Sycamore Bands Events

Marching Sycamores Alumni Band 2023

Marching Sycamores Alumni, it’s the time you’ve been waiting for! Join us for the 2023 Alumni Band during our Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 21st versus the South Dakota Coyotes! Celebrate the 99th anniversary of the ISU Bands by performing with the current members in Memorial Stadium and cheering on our team to victory! We want YOU there and ask that you invite at least one fellow Marching Sycamore member to be a part of this very special day.

All Alumni Band events are on the day of the game and at Memorial Stadium! Alumni Band check-in begins at 9:30am with rehearsal starting at 10:00am following the Homecoming Parade. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00pm. A detailed schedule will be emailed to registered participants the week prior to the game.

Alumni are welcome to participate in the performance or simply be a part of the festivities. Play classic Indiana State favorites along with the current Marching Sycamores at halftime and in the stands!

Options for participation range between $30, which includes lunch, admission to the football game, and a Blue Marching Sycamores Alumni shirt, and $20 for those who purchased the shirt last year. Any additional remaining funds will go towards Alumni Band operating expenses and future events.

Registration Form
Registration Link

Payment
You may pay for your Alumni Band registration via check or credit card over the phone. Call Lindsey Skaza at the School of Music Office at 812-237-2769. All checks should be made out to ISU Bands. Money will not be accepted on the day of the event! Questions? Email Lindsey Skaza. 

Have a question before you register? See the FAQ below or visit us one of the following ways:

• Follow the Sycamore Bands page on Facebook or Instagram
• Join the ISU Marching Sycamores Alumni group on Facebook
• Visit the Sycamores Bands on the ISU School of Music’s page
• Email any questions to Mr. Emmanuel Rodriguez, Director of Athletic Bands

Game
Tickets for Alumni Band Family, Friends, & Guests

Alumni Band Uniform Dress Code

• Official Blue Marching Sycamores Alumni Band shirt
• Black pants (wear your own all-black dress, business casual or athletic (track) pants. Avoid stripes or piping if possible. All-black is preferred.
• Black socks
• Black shoes
• Black shoes (wear your own all-black dress, business casual or athletic shoes. Avoid stripes or piping if possible. All-black is preferred.
• If you would like to wear an additional layer due to cold weather, we would prefer you blue or black Under Armour underneath the Alumni Band shirt. You may wear additional layers in the stands throughout the game.
• You may wear a black or blue ISU hat in the stands if you’d like

Instruments
We will assist with providing sousaphones and drum line equipment, while inventory is available. For questions related to instruments, please email Kelly Fallon. Color guard equipment (flag poles and flags) will be provided by ISU Bands. Rifles or batons will not be provided.

Tentative Schedule 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost to participate?
The registration fee is $30 and covers the Alumni Band shirt, lunch with the current Marching Sycamores, and admission to the game. If you already have the Marching Sycamores Alumni Band shirt, your fee lowers to $20! 

Can family members and guest join us for Alumni Band?
While they are welcome to observe the festivities, they need to purchase their own tickets to the game if they wish. While they cannot sit inside the band with you, the Marching Sycamores are seated in Section C in Memorial Stadium.

Do I have to march on the field to participate?
No, you do not have to march. We want everyone to come and participate at their own individual comfort level. Registration is still required, but you don’t have to march.

What if I can’t play or perform?
You can still participate! We want everyone to come and participate at their own individual comfort level. Registration is still required; you can still march out without playing or performing.

What do I wear?
The Alumni Band uniform is the Blue Marching Sycamores Alumni Band shirt with all black pants, socks, and shoes. More details on attire can be found above. Black or Blue Indiana State hats may be worn with the uniform.

What will we play?
This year we will be embedded with the current members of the Marching Sycamores and together will play both Wabash Cannonball and March On to close out halftime. In the stands, the Alumni Band will perform select stand tunes, school songs, and short cheers!

How can I get the music to practice ahead of time?
Access to digital sheet music, color guard and twirler routines, and related audio files will be sent to participants after they have been confirmed to have completed registration and payment.

Will we be provided with lyres and flip folders?
We have a very limited inventory of lyres and flip folders available and are primarily used for student emergencies. Since you have access to music digitally, we encourage you to purchase your own lyres and flip folders or download music to your phone. Feel free to print your own copies of the music. Sheet music will be available at check-in.

