Homecoming 2009 – Save the Date
Mark your calendar for October 9 and 10 to attend a weekend of revelry as the Hawkeyes take on the University of Michigan Wolverines for Homecoming. The University of Iowa Alumni Association continues the tradition of hosting Fossils to bring back your memories of the days “when the band was good.” Come back to Iowa City to:

• March in the Homecoming parade
• Enjoy a breakfast and pre-game tailgate meal in the Rec Building, with a practice in between
• Perform on the field before the game

Hotels fill up fast, so we encourage you to make your reservation now. Visit the Iowa City/Coralville Convention & Visitors Bureau for a complete listing of hotels. You can also check out pictures from last year’s festivities.

Get Ready for the Boom!
Watch Get Ready for the Boom, a documentary aired on the Big Ten Network that features HMB student interviews, excerpts from Hell Week, and pre-game performances (push ups included!).
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Iowa Summer Music Camps
Do you know an 8th-12th grader who would benefit (and who wouldn’t?) from spending part of their summer with the UI School of Music faculty? Send them to Iowa City! Formerly known as Iowa All-State Music Camps, the Iowa Summer Music Camps offer educational and recreational activities and a wide range of musical instruction for future HMB members. The residential halls are even air conditioned (remember the days when they weren’t?)! With dining hall privileges, it’s practically a resort!

To apply for minority or need-based scholarships, request an application packet, or learn about the faculty, please visit the website.

New and Improved Websites
Check out the School of Music’s redesigned website. We think you’ll especially enjoy the updated HMB page, which features the HMB staff, student leaders, and sections. Find out about upcoming performances and pep band, and download MP3 audio files of the songs you fondly remember from your HMB days.

• University Bands
• Hawkeye Marching Band
• Iowa Summer Music Camps

Did you miss seeing HMB in action this fall?

• Take a look at the 2008 football season with HMB’s online photo album.
• Pictures from Alumni Band 2008 are also still available.

New Kid on the Block: Meet Rob Medd
Rob, a trombone player, recently took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his first year in HMB. A Coralville native and trombone performance and music education major, Rob also belongs to Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (S.T.A.T.), the UIAA’s student membership organization.

UIAA: Why did you choose the University of Iowa?

RM: My dad is an alum (Robert Medd, 86BM), so I knew a lot of the people and had connections with the School of Music. Plus, the music program here is one of the best in the Big Ten, and even the nation, yet it is also one of the most affordable.

UIAA: Why did you audition for the HMB?

RM: I performed in the marching band in high school, and it is also a requirement for my major. My dad was in HMB, and he encouraged me to use it as a great way to meet people before school started.

UIAA: What has been the biggest surprise this year being in HMB?

RM: The level of connectedness to the university, and how it would play such a big part of my life. And, of course, playing in the Outback Bowl really rates high, too.

UIAA: What is your most memorable moment?

RM:  The Penn State game was pretty awesome. Playing in front of a national audience, the crowd was going crazy, and the attention focused on that game made me feel like I was really a part of something big.

UIAA: What is your least favorite aspect of HMB?

RM: Hell Week, definitely, the week of camp just before school starts. The nine hours of playing and marching is so exhausting. Fun, but definitely exhausting.

UIAA:  Is there a particular staff or faculty member that has influenced you?

RM: Kevin Kastens. I really like the way he runs rehearsal and challenges us. To get us to do a new show every week for the first four weeks of school is really impressive.

UI Alumni Association Membership Supports Alumni Band
Programs funded by the UIAA, including Alumni Band, are made possible by our dues-paying members. We’re a 501(c)3 organization (non-profit), and rely on the support of our members. Not a member? Join today! Already a member? Thank you for your support!