Ohio University's Marching 110 is a nationally known marching band. This year, it was voted the No. 1 college marching band in the nation by USA Today, and soon it will lay it all out on the field for its Homecoming performance.
OU’s Alumni Band is performing alongside the Marching 110. Thousands of members spanning decades will perform in the Homecoming parade and halftime show.
Jayden Holzaepfel, a senior studying communication studies, is a trumpet player and the 2026 field commander for the Marching 110.
“Our homecoming show is always our most exciting show of the year,” Holzaepfel said. “We always say that it's the hardest show of the year and the most fun and innovative.”
On the difference between average practices and Homecoming practice, Holzaepfel said there is an “energy shift” throughout the band during Homecoming week.
“I always like to say, our members always show up, and they give 110% at every single rehearsal,” Holzaepfel said. “We work really hard. There's a focus and kind of a dedication that I don't think you really see in many other organizations.”
Additionally, Holzaepfel said the group is more focused and quieter during Homecoming rehearsals. Members push themselves to strengthen their skills for their important celebration.
Holzaepfel blows a whistle every day at 5:30 p.m. sharp to signal the beginning of practice. He said often many members are already in their spots before that signal.
“This year, we are able to start learning during this four-day week leading into fall break, and then next week our main priority is just going to be continuing, finishing learning our drill, starting to finish memorizing our music, and getting it all on the field ready for the game next Saturday,” Holzaepfel said.
Mike Eubanks, a Marching 110 alum from 1996-2001 and the president of the Marching 110 Alumni Network, spoke about Homecoming and the preparations.
Eubanks said the alumni get about a week to solo practice and prepare for the halftime show. Eubanks also takes part in writing some of the music.
Eubanks said there is a “special spark in the air” when Homecoming season is afoot.
Similarly, Holzaepfel said many members joke, saying Homecoming is the Marching 110’s Christmas because it is “the most wonderful time of the year.”
Holzaepfel’s least favorite part of it is how challenging it can be spending countless hours practicing.
“But an alumni member of this band once said that the OU band is the hardest thing he had ever done, but come Saturday, it's all worth it, and that's very true,” Holzaepfel said.
A positive part Holzaepfel mentioned is how the two bands interact. Holzaepfel said the alumni care about the current band members, and students feel honored to be able to perform with them.
“I want the kids that are in the band now to have as good as or better experience than I had. So it's about giving back for me, and it's the same for a lot of alumni,” Eubanks said.
This year is the 50th anniversary of when the Marching 110 played at Carnegie Hall. The Marching 110 was the first marching band to ever perform at Carnegie. Eubanks said the significance of this anniversary has led to a creative tribute song that will be performed on Homecoming.
When asked about the importance of Homecoming, Holzaepfel said OU has a different energy in their culture and celebration.
“Even if you don't go to the game, but you're at the parade in the morning, the parade is just such a collection of what it means to be a Bobcat, what it means to be a student here at OU,” Holzaepfel said.
Allie Barrell, a freshman studying journalism, said her dad is an OU alumnus, and Homecoming is important as it passes through generations. Barrell said she is excited to watch the Marching 110 perform.
“I love watching the 110 perform,” Barrell said. “I feel so much joy. It feels kind of magical. I love watching marching bands. So, it’s magical.”