What about color guard and featured twirlers?
Videos to learn or relearn routines are forthcoming. Emails will be sent to those registered members as we get closer to the event.

Do I have to stay the entire game?
No, you do not, though we would love for you to stay as long as you can. Feel free to leave whenever you need to. If you have any university equipment, make sure to coordinate return procedures with Kelly Fallon. 

Is there a deadline to register?
Deadline to complete registration and payment is October 13th at 12:00pm noon. No money will be collected at check-in. 

Where is a good place to stay for my visit?
If you are looking for a place to stay in Terre Haute, consider the Hilton Garden Inn or the Candlewood Suites near campus, right off of Wabash and 7th. There are many great options throughout the city!  

I can’t make it this time. Is there a way for me to receive information on future events?
Yes, please complete the Alumni Contact Form if you haven’t already. We will periodically send out information on concerts, band events, and more!

It is time to register for Sycamore Basketball Alumni Band! Join us for the 2024 Basketball Alumni Band during our Women’s Basketball game on Sunday, January 14 versus the Belmont Bruins! Celebrate the first event of the ISU Bands Centennial by performing with current members in the Hulman Center and cheering on our team to victory! Register by Wednesday, January 10 to secure your spot!

Registration Form
Alumni Basketball Band Registration

Game Tickets
Tickets for Alumni Basketball Band Family, Friends, & Guests

Alumni Basketball Band Uniform Dress Code

• Official 2024 Alumni Basketball Band shirt (provided at check-in)
• Black pants (wear your own all-black dress, business casual or athletic (track) pants. Avoid stripes or piping if possible. All-black is preferred
• Black socks
• Black shoes (wear your own all-black dress, business casual or athletic shoes. Avoid stripes or piping if possible. All-black is preferred
• If you would like to wear an additional layer, we would prefer you blue or black Under Armour (or similar) underneath the Alumni Basketball Band shirt
• You may wear a black or blue ISU hat in the stands if you’d like

Reception (the day before)

The Sycamore Bands will be hosting a reception for the Alumni Basketball Band on Saturday, January 13 at the Terre Haute Brewing Company from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. All alumni and their families, whether you are performing at the game or not, are welcome to attend!

Terre Haute Brewing Company
401 S 9th St, Terre Haute, IN 47807

Tentative Schedule 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost to participate?
There is NO COST to participate in the 2024 Alumni Basketball Band! All you need to do is complete the registration form by Wednesday, January 10.

Can family members and guest join us for Alumni Basketball Band?
While they are welcome to observe the festivities, they need to purchase their own tickets to the game if they wish. While they cannot sit inside the band with you, the Sycamore Basketball Band is seated in Section 129 inside of the Hulman Center.

Do I have to perform to participate?
Yes! Due to the small seating area that the band has in the Hulman Center, basketball alumni band participants are expected to play as we do not have space for non-playing members. If you are not looking to play but would like to be a part of the festivities, we ask that you purchase a general admissions ticket to the game.

What do I wear?
The Alumni Basketball Band uniform is the 2024 shirt (provided at check-in) with all black pants, socks, and shoes. More details on attire can be found above. Black or Blue Indiana State hats may be worn with the uniform.

What will we play?
You will play along with the basketball band tunes that the current band will perform on. This includes pep tunes that that have been recently performed by the Marching Sycamores along with new additions. You can play on as much or as little as you’d like!

How can I get the music to practice ahead of time?
Access to digital sheet music will be sent in the coming days to the registered participants.

Will we be provided with lyres and flip folders?
Unfortunately, we do not lyres or flip folders to provide alumni. However, with our digital format, alumni members will be able to access the sheet music on their phones during the performance. For instruments that cannot hold a phone and play, we will have binders with sheet music and stands available for you to use to see your music.

Do I have to stay the entire game?
No, you do not, though we would love for you to stay as long as you can. Feel free to leave whenever you need to. If you have any university equipment, make sure to coordinate return procedures with Kelly Fallon. 

Is there a deadline to register?
Deadline to complete the registration form is January 10.

Where is a good place to stay for my visit?
If you are looking for a place to stay in Terre Haute, consider the Hilton Garden Inn or the Candlewood Suites near campus, right off of Wabash and 7th. There are many great options throughout the city!  

I can’t make it this time. Is there a way for me to receive information on future events?
Yes, please complete the Alumni Contact Form if you haven’t already. We will periodically send out information on concerts, band events, and more!

