Eastern Michigan University’s 2014 Marching Band was recently recognized at the College Band Directors National Association 2016 North Central Conference Marching Band Video Showcase. Not only was it recognized at the showcase, but its video presentation of “Batman: A Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Batman” was shown and commended as a national mode.
EMU was one of the six colleges that were selected for this recognition. Other colleges included Michigan State University, Northwestern University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Western Michigan University.
To compete for this recognition, EMU submitted an electronic application to CBDNA that included a video package, information surrounding EMU and its Marching Band and a submitted field. Attendees at the conference viewed their video presentation.
The idea behind the theme of the video presentation came from Amy Knopps, Associate Director of the EMU Marching Band. Filmed in 2014, Knopps realized that was the year of the 75th Anniversary of the appearance of Batman and “thought it would be effective to have that as a centerpiece of [that] field show.”
Clinging to the idea, Knopps then consulted with one of the band’s drumline instructors, Jason Ihnat, to creating a course of action. Together they “shaped the structure of the show based on the music,” and collaborated with designer Jeff Sacktig and guard instructors Kristen Benton and Grace Yensch.
“The EMU Marching Band worked collectively on this show and due to their combined efforts in music and movement we were able to field a fantastic performance that led to this deserving recognition,” said Knopps.
The Marching Band was previously recognized at this conference once before in 2012 for their field show Earth, Wind, and Fire.
Currently, the band is in discussions about its upcoming fall season, which will be its 122nd season. It is particularly focusing on Band Day and BANDORAMA. Anyone interested in joining the EMU Marching Band should email Knopps at aknopps@emich.edu.
