April 2005

Briefly speaking: Band marches to different beat

Members of the Cal Aggie Marching Band-uh! perform more than 100 times a year. (Debbie Aldridge/UC Davis)

Whether cheering for the Aggies at basketball games or entertaining crowds at special events, the Cal Aggie Marching Band-uh! is one of the campus's most visible and unique forms of spirit and tradition.

One of the band's biggest events is Picnic Day, UC Davis' annual open house, held this year on Saturday, April 16.

"It's crazy," says Michal Anna Bennison, a tenor saxophone player who serves as spokesperson for the band. "Picnic Day is just one huge day that seems to go on forever. But it's so much fun."

The Band-uh! leads the Picnic Day parade, which begins at 9:30 a.m. and winds for more than two hours through downtown Davis. Band members then get a short break before heading to the campus's Lake Spafford. There they compete against other area universities in an all-day Battle of the Bands. The event entertains thousands and lasts well into the evening.

No audition or experience required

The Cal Aggie Marching Band-uh! will defend Aggie pride at Picnic Day's Battle of the Bands April 16. (Debbie Aldridge/UC Davis)

Known for its bold attitude, high-stepping performances and the black shades worn by members, the student-run band is approaching its 75th anniversary this fall and has grown to more than 200 members.

Unlike some university bands, the Band-uh! has no try-outs, no participation requirements -- and some students even join the marching band with no previous musical experience.

"Anyone who wants to is more than welcome to come," says Bennison. Now a junior majoring in wildlife, fisheries and conservation, she joined the band during her first year at Davis. Orientation is held just before the fall quarter.

With well over 100 performances a year, band members are called to participate at campus functions, in parades throughout the region, at fund-raisers and elementary schools. They also attend football and basketball games. Bennison says members pay for road trips out of their own pockets. Greyhound buses or campus fleet cars are their usual mode of transportation. Gym floors or friends' or families' homes are where they stay.

Bennison says being in the band has brought her close friendships and people to turn to for advice or for help with studies. "It's not just about marching and music," she says. "It's one big family really."

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