A delightful Cal U summer tradition continues Aug. 23 when the University marching band holds its end-of-camp concert on the campus Quad at 3 p.m. The rain location is Steele Hall.
The band will preview its 2018 field show, “There’s No Place Like Cal,” which features music from musical artists Toto, Elton John, Kansas, and the musical The Wiz.
“The end-of-camp concert is a great and enjoyable tradition with the Cal U Marching Band that showcases all of the hard work that the student put forth during the rigorous week of camp,” said Dr. Frank Stetar, director of University Bands and co-chair of the Department of Music and Theatre.
“This culminating event gives parents, staff, and community members a sneak peek at what they can expect musically throughout the fall football season.”
Dr. Bruce Barnhart, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, looks forward to the end-of-camp concert. He also praised the band for incorporating local high school marching bands into home-game activities at Adamson Stadium since the 2015 season.
“The concert on the Quad is always enjoyable,” Barnhart said. “Our student musicians work very hard — they are very dedicated — and their performances clearly show that. Frank and our band students do a wonderful job performing and helping our recruiting efforts by making the high school students feel so welcome here.”
Rachel Rogers, a senior secondary education major who plays flute and piccolo, said the end-of-camp preview is a great way to prepare for a busy fall marching band season.
“This is our first actual performance, and even though we don’t march, it’s the first chance for people to hear our music and what we will be offering this fall,” she said. ”Every time out we are going to get better and better, and this definitely prepares us.
“It’s a good preview and a good time.”
The band will participate in a pep rally in the Convocation Center as part of Cal U First Night activities on Friday, Aug. 24, as first-year students arrive on campus during Welcome Weekend.
The musicians perform at all Vulcans football games at Adamson Stadium, which begin with the Family Day home opener against Edinboro at 1 p.m. Sept. 22.
The busy season will also include Vulcans games at Clarion (2 p.m. Oct. 6) and at Seton Hill (noon Nov. 3); high school band festivals at California High School (Sept. 8) and Penn-Trafford High School (the evening of Sept. 22); and at the Cal U Homecoming parade (Oct. 13) and the California Borough Halloween parade (Oct. 31).
Follow the Cal U Marching band on Twitter and Facebook @calubands.