UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 1, Page 8
September 5, 1996
Bigger UD Marching Band prepares for first game

     The UD Fightin' Blue Hen Marching Band arrived on campus early to
prepare for its upcoming season, which begins this Saturday in
Delaware Stadium.
     The band is bigger, brassier and better than ever, according to
director Heidi Sarver, who said it has doubled in size since 1994 and
now boasts an impressive 225 members, including 108 incoming freshmen
and eight sophomores who will be new members.
     "What is gratifying is that there is a 75 percent return rate
from last year, which is a meaningful mark of approval from band
members," Sarver said.
     Sarver and assistant director, Jim Ancona, are making some
changes this year, including a new pre-game show. The music, including
the Fight Song and Alma Mater, will remain the same, but the
presentation will be different because of the band size, Sarver said.
     The band has worked on new shows for halftime as well. "During
band camp, which began Aug. 25, the Marching Band was getting its act
and music together for the fall season," Sarver said.
     This year, the UD Marching Band also will participate in a
Collegiate Band Festival, to be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6, in
Crum Stadium, Allentown, Pa. Nine colleges, including Boston College
and West Chester University, will perform. Not only will the
exhibition provide a showcase for the Delaware Marching Band, it will
give band members a chance to hear and see other college bands on the
march, Sarver said.