Marching Band
ENTERING ITS 102nd SEASON,
the Chippewa Marching Band has maintained a tradition of excellence and innovation, summarized in its motto, Concordia Ad Astra (“Together To The Stars”). One of the most recognizable public faces of the University, the band is an invaluable collection of musical ambassadors for CMU. On the field this year are students from every college of the University and who represent over 100 academic programs.
The band’s distinctive and entertaining pregame and halftime performances result from many hours of rehearsal directed by faculty and staff in the CMU School of Music. Directors of the band have included J. Harold Powers (1923-25), William Seddon (1926), Cleon Richctmeyer (1927), Clarence Kelley (1928), Newell Long (1929-30), Preston Mayhew (1931-1945), Norman C. Dietz (1946-77), and Jack Saunders (1978-1999). Professor James Batcheller is celebrating his 25th year as the band’s ninth director, and this is the 6th year in which Christopher Chapman serves as CMU Director of Bands. Aiding our conducting faculty are graduate assistants Eric Strasshofer and Andrew Vinopal. Our percussion section is supervised by staff instructor Tim Mocny. Support staff from the School of Music includes media production manager and facilities coordinator Christopher Ferrara, photographer Mark Cox, equipment managers Kate Muehring, Hayden Natinsky, and Denim Scott, our Music Events staff, and the School of Music office staff, Mindy Zeneberg, office manager. Our medical support staff includes Dr. Dom Ausiello, MD, Physician’s Assistant Allan Riggs, and Medical Assistant Diane Ausiello.
We’re proud to acknowledge our 2024 student leaders for their service: Piccolo – Anika Newton, Clarinet – Maegan Lowe, Alto Sax – Ariah Bremby, Tenor Sax – Elaine O’Neal, Trumpet – Drew Burton, Mellophone – Ainsley McCracken, Trombone – Riley Beernink, Baritone – Jack Reynolds, Tuba – Patrick DeSantis, and Percussion – Logan Long. Physical Therapy Graduate Student Reagan Sanborn leads our training program and our Director of Special Projects is Jena Wazny.
The honor of leading and conducting the band on the field has been earned by Abigail Russelburg, Marine City senior. This is Abbie's first year as head drum major. Harry Krafchack, a sophomore from Dearborn Heights, is in his first year as assistant drum major. Our Featured Twirler for 2024 is Jackson junior Jade Sayles.
Custom musical arrangements are prepared especially for the band by Roland Barrett, Tim Mocny, and Dr. Batcheller. The visual designer for the band’s halftime shows is Corey Jahlas. The work of our color guard is coordinated and choreographed by Clarkston junior Jennifer Neumann.
For more information about the Band's history, for audition information, and for special events and opportunities to support our program, visit us on the web at:
Chippewa Marching Band or look for The Chippewa Marching Band on Facebook.
Pregame Program
This is the 64th year in which the Chippewa Marching Band presents its traditional pre-game show, featuring music arranged by
Norman C. Dietz, Director of Bands 1946-79.
Hail Chippewa! - Click to Listen
Words and Music by Norman C. Dietz (Class of 1945).
Hail to the Chippewa, All Hail to the Chippewa!
The valiant men who wear Maroon and Gold will
FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! our honor to uphold.
Hail to the Chippewa, All Hail to the Chippewa!
We salute you, warriors brave and true,
Win or lose we're proud of you!
Alma Mater, Hear Us Now - Click to Listen
Words and Music by Ruth Mavis (Class of 1927).
Alma Mater, hear us now; Ever more we praise thee.
Hear us pledge our sacred vow ever to defend thee.
Mighty Mother, Queen of Earth eternal, precious emblem of our lives Supreme;
Ever symbolizing truth and knowledge in glorified esteem.
Alma Mater, hear us now; Ever more we praise thee.
Hear us pledge our sacred vow ever to defend thee.
You're a Grand Old Flag
Words and music by George M. Cohan
Arranged by Roland Barrett
You're a grand old flag,
You're a high-flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love,
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
`neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
The Star-Spangled Banner
Words by Francis Scott Key
Arrangement by John Higgins
(written on board the Minden during the Battle of Fort McHenry, August 1814; adopted by the United States Congress as the National Anthem in 1931)
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, o'er ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Central Fight Song - Click to Listen
Words and Music by Howard (Howdy) Loomis (Class of 1935). Arranged by Norman C. Dietz (Class of 1945).
FIGHT, Central down the field, FIGHT for victory,
FIGHT, fellows never yield; We're with you, oh varsity.
Onward with banners bold, to our colors we'll be true,
FIGHT for Maroon and Gold, Down the field for C. M. U.
Varsity! Rah! Rah! Victory! Rah! Rah!
CHIPPEWA, we're proud of that nickname.
Hear our song loud and strong,
CENTRAL is going to win this game!
Come on and ... (Repeat thru "C. M. U.")