Questions?
Feel free to reach out to Prof. Rodriguez (Emmanuel.Rodriguez@indstate.edu) if you have any questions!

2024 Sycamore Marching Band Day! The Marching Sycamores is proud to present the 2024 Sycamore Marching Band Day!

Perform with one of the best college marching bands in the land during halftime and in the stands at the September 14th home football game! Be part of the action as our Fighting Sycamores take on the University of Dayton Flyers!

Participants will rehearse in Memorial Stadium, enjoy a pizza lunch, get admission to the game, perform with the Marching Sycamores at halftime, and perform in the stands!

Be part of the tradition of excellence – Perform with the Marching Sycamores!

Individual Registration - $20.00

Director Form for Directors interested in bringing school groups of 10 or more.

Registration Deadline: August 28

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the attire?
Participants should wear their marching band performance attire (this includes hat/shako, bibbers, jacket, shoes, white/black socks), and additional accessories like gauntlets and gloves, etc. If your school doesn’t have a formal marching band uniform, wear black long pants with the provided band day t-shirt. Students are allowed to wear under apparel, as long as it is either black, white, or blue. Weather accessories should be black, white, blue, or gray, and have minimal branding/logos. Additionally, students should wear practice attire (comfortable clothing, closed toed athletic shoes, hat) when they arrive. There will be time to change into the performance attire. The 2024 Sycamore Band Day shirt is not for the performance but for you to take with you!

What else should I bring?
You should bring a water jug for rehearsal and to refill during the game. Participants will be provided with water for lunch and during the start of the third quarter following the halftime performance. Students should bring a jug with a screw-top lid with them for rehearsal and in the stands. Water coolers will be provided to refill water jugs with a screw-top lid where the lips/mouth do not touch the rim of the water jug/bottle. We have personnel in the stands to refill water bottles.

What will be provided for dinner?
We will be providing pizza (cheese, pepperoni, sausage, chicken) for all participants. Accommodations have been made for those who indicated a dietary restriction in their registration form. In addition to pizza, performers will receive an apple as a snack after halftime. If you have any concerns, please send us an email. We recommend eating breakfast before arriving.

When will we receive music?
Sheet music will be sent to all registered participants on August 29, the day after registration closes. The Marching Sycamores will be performing a Video Game Show – & you will be performing it with us!

Where will the band be seated and how can we purchase tickets?
Sycamore Marching Band will be seated in Section C. You may purchase additional tickets for family and friends online for $8 per ticket, however guests may purchase discounted tickets at the gate for $5 the day of the game. Simply indicate that you’re attending the game as a part of Sycamore Marching Band Day. Chaperone tickets are only available for participants registered as a group.

Event Questions? Contact us!
Dr. Emmanuel Rodriguez, Director of Athletic Bands (Emmanuel.Rodriguez@indstate.edu)
Dr. Eric Scott, Director of Bands (Eric.Scott@indstate.edu)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Be a part of the 2025 All-Star Honor Band! You will have the opportunity to work with composer-in-residence Katahj Copley and perform with guest conductors Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, Eric Scott, and Emmanuel Rodriguez, as well as study with our fabulous faculty from the Indiana State University School of Music.

Our All-Star Honor Band composer-in-residence is Katahj Copley and our 2025 clinician is Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, Director of Bands at O’Fallon Township High School!

REGISTER TODAY!

Residential Rate: $150
We offer a fully inclusive experience for Residential Campers at Indiana State University, including housing at the Terre Haute Hilton Garden Inn on the corner of campus (4-person occupancy), all meals (including breakfast) throughout the weekend.

Commuter Rate: $50. Commuters also receive lunch and dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday. All Participants receive an All-Star Honor Band shirt, masterclasses with applied professors, an opportunity for a FREE campus tour, a chance to take a FREE private lesson, and a meaningful musical experience with other high school musicians throughout the region.

Full payment must be made prior to the start of rehearsals. Please contact the CSA office for any questions 812-237-2528. We no longer accept cash. Payments of Visa, Mastercard and Check are accepted.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We understand that last minute schedule changes happen. To withdraw from this program, you must call the Community School of the Arts office at least TWO WEEKS in advance of the start of this program. After January 10th, no refund will be allowed.

Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal and no financial deduction will be made for temporary absence from a class or lesson.

Details:
Ages: 8th - 12th grade
Dates: January 24 - January 26
Minimum Enrollment: 40
Maximum Enrollment: 200
Fee: Residential Fee: $150.00
Commuter Fee: $50.00

Location:
Indiana State University
School of Music
300 N. 7th Street
Terre Haute, IN 47809
Phone: 812-237-2771

REGISTER TODAY!

Event Questions?
Eric Scott, Director of Bands (Eric.Scott@indstate.edu) Emmanuel Rodriguez, Associate Director of Bands (Emmanuel.Rodriguez@indstate.edu)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Friday, January 24, 2025
2:00pm – Registration & Warm-up
3:00-5:00pm – Auditions & Chair Placements
6:00pm – Welcome Session
7:00-9:00pm – Rehearsals

Saturday, January 25, 2025
9:00am-9:00pm – Rehearsals, Masterclasses, etc.

Sunday, January 26, 2025
9:00-11:00am – Rehearsals
1:00pm – Concerts

MEDICAL FORM

Please complete the required CSA Program_Health Info Form. You must upload this to your registration or bring it with you when you attend All Star Band.

ISU JAZZ FESTIVAL

On Saturday, February 25, 2025, Indiana State University and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia will host their 50th annual Jazz Festival. The day will begin with middle school and high school jazz ensembles and combos performing in the morning and afternoon, followed by a performance by the ISU Jazz Ensemble. The day will also include a clinic and performance by guest artist Wycliffe Gordon.

Visiting junior and senior high performing groups will receive written and audio feedback from the judges as well as a clinic following your performance. The judges will be guest artist and clinician Wycliffe Gordon, Janis Stockhouse, Randy Greenwell, and Jeremy Basso. Participating students will also have the chance to attend an improvisation masterclass by Jamey Aebersold.

Previous ISU jazz festivals have included outstanding performances by Jared Sims, J.J. Johnson, Wycliffe Gordon, Larry Mckenna, Geoffrey Keeser, and Adam Meckler.

Please submit your 2025 Jazz Festival Application for consideration.

2025 JAZZ FESTIVAL APPLICATION
https://indstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmWRfwNQ3aPbI5E

GUEST ARTISTS

Wycliffe Gordon experiences an impressive career touring the world performing to great acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

Jazz Journalists Association has awarded him "Trombonist of the Year" for a record-breaking 15 times, and he's topped Downbeat Critics Poll for "Best Trombone" for an unprecedented six times (2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 & 2012). Recent awards include the "Louie Award", the International Trombone Award and the Satchmo Award, among others. Wycliffe is a prolific recording artist and is extremely popular for his unmatched signature sound, plunger technique and unique vocals. He can be heard on hundreds of recordings, soundtracks, live DVD's and documentaries, and has an extensive catalog of original compositions that span the various timbres of jazz and chamber music. His arrangement of the theme song to NPR's "All Things Considered" is heard daily across the globe.

In addition to a successful solo career, Gordon tours regularly leading the International All Stars performing at festivals and performing arts centers worldwide. Gordon is also one of America's most persuasive and committed music educators and is highly sought after as a clinician and guest speaker.

Wycliffe Gordon is a Yamaha Performing Artist and has his own line of Wycliffe Gordon Pro Signature Mouthpieces and the highly sought after "Wybrid" made by Pickett Brass. Visit www.wycliffegordon.com.

Jamey Aebersold was born July 21, 1939, in New Albany, Indiana. He attended college at Indiana University and graduated in 1962 with a Masters Degree in Saxophone. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by Indiana University in 1992. He also plays piano, bass and banjo.

In 1989, the International Association of Jazz Educators inducted Jamey into their Hall of Fame at the San Diego convention. With this award, Jamey joins other jazz luminaries such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong and others.

Jamey is a internationally-known saxophonist and authority on jazz education and improvisation, and has developed a series of Jazz Play-A-Longs (book and cd sets (now numbering almost 130 volumes) as well as various other supplemental aids for the development of improvisational skills. The Aebersold book and recording sets allow a musician the opportunity to practice and improvise with well-known jazz personalities at home as well as in the classroom. The recordings employ some of the best jazz musicians in the world. This concept has been responsible for changing the practice habits of thousands of musicians around the world.

In 2007, Jamey was awarded the Indiana Governor's Arts Award by Mitch Daniels, the Governor of Indiana. Jamey has been a driving force in America's native art form, Jazz, and continues to kindle the fires of musical imagination in those with whom he comes in contact.