 In every issue of the e-News, I like to include an interview with a prominent HMB alum. For this edition, it was my pleasure to catch up with former Husky Band drumline member Randy Hodgins, ’79, ’83. Randy, who has received both Bachelors and Masters degrees from the UW, was a member of the Husky Band in ’74, ’76 and ’77. He grew up in Washington, D.C., and is currently beginning his sixth year as the University of Washington’s Vice President for External Affairs
—Brad McDavid, Director
Q: Randy, as Vice President for External Affairs what are your primary responsibilities?
A: My office is primarily responsible for influencing public policy and opinion and strengthening the University’s reputation and the perceptions people hold of it. It includes offices that are responsible for Media Relations and Communications, University Marketing, UW Video (formerly UWTV), Trademarks and Licensing and three Government Relations units focused on state, federal and regional and community relations.
Q: Is it the type of position you always envisioned yourself being in at this point in your career?
A: Well, yes and no. I think I always thought it would be great to come back some day and work for my alma mater, but when I was in school, I didn’t really envision the entire career path that I ended up taking. I was fortunate to have some interesting job opportunities early in my work life, tried to make the most of them, and here I am.
Q: Looking back on your Husky Band experience, was there anything about your years in the band that helped prepare you for a career in higher education administration?
A: Perhaps not directly, but certainly a lot of aspects that make a college marching band successful such as teamwork, practice, precision, showmanship and energy are also attributes of successful workplace teams in any complex organization.
Q: If memory serves me correctly, I believe you’ve worked under UW Presidents Huntsman, Emmert and now Young. Which President has been the best at singing “Bow Down to Washington” and have you played a key role in teaching them the words?
A: Don’t forget President Phyllis Wise, who served between Presidents Emmert and Young. I’m pretty sure they all learned the words without my help, and I must say “no comment” on their individual singing abilities. I certainly know President Young is your biggest fan. Both he and his wife make it a point to go down onto the field at the end of every game just to listen to the band play.
 Q: What are some of your fondest memories of your years in the Husky Band?
A: Certainly the Rose Bowl year in 1977 was the high point of my band career, especially because it was so unexpected at the beginning of the season. Being in Los Angeles and participating in the Rose Bowl parade, marching down Disneyland’s Main Street and performing on the field for both the pre-game and halftime shows was really the thrill of a lifetime. The most memorable part of that trip, though, was I met and fell in love with the woman who has been my wife for the past 33 years.
Q: Are there any games or situations that stick out most in your mind?
A: I remember my first performance in my freshman year in 1974 and how intimidating Husky Stadium seemed when you are on the field in front of thousands of fans. The Oregon road game in 1977 was also a highlight because we won 66-0 after a less than impressive non-conference record. I distinctly remember celebrating on the field at Autzen Stadium after the game. The 1978 Rose Bowl win over Michigan was obviously memorable as well.
Q: What was your favorite halftime show and/or song while in the band?
A: My favorite halftime show was performing “The Stripper” at the final home game in 1977. Everyone was encouraged to be as creative as possible in our costumes and routines and the crowd really ate it up. As for songs, I am still quite fond of the Earth, Wind and Fire composition “Africano” which I believe is still one of the charts you perform today. As a drummer, we had a lot of fun with that tune. During my last two years in the band we added some Latin percussion into many of the arrangements and developed a bit of a cult following with both our musicianship and antics that fit well into that song.
Q: What was the funniest moment that you recall while in the Husky Band?
A: It happened at the end of the season Husky Band banquet in 1976. Each section had a chance to perform a skit in front of our fellow band mates and the drum section did a "Star Trek"-themed play. I was cast as Dr. McCoy and got to deliver a line that even made Bill Bissell double over with laughter—“Dammit Jim, I’m a doctor not a band director!”
Q: If I polled all the alums that you were in the drumline with, what would they say about Randy Hodgins?
A: Well, I hope they would say he was a good band mate and a good drummer. I think they might also say he was pretty funny and cared a lot about putting on a good show. |
