piccolos
  • Clarinets
  • Alto Saxophones
  • Tenor Saxophones
  • Mellophones
  • Trumpets
  • Trombones
  • Baritones
  • Sousaphones
  • Snares
  • Basses
  • Tenors
  • Cymbals

References

  1. ^ a b "Husky Marching Band".
  2. ^ "University of Washington - Official Athletic Site :: Traditions". Gohuskies.collegesports.com. October 31, 1981. Archived from the original on March 25, 2006. Retrieved June 9, 2010.
  3. ^ Bock, Hal (November 7, 1984). "Washington gets final credit for inventing 'The Wave'". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Associated Press. p. 3C.
  4. ^ The Glory of Washington: The People and Events That Shaped the Husky Athletic Tradition by Jim Daves, W. Thomas Porter for Sports Publishing LLC. Page 157
  5. ^ "Husky Marching Band Delivers Wonderful Performance and Irish Legends bring a crowd at the Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on July 26, 2011. Retrieved October 9, 2007.
  6. ^ "Past Directors". Archived from the original on February 8, 2012.
  7. ^ Mikkelsen, Drew (December 29, 2023). "UW band director hopes to go out on top". King 5. Retrieved January 19, 2024.