All junior high and high school band students are invited to participate in Arkansas Tech University Band Member for a Day 2019 on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Michael Barker, a current member of the ATU marching band, vividly recalls his ATU Band Member for a Day experience when he was a student at Van Buren High School.
“I remember being extremely nervous, but the members of the Tech band made me feel very welcome and comfortable,” said Barker. “Once I came here for Band Member for a Day, it was a no-brainer that I wanted to go to Tech. It’s one of the reasons I’m in this band and one of the reasons I love this band.”
The 2019 day with the ATU marching band, known far and wide as Arkansas’ Band of Distinction, will begin with a 10-11:30 a.m. rehearsal at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field. Visiting students should wear casual athletic attire that is appropriate for the weather.
After 90 minutes of free time for lunch and changing into their school’s marching band uniform, the band member for a day participants will report to Nutt Residence Hall (1505 N. El Paso Ave. in Russellville) at 1 p.m.
From there, band members will participate in the traditional pre-game warm-up, march to the stadium and pre-game performances.
Kickoff for the football game between Arkansas Tech and Southeastern Oklahoma State University is scheduled for 2 p.m. Admission will be free for all ATU Band Member for a Day participants, who will sit in the stands with Arkansas’ Band of Distinction and perform on the field during halftime.
“It’s a great opportunity for high school students to experience a different outlook on what marching band is,” said Megan Garrett, member of the ATU marching band and past participant in ATU Band Member for a Day during her time as a student at Baptist Preparatory School in Little Rock. “College marching band is totally different, and (Band Member for a Day) is a great opportunity for you to become immersed in this atmosphere, see why we do what we do and how you can be involved, even if you aren’t a music major or don’t think you have the time. I promise you do, and it’s so much fun. You would regret not being a part of it.”
For more information, send e-mail to bands@atu.edu.
Register for ATU Band Member for a Day 2019 at www.atu.edu/bands/bod-memberforaday-form.php.
