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Alumni and Friends,
NIU is back in session, fall is in the air, and the almost 200 members of the Huskie Marching Band are hard at work on and off the field. It’s been a great start to the season, with even more music and performances to come.
The Pride of the Midwest traveled to South Bend on Sept. 7 to perform during the NIU / Notre Dame football game. From high up in their stadium seats, the band played and cheered amongst a sea of Huskie fans, while down on the field, the Silverettes danced in the sunshine near the end zone. At halftime, the entire band showcased their performance skills, playing selections from Joan Jett and Demi Lovato in front of a sold-out stadium. And as the final seconds ticked off the game clock, they witnessed NIU’s historic win over Notre Dame!
We’ve got a lot going on this football season, so make sure you check out all the highlights throughout the newsletter. Most importantly, don’t forget to make plans to come home to NIU for the 117th Homecoming festivities. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of NIU’s modern Show Band and Silverettes! A special halftime show is planned, which will feature the return of former band director Michael Embrey and showcase some classic songs. We anticipate over 100 band, Silverette and Colorguard alumni will join the current band on the field for the halftime performance. No matter your current performance ability, please come and be recognized for being part of the best band ever. There is a spot on the field just for you!
Thank you for your continued support of the Huskie Marching Band and Silverettes. Please join us this year for one of the upcoming events. We would love to see you.
Cheryl Ringler, ’89
cleargraphics@comcast.net
President, Marching Band Alumni Council
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Huskie Spotlight: Michael Embrey ’75, M.S.Ed. ’92, Director of the NIU Marching Showband 1974-1984
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When Michael Embrey came to NIU in the early 1970s, he wasn’t a traditional student. Having served in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) as a musician and arranger for the USAF Band/Drum & Bugle Corps, he had already garnered plenty of experience before stepping into a college classroom. Embrey enrolled in the College of Visual and Performing Arts as a music education and performance major, hoping to continue a career in music. What he got was much more. After earning his degree, Embrey went on to be the NIU Marching Band Director for 10 years.
Read the interview with Michael here ⇨ |
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Huskie Spotlight: Lisa Morreale, Silverettes Instructor and Choreographer (1993-Present)
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2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the NIU Silverettes. Over the years, hundreds of women have marched, danced and performed while cheering on their beloved Huskies, creating special bonds with each other and NIU! For over 10 years, Silverette alumni have been returning to NIU at Homecoming to dance once again. These women now have busy lives filled with careers and family but come back to honor the school and the team with a special place in their hearts. Lisa has just begun her 31st year as the NIU Silverettes instructor and choreographer. We caught up with her recently and asked her a few questions about coaching the Silverettes.
Read the interview with Lisa here ⇨ |
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Huskie Spotlight: Dr. Tom Bough, NIU Huskie Marching Band Director (2005-Present)
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Dr. Tom Bough, director of the Huskie Bands, is now in his 20th season and has been leading faithfully since 2005. From conducting the Wind Symphony to teaching at the university to starting the Fox Valley Brass Band in Aurora, Illinois, his impact runs deep.
Read more about Dr. Bough here ⇨ |
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Upcoming MBAC Events
High School Band Day Discounted Ticket Fundraiser (NIU vs. Buffalo, Saturday, Sept. 21)
Music will be in the air when the NIU Huskies take the field against Buffalo. Hundreds of musicians from various high schools will be in attendance to perform at halftime for High School Band Day hosted by the NIU Huskie Marching Band. Purchase a discounted ticket ($28), seated at the 50-yard line, and $10 of the ticket purchase will benefit fundraising efforts for the NIU Huskie Marching Band and Silverette Dance Team. Check out other ways to support the NIU Huskie Marching Band and Silverette Dance Team here.
Red & Black Fall Classic (Saturday, September 28)
Volunteers are needed to help the NIU Huskie Marching Band Red & Black Fall Classic High School Marching Band Festival run smoothly. Learn more and sign up to volunteer here by Sept. 21.
NIU Homecoming & Fill the Field Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Show Band (Saturday, October 19)
Huskie Marching Band and Silverette alumni are invited back to campus for the 117th Homecoming at NIU. Dust off your instrument, flag or dancing shoes and join over 100 alumni to entertain Huskie fans during the “Fill the Field” event.
New t-shirt options are available for purchase to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the modern Show Band and Silverettes. Long and short-sleeve options are available for both.
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Group Leadership:
President: Cheryl Ringler ’89
Vice President: Floy Haschke ’79
Secretary: Dana Antosz ’13
Silverette Leadership: Anita Rurka Cash ’78, Cheryl Ringler ’89
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Percussion Leadership: Tom Foulkes ’82, Abby Shields ’15, M.S.Ed. ’18
Social Media and Marketing: Zach Smith ’14
General Members: Eric Caliendo ’91, Erin Kirby ’22, Bryan Miller ’89, Joy Nelson ’69, Bobby Vriezen ’12
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the NIU Alumni Association