The Sound of the Golden Hurricane is enjoying the reinstatement of its front ensemble percussion section, which was last a part of the band in 2012. New percussion and amplification equipment was purchased using gift funds by longtime band supporters Virginia and Charles Scott – the latter a former drum major. The band’s 22 percussionists are making effective and enthusiastic use of the new gear during on-field performances. The Scotts’ gift was also used to refurbish the band’s sousaphones. Additionally, the Sound has been outfitted with uniform T-shirts, baseball caps and polo shirts using funds from the 2021 ‘Cane Crowd fundraising initiative. I hope to continue supplying students with similar items in the future. It’s been heartening to see our band wearing quality band-branded apparel, especially outside of rehearsals. Their excitement to wear our gear speaks to the pride in their membership. I am hopeful that through our normal budget or future fundraising initiatives, we will continue supplying our hard-working students with similar clothing!
The ’Cane Crowd initiative also supplied money that enables us to feed the band students before football games, a perk that members have not enjoyed since 2018. Catering has included Papa John’s pizza and Raising Cane’s chicken.
The Sound’s repertoire for the season, when possible, attempts to integrate with the home game themes established by TU’s athletic marketing department. Themes this season include an Oktoberfest game incorporating classical and popular German music and a show featuring artists known to have frequented Tulsa’s iconic – and newly renovated – Church Studio.
Though a bit smaller than previous years, the Sound, as always, seeks to present a performance of which fans, patrons, band members and potential students can be proud!
Andrew Anderson, DMA
Director of Bands
The University of Tulsa