Students turn stadium into stage
Representing URI athletics and the music department, the Ram Marching Band makes a statement, spiriting the signature keaney blue. PHOTO CREDIT: Kat Sheridan
From bedazzled Keaney blue outfits to a rhythmic, impressive performance, the University of Rhode Island’s Ram Marching Band stole the show with their first performance at the home-opening football game vs Delaware last Saturday at Meade Stadium.
Their performance consisted of two songs written by John Williams in honor of his 90th birthday: “Superman Main Theme” from the 1978 film “Superman,” as well as “Star Wars: Main Title” from the “Star Wars” movies.
Each of the musicians walked onto the field to set up in a square position at the start, and were consistently moving themselves on beat to the music in different directions, standing in an array of positions while playing as a synchronized ensemble.
Fans could hear it from the top of the bleachers. Each tune was so recognizable that it hyped up the crowd, making them truly embody “Rhody Ruckus,” the coined term for URI’s rowdy fanbase.
Brian Cardany, conductor for the Ram Band, has been at URI since 2002. He said that he chose those songs for their first performance because he is a big fan of Williams’ work, especially those two arrangements.
According to Cardany, these songs were especially audience friendly for their distinguishable sound.
“I saw the arrangements and knew that they’re fun to play live,” Cardany said. “It had this sort of theme which I thought was relevant to our culture.”
Members of the Ram Marching Band start out in August for what they call “Band Camp” in order to prepare members for upcoming performances. They work on basic marching fundamentals crucial for everyone to come and play together as a whole sound.
There is no audition process, unless there are too many people in one section, such as the competitive drumline. About 10 years ago, nearly 30 drummers showed up to the camp, but there were only 16 drums open for students.
Although the conducting process is a difficult position, Cardany is not alone. Instead, there are multiple instructors for each section like Jessica DiNola for the color guard and for the drumline: Caleb Hilyard.
Hilyard, who used to play the saxophone, is now a drum major at URI, meaning he conducts and works with the drumline when Cardany is working on a different section.
He echoed Cardany’s notion that the performance went well and that the hard work at Band Camp paid off.
Hilyard said that Band Camp hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. with breaks for food. This gave musicians ample time to prepare for such a high-stakes performance.
What was also helpful for the band was the date of the game.
“A few years back, the first game was on Sept. 1, which gave them less time to prepare,” Hilyard said.
Three more weeks of practice made it beneficial to The Ram Band’s performance, especially for those who have joined directly out of high school, where marching band programs can be scarce.
According to Hilyard, there is some level of difficulty with balancing a conducting job and school work. After working with the band for a few years, he’s learned how to handle it.
“Sometimes balancing school work and conducting can be a little tricky but I’ve learned how to work it out,” Hilyard said.
This goes for the other musicians as well, who must adapt to their busy school schedule while still producing a professional-grade performance at the home football games.
The Ram Band will continue their march on Saturday, Oct. 1 when the Rams face Brown University at Meade Stadium for a packed in-state rivalry game.