by Marcella Ortega
Daily Lobo
In just two years, UNM's marching band has almost doubled in size.
In 2004, the band had 82 members. Today, it has 140.
"It's because of our new band director," said senior Heather Hansen. "I think that's why."
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Hansen is one of the band's two drum majors and has been in the marching band for four years.
Chad Simons, the marching band director, took the position in 2005.
"There are a number of constituents on campus that we deal with," Simons said. "They all got together about two years ago and decided they wanted to make this better."
Simons said departments such as athletics, the music department and ASUNM all contributed funds, which increased stipends and handled operating costs.
"They made the environment better," Simons said. "Then they hired me, and my job is to come in and take everything they put in place and use it. So, I'm a very small cog in the wheel."
The marching band completed its camp last week, which consisted of 10-hour daily practices.
"We had a great camp," Simons said. "The band has a great attitude, and it's been going well."
Hansen said during the school year, the band will continue to practice three times a week for two hours and is required to attend football games as well as pep rallies.
"It makes some things difficult - working and things like that," Hansen said. "But it's worth it. It's a lot of fun."
Hansen said the band's practices consist of a warm-up, breathing exercises, music rehearsal and marching fundamentals. The band learns marching formations from a drill sheet.
"The way we do it is very simple," Hansen said. "We have sheets that show the picture that we are making on the field. Everyone has their own little dot. Each section has their symbol, and within each section, you have your own number."
Hansen said practicing and performing can become physically demanding.
"Anyone who says marching band isn't a sport is wrong," Hansen said. "It's a physical workout. It is a mental workout for sure as well."
Antonio Romero is another drum major for the marching band. Hansen and Romero are in charge of conducting the band.
Romero said the most rewarding part of being in the marching band is the camaraderie and having a great performance out on the field.
"Nothing beats the feeling of being out there in front of 40,000 people, playing an awesome show and hearing that applause," Romero said.
In addition to the increased size of the band, the color guard flag team has returned to the formation, Romero said.
"It has been five years since we've had one," Romero said. "It's pretty amazing. It's going to add a lot of visual and design aspects to our show."
Although the band has completed camp, it is still welcoming members who would like to audition, Simons said.
"Ultimately, it's about all those offices on campus and our students who decide to make it go," he said. "That's the difference, and it's going to continue to get bigger."
