News and information about the UNL Band Alumni Association
You are invited to attend a reception for the current band members and alumni following the the Cornhusker Marching Band Highlights Concert on Saturday, December 9. The concert begins at 7:30 pm at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. The reception will be in the concession area.
I am writing to thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the Jack R. Snider scholarship. It is such an honor to be chosen for this award, and it means so much to me that I was chosen. The fund will help me with many band-related costs, such as purchasing shoes and gloves, and getting my uniform cleaned. Being a part of the Cornhusker Marching Band is so special to me, and I love being able to carry on traditions from years ago. Band is a family, and I’m so thankful I’m a part of it. Thank you again!
-Rachel Hoffman
This year, we will be collecting stories, from current CMB members, as well as from alumni, in an effort to connect the band community more, as well as share memories with each other. Recently, a story was submitted by a current CMB member, Geli Gonzalez. I hope it brings a smile to your face, and brings you some happiness during this week.
I have so many great memories from CMB, but what happened at our last home football game against the Rutgers has struck a chord in my heart. We had just gotten back in the stands from halftime and a young boy and his mother were coming up the stands. He stopped suddenly in front of Colleen Hacker (front left, white sunglasses) and wanted her to play for him. She gladly accepted his request and played a bit of one of our fight songs, which brought him such excitement. I was smiling widely throughout the whole interaction and when him and his mother were moving up the stairs, I waved and said hi to him. I wasn’t expecting him to stop and ask me (far right, sunglasses) to play, even identifying my instrument (the clarinet). I went ahead and played the melody to Dear Old Nebraska U for him, and he asked Trenton Buhr (center saxophone) to play for him too. It was honestly the best part of that whole football game, and I’m so happy I got to share this moment with some of my fellow CMB members. This little boy reminded me how much music can make an impact on people and bring such joy into one moment.
After speaking with many alumni during and after the game this year, we have decided to make a slight change to the alumni band uniform. Red shirts are still a must, but we’re going to require black shorts or pants (skirts or skorts are fine, too). Footwear must be a comfortable, athletic shoe, but does not necessarily need to be white (no flip flops, please). We hope you are already making plans to come back for the 2018 Alumni Reunion! We will let you know in late January/early February what game the Athletic and Band Departments decide upon!
Congratulations to Rachel Hoffman and Anna Helzer, the 2017 recipients of the Jack R. Snider UNL Band Alumni Association Scholarship! We were thrilled to receive many donations in 2016 which allowed us to offer two scholarships to these deserving current members of the Cornhusker Marching Band!
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My name is Rachel Hoffman and I am a junior elementary education major from Beatrice, NE. This is my third year in the band- my first two years were spent playing clarinet and this year I am serving as a drum major. I joined the CMB after my sister, who is two years older than me, got me interested. After watching her with the rest of the band, I knew I wanted to be a part of it after I graduated high school. Being in the band has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. After my time in band is up, I know I will walk away with too many life lessons, memories, and friendships to count.
I am a sophomore Spanish Education major from Aurora, Nebraska. Both of my parents (Gen Weiss and Chris Helzer) as well as my high school band director (Dan Sodomka) were in the CMB in the early ‘90s, so I have grown up hearing stories about the CMB and meeting their band friends. I love my “band family” and being a part of the contagious atmosphere of exhilaration and fun, as well as having the opportunity to start every day making music with my friends. It is wonderful to be part of the Cornhusker Marching Band tradition!
Congrats, Rachel and Anna!
Your donation to this fund will reward exceptional band students each year and restate your support of The Pride of All Nebraska. Please make your donation to the Jack R. Snider UNL Band Alumni Association Fund today. (See DONATE NOW button to the right of the screen!)
