OSU Marching Band prepares for return to Fiesta Bowl

COLUMBUS – It's back to the desert for the 225-member Ohio State University Marching Band, as the Buckeyes prepare for another return trip to the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and a date with Notre Dame. The Marching Band is rehearsing and spreading its own style of holiday cheer prior to the Jan. 2, 2006, football game.

Before leaving Columbus, the largest all-brass and percussion band in the world spends two days in rehearsal at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. On Thursday (12/29) from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m., musicians will practice the music for the pre-game and halftime shows. The band will rehearse Friday (12/30) from 9-11 a.m., with marching and playing later in the latter part of each of the three sessions.

The band plans to perform the show, "Spanish Brass", during the halftime portion of the Fiesta Bowl. The show features musical portraits of southern Spain, set to familiar Latin melodies.

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 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 1. Former band members are welcome to bring instruments and play along at the end of the session. Previous rehearsals at the school have drawn crowds of over 1,000 alumni and local music fans.

Here is a complete list of Ohio State University Marching Band Fiesta Bowl appearances: Performance times are approximate and subject to change. Additional information about the band's trip to the Fiesta Bowl is at http://tbdbitl.osu.edu/
Thursday, December 29, 2005
2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. EST
Music Rehearsal - Woody Hayes Athletic Center
The band plays through the pre-game and Spanish Brass halftime shows.

Friday, December 30
9-11 a.m.
Music Rehearsal - Woody Hayes Athletic Center
Marching and playing later in the latter part of each session.

Saturday, December 31
11 a.m. MST
Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade
Central Phoenix
6:45 p.m.
Short Parade and Pep Rally
Tempe Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Block Party with the Notre Dame Band
North on Mill Avenue ending in Tempe Beach Park

Sunday, January 1, 2006
9:30 a.m. - noon
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.

2:30 p.m. (performance at 3:30)
Buckeye Bash Pep Rally
Tempe Beach Park
Annual bowl gathering of Buckeye faithful with Coach Tressel, players, cheerleaders and the band.
9:15 p.m.
Performance - Fiesta Bowl National (H.S.) Band Championship
Chase Field Ballpark, Phoenix

Monday, January 2
12:30 p.m.
Performances at Pre-game Party and Corporate Events
Arizona State University Festival Grounds/North Stadium Lot
2:35 p.m.
Pre-game Performance - Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Halftime Performance with the Notre Dame 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, reach Dr. Woods at the Fiesta Inn (480) 967-1441 or Media Contact, David Carwile, by cell (614) 323-4046.