CU Buffaloes fans can enjoy performances by the University of Colorado at Boulder Golden Buffalo Marching Band and appearances by university basketball players and coaches at a new annual fundraising event for CU bands, Sept. 28 at the Coors Events/Conference Center.
Fall Fest, sponsored by the CU-Boulder department of bands, will feature the marching band, a CU jazz big band and a brass ensemble that includes high school students from across Colorado. Events Center doors open at 3 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for both seniors and students with ID, and free for children under 12.
Golden Buffalo Marching Band Director Matt Roeder said most of the band will enter the Events Center through the aisles. The performance on the basketball court also will feature the color guard, dance line, drum line and sousaphones.
"We'll be playing the music of George Gershwin, some Latin music, some patriotic music and have a children's sing-along. Those are just a few of the highlights," Roeder said.
Besides supporting the Buffaloes on the field, the marching band and other CU bands play an important role in fostering tradition, Roeder said. "When the band plays school songs like the fight song and the alma mater, everybody who attended CU can relate to the school pride that's generated by the performance."
About 200 students are in the marching band, and roughly 400 students perform in the CU-Boulder department of bands including the wind symphony, symphonic band, campus band, jazz big bands and athletic bands. Fall Fest proceeds will go directly toward supporting these student groups.
The 90-minute event will be hosted by director of bands Allan McMurray and 9 News anchor Kim Christiansen. Christiansen is a CU-Boulder alumna who was a feature twirler in the marching band, according to Roeder.
Chip, the CU-Boulder mascot, will be on hand to have his picture taken with fans. Members of the 2003-2004 men's and women's basketball teams will be introduced during the show, with brief comments from coaches Ricardo Patton and Ceal Barry.
To purchase tickets, contact the CU Band Office at (303) 492-6584.