Eastern Michigan’s marching band, also known as the “Pride of the Peninsula,” performed at the Detroit Lions season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
At halftime, nearly 200 students took the field to perform Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” Usher’s “DJ Got Us Falling In Love” and Beyoncé‘s “Crazy in Love.”
A part of the marching band is also the color guard. The color guard throws, flips and spins flags throughout the performance. During the performance, the Eagles all moved around and even had a few dance moves. It was obvious that the marching band had practiced a lot for this opportunity. The crowd seemed very pleased with their performance.
The marching band participates in quite a few events on campus, including all home football games, homecoming, band day/night and family day activities. Off campus, it takes part in area and national marching band festivals and competitions. The marching band also gets the opportunity to travel to one or two away games each season. If the football team makes a bowl game, the marching band will also get to travel to that game. The Eagles were in the Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama last year.
The Eagles marching band is directed by Dr. Chandler L. Wilson, and this is his first season with the band. They’ll be back in action this Saturday, Sept. 21 as the Eastern Michigan football team has its first home game of the season against Central Connecticut State. The Lions defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, 13-10, in the home opener to improve to a 1-0-1 record.
