Muleskinner

Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: Homecoming 2006

blown away- The Marching Mules aim for the crowd during their halftime show Saturday, when the Mules played Missouri Western.

twirling- Elaina Knapp, UCM majorette, shows off her moves during Saturday's halftime show.

"Is it a Monday, or is it a double-Wednesday?" shouts Central marching band director Scott Lubaroff from the sidelines of the band practice field. "It's a double-Wednesday!" the band shouts, in unison, from the field.

The first Monday afternoon practice in October was serving up a generous helping of heat and humidity as Lubaroff gave instructions from the top of the nearly 20-foot podium.

The band fought the constant sunshine, moving back and forth through each formation, first singing their parts, then eventually playing them.

The steady breeze kept the sweat from accumulating and getting in the way of a solid, productive practice.

Monday practices, which last from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., are generally for breaking down the show and practicing each part in a particular, tedious manner. The band practices on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. when the focus is on polishing and developing the halftime show.

This year, the band is at its largest number with 155 members.
"I've never seen the band this big in my 23 years here," said Michael Sekelsky, assistant director of bands.

"On average, the number of members have ranged from 120 to 125 in the past, under the direction of previous director, Russ Coleman."

Lubaroff, who has been the Marching Mules' director for two years, served as associate director of bands at Kansas State University from 2001 to 2005.

He has nothing but positive things to say about his experience so far at UCM.

"I'm really proud of what the group does," he said. "Students really put a lot into the program where there's a general feeling of a positive direction."

Over the years, the band has seen some historical changes. The Marching Mules originally incorporated the traditional style of marching, but in 1996, a "corps style" was adopted and has been used since.

The band uniforms, now almost 15-years-old, aren't immediately affected by the recent University name change, although a change may happen in the future.

One traditional part of the uniform will remain: the mule head, which shows distinction for the uniform and is not representative of the "Mo the Mule" mascot.

"The mule head serves as nostalgia for alumni," Lubaroff said . "It used to be on the back of the uniform, and is now on the shoulder."

The Marching Mules will host the Festival of Champions competition Oct. 21.

"The competition is gaining a reputation of being the best in the region," Lubaroff said.

The Marching Mules will play an exhibition performance for the crowd and the 19 high school bands that will compete in the day's field competitions.

The band has also made several appearances at other events, such as playing at Chiefs and Royals games, performing exhibitions at other field show competitions, as well as marching in the annual UCM homecoming parade.

Every homecoming, 24 to 25 middle and high school bands arrive in Warrensburg to compete in the parade competition and join the Marching Mules on the field during pre-game ceremonies.

The bands are all sizes, including small bands from small communities, to larger bands from areas such as Grandview, Mo.

There are three people hired to judge the parade, scoring the bands' marching, playing and execution of the parade corner. An award ceremony will be conducted at the Garrison Gym.
Not everyone is aware that inclement weather sometimes makes a huge impact on a marching band's performance. In some instances, bands can be caught in downpours that eventually lead to a very muddy field. Or they may have to perform on a field full of snow. Either way, Lubaroff's two-year season with the band has not included such circumstances.
"We've been very fortunate," Lubaroff said.

Music selection is key when deciding the overall theme for each half-time show.

The band prepares two full half-time shows; one that is performed during the first-half of the football season, and the second show for the remainder.

This year, the band is performing selections from the band, "Chicago," and will wrap up the marching season with a Latin-inspired show.

"When selecting music, we look at the schedule and see how games are spaced," Lubaroff said . "Then, we look at past performances - we try not to fall into a rut."

Last year, the band performed selections from "Pirates of the Caribbean."

"There are many tastes in both the audience and the students," Lubaroff said. "College bands, overall, are entertainment."

The marching band wouldn't be complete without the direction of the band's three drum majors - Stacy Brown, Melissa Berryhill and Paul Jeffries.

Drum majors are selected through an application, essay, interview and a conducting audition.

Drum majors not only serve as the key leaders of the band, they provide motivation for band members to do their very best.

"I really enjoy it," said Melissa Berryhill, junior drum major. "It's a good opportunity to see the band from a different perspective. Everyone is really enthusiastic - they're really a good group of people.

"Hopefully, I will get to do this again next year as a senior," Berryhill said.

The band spent five long days in camp before fall semester, learning pre-game and half time music, fundamental drills and basic training skills to get each student in musical shape.
"We work hard, and we work fast," Lubaroff said.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools