Marching to the beat

By Elizabeth Leffall
The Collegian

In corner one of a makeshift football field next to the Science II building, brass players tip their horns to the sky. In corner two, the fingers of woodwind players move swiftly up and down each key. Drumsticks are raised in corner three as the mighty percussion line moves with succinct precision. Dancing in corner four, it’s the color guard femme fatale.

All stand at attention guided by bright floodlights and a booming voice coming from a man standing in the middle of the field with a megaphone.

No, this is not a military drill, but an evening field show rehearsal for Fresno State’s Bulldog Marching Band.

Under the direction of Gary P. Gilroy, the marching band is just under 250 members and is currently learning three routines this semester. Their goal, percussion instructor Phil Vallejo said, is to instill in others the love of music.

Shavon Garcia, the color guard instructor said, that goal comes with lots of hard work.

“We practice hard at least eight hours a day,” she said. “Not only does the entire band practice together, we have section practices too. Students are really committed and it’s worth every minute.”

Chris Diviney, a member of the percussion line, said he appreciates the bark and bite during each rehearsal.

“Gilroy is pretty hardcore but he definitely says what we need to hear,” Diviney said. “He pushes us hard but we get twice as much done here then anywhere else I’ve played.”

Student conductor Jennifer Avila said although it’s hard work, the fall semester is the most exciting time for the band.

“I’ve been in this band for about two years and it’s all about memorizing and learning the music for each half-time show and the pre-game show. It’s about football,” she said. “There’s so much excitement right now, Gilroy really pumps it into us.”

Brian Nunes, a student conductor, said the band is like family. Christian Stumiller, a veteran band member, experienced the band’s caring side first hand. When her dad passed away last week the band rallied together to earn donations for family expenses.

“Everyone is tight here, everyone has a story,” Nunes said.

Chris Williams has a story too. He has designed each field show for the last four years, “for my band,” he said.

Williams started marching with the Bulldog marching band during his freshman year and continued performing through graduation in 2001.

“When you have a passion for music you just can’t get enough of it,” Williams said. “I love the process of creating new and exciting things and designing shows just happened.”

Although the marching band only plays during the fall semester, head drum major Elisha Vallejo said band members stay involved all year long.

Vallejo said she knows how busy the off-season can be and that students can find anything, including love through music.

“I met my husband because of music,” Elisha said. “We both participated in an off- Broadway show in Orlando. For two years we performed instrumentals on stage together.”

Her husband, Phil, the band’s percussion instructor, said the rest is history.

“She was going to school in Houston when we met. After the show was over I brought her back with me to Fresno State as my wife,” he said.

Vallejo said that not only do the stories of band members inspire others off the field, but on the field as well.

Jose Diaz, associate dean of the College of Arts and Humanities said the band is an incredible asset to the university.

“Dr. Gilroy has done a superb job in making this band one of the best in the entire CSU system.”

Gilroy, assistant director of bands, said he is looking forward to playing for the football team this year because he has the biggest and the best band yet.

“They are awesome students and I look forward to putting them on the field this Saturday at our first game of the year.