Musical Cyclones

Three Barkers — Todd, Drew and Sydney — of Lenox took the field as part of the Iowa State University marching band Oct. 11 during homecoming.

Todd, a trumpet player in the marching band from 1980-83, marched in the alumni band; his son Drew, a fifth-year senior at ISU majoring in instrumental music education, performed as drum major; and daughter Sydney, an ISU freshman majoring in instrumental music education, played cymbals in the drumline.

Todd’s tradition of participating in the ISU alumni marching band began in 1984 after his graduation from Iowa State. He marched in the halftime show with the alumni band every year until his oldest son, Nathan, became involved in marching band and football at Lenox High School.

After taking six years off, daughters Katie and Sydney encouraged him to rejoin the alumni band. He returned to the band the fall of Drew’s freshman year in 2010.

This Homecoming marked his 25th appearance.

“It’s fun for one thing,” Todd said about returning to perform in the alumni marching band. “I was in marching band all four years, and I developed a group of friends, and this is kind of our reunion. ... It’s been a thrill to be a part of a big group like that.”

Todd also takes part because it’s an opportunity for him to support the university. He said the alumni band acts as “band parents” and helps support the ISU marching band with a fund to help with whatever the band needs, including new band uniforms or lunches for game days.

Drum major

Drew began his marching band career at ISU in the trombone section, and worked his way up to be a line guide. His sophomore year he decided to try out for drum major because it seemed like a good step up in leadership. He didn’t achieve the position of drum major until his fourth year. Drew felt relief when he finally got the honor.

“I was happy,” Drew said. “I kind of expected to get it. I thought I had the experience necessary to get it. I felt pretty confident.”

For regular season games, game day schedule for a drum major begins at 5 a.m. to prepare for the day ahead. The marching band rehearses 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. A new show is prepared every week.

“We (ISU marching band) never perform the same show in front of a home crowd,” Drew said.

Sometimes Drew is lead conductor and other times he has to follow the lead of another drum major.

“The first game of every year, it’s an adrenaline rush,” Drew said. “After the first couple of games, it’s routine. Think about tempo and lock in with the drumline.”

Drumline

Sydney joined the ISU marching band this year. Originally a saxophone player, Sydney took a chance and tried out for drumline on cymbals.

“At our first meeting we have for rookies, they said they needed a few more people (for drumline),” Sydney said. “I just figured what the heck. I just tried it (cymbals), and they picked the fast learners. I got lucky.”

The drumline performs at more than just halftime of ISU football games. The group has traveled to Decorah and Cedar Rapids.

“I kinda like it (drumline) better,” Sydney said. “It’s something new. Visuals are fun to do.”

The hype cheer is her favorite routine to learn. This has some basic movement and drill that shows off each section of the drumline.

“They (the cymbals) get pretty heavy. In the long run I like it a lot. I know I want to stick with drumline for sure,” she said.

It took some adjusting for Sydney to see her brother in the role of drum major.

“It was definitely a new experience,” Sydney said. “At first it was kind of weird to see Drew being drum major.”

Homecoming

Homecoming was special because all three musicians were on the field at the same time.

“That is something I’d been looking forward to ever since I became drum major,” Drew said. “I thought that would be pretty cool.”

“Getting to play with my dad was pretty cool,” Sydney said. “I’m excited for years to come when we all get to play together again.”

Todd remembers the alumni band was established in the fall of 1980, his freshman year.

“Here I am on the field, and I’m thinking back to that time in 1980,” Todd said. “I would have never imagined that I would be back with my kids in band with me.”

And when it came to performing with his children, Todd said, “That was really cool.”