Late in 1966, Gene Thrailkill decided the band at Ohio University was in need of a drastic change. He had little support for his idea. Out were the Ivy League green blazers and ties. Out were the Majorettes. In was a drastically new uniform, a demanding marching style, and, of course, dance routines. Mr. Thrailkill says, I knew the drive-on and first note of Stand Up and Cheer would make or break the band. Most wanted us to fail; but I knew it was where we needed to go. Of course, the wisdom of Mr. Thrailkill's decision has been born-out over time. The Marching 110 never looked back.
It has been six years since I last traveled back to Athens to march with the Alumni Band at Homecoming. And like the ubiquitous white iPod earphones, our marching band jacket is one of the most recognized icons on campus. During lunch, I decided to walk to campus to see the new Baker Center. I can't tell you how many people walking by me said, Great job today! You guys are awesome! or I look forward to the band every year at Homecoming. That kind of praise is why we come back to Athens.
I spent the better part of the third quarter of the game speaking with Dr. Andrew Trachsel, the new director of bands at Ohio University. Like all of the band members, he stood in the cold and rain throughout the game. His duties complete at pregame, Dr. Trachsel could easily have been inside where it was warm and dry, but he was there with all of us simply because he enjoys being with the band. I know my fellow Alumni Band members join me in wishing he and his family a heartfelt welcome to Ohio University.
I was so pleased to learn of the band's invitation to perform at the upcoming Rose Parade. Once again, the Marching 110 brings honor and pride to Ohio University. I was dismayed, however, to learn that every student in the band must pay $1,400 for the privilege of doing so. I think it is sometimes easy to take the Marching 110 for granted or assume all of their expenses are covered. I ask every person reading this letter, please, e-mail Dr. Richard Suk (suk@ohiou.edu) and ask what you can do to help. No student should have to take out loans or work three jobs to perform in the name of Ohio University.
I want to commend Dr. Suk for his love and leadership of the band. Now in his 14th year, he has maintained what is best about the 110 while still moving the band forward. This is clearly demonstrated by the doubling of the size of the band and multiple appearances at nationally-televised performances. Like Gene Trailkill before him, the wisdom of Dr. Suk's vision has been born-out over time, and the band, still, has never looked back.
In closing, I must thank the most important people to all of us. It was my privilege to spend much of this past weekend interacting with the current members of the Marching 110. What a tremendous asset they are to Ohio University. THANK YOU for an incredible weekend. We appreciate your fire, and your hospitality to us. You are mirrors to the past. We see in you the best of ourselves, standing on the field where we used to stand. You remind all of us of our endearing love for the band, and for the incredible PRIDE we have in each of you.
Go Ohio!
George Brozak is a 1990 and 1992 graduate of Ohio University.
4 Opinion
