OSU Marching Band prepares for Fiesta Bowl

COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State football Buckeyes aren't the only ones practicing for the Fiesta Bowl. The 225-member Ohio State University Marching Band is also preparing for a trip to Tempe and a national television appearance. The Marching Band is rehearsing and spreading its own style of Buckeye cheer prior to the Jan. 3, 2003, football game.

Before leaving Columbus, the band spends two days in rehearsal at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. On Friday (12/27) from 6-9 p.m., musicians will practice the music for the pre-game and halftime shows. The band will rehearse Saturday (12/28) from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m., with marching and playing later in the latter part of each session.

The band plans to perform its feature show, Big Brass Band, during the halftime portion of the Fiesta Bowl. The Ohio State Marching Band will perform following the Miami Band.

In Tempe, media are encouraged to cover the band's final public rehearsal before the Fiesta Bowl, at Tempe High School, 1730 S. Mill Avenue, at 9 a.m. on Jan. 2. Former band members are welcome to bring instruments and play along at the end of the session. Similar rehearsals in other bowl cities have attracted crowds of up to 5,000 band fans.

Here is a complete list of Ohio State University Marching Band Fiesta Bowl appearances: Performance times are approximate and subject to change. Additonal information about the band’s trip to the Fiesta Bowl is at http://www.osuband.org/
Friday, December 27, 2002
6-9 p.m. EST
Music Rehearsal - Woody Hayes Athletic Center
The band plays through the pre-game and Big Band Brass halftime shows.

Saturday, December 28
9 a.m.-12 noon
Marching and Playing Rehearsals - Woody Hayes Athletic Center
2-5 p.m.
Marching and playing later in the latter part of each session.

Sunday, December 29
2-4 p.m. MST
Marching and Playing Rehearsal
Tempe High School - 1730 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe
(Schedule could change if charter flight delayed)

9:30 p.m.
Performance - Fiesta Bowl National (H.S.) Band Championship
Bank One Ballpark, Phoenix

Monday, December 30
9:15-11:15 a.m.
Marching and Playing Rehearsal
Tempe High School

Tuesday, December 31
11 a.m.
Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade
Central Avenue – Phoenix

1 p.m.
Performance at NCAA YES Football Clinic (pep band)
Salvation Army - Phoenix

7 p.m.
Short Parade and Pep Rally
Tempe Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Block Party
North on Mill Avenue ending in Tempe Beach Park

Wednesday, January 1, 2003
11:30-1:30 p.m.
Marching and Playing Rehearsal
Tempe High School

Thursday, January 2
9-11 a.m.
Public Rehearsal
Tempe High School
The band welcomes the public and OSU Alumni to its final rehearsal before the game. Former band members are welcome to bring instruments and play along at the end of the session. Similar rehearsals in other bowl cities have attracted crowds of up to 5,000 band fans.

4 p.m.
National Championship Pep Rally and Buckeye Bash
Tempe Beach Park
Annual bowl gathering of Buckeye faithful with Coach Tressel, players, cheerleaders and the band.

Friday, January 3
3-4 p.m.
Performances at Pre-game Party and Corporate Events
Arizona State University Festival Grounds/North Stadium Lot

5:45 p.m.
Pre-game Performance - Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Halftime Performance following the Miami Band

Contacts:
The Band will be staying at the Fiesta Inn, 2100 S. Priest Drive, Tempe (480) 967-1441.
Reach the band at the Steinbrenner Band Center in Columbus: (614) 292-2598.
In Tempe, Dr. Woods at the Fiesta Inn or Media Contact, David Carwile, by cell (614) 323-4046.