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Husky Band kicks off the season in Hawaii

Husky Marching Band members in Hawaii (click to enlarge)

Even before the 2014 HMB had officially reported for the September 6 home opener, the band entertained the Husky faithful who made the trip to Honolulu for the opening game of the season on August 30. The trip would not have been possible without the generosity of longtime supporters Kim and LeRoy Olsen, who accompanied the band on the trip. The band gave spirited performances not only at the UWAA Warm Up before the game and throughout the game itself, but the members also enjoyed performing before a packed house at an event hosted by President Young the night before the game. UWAA Executive Director Paul Rucker stated “The Husky Band’s surprise appearance at the Friday night event was the perfect ending to the evening; the band helped the festivities close on a 'high note!’"

While in Honolulu, the band prepared for the game by performing an impromptu concert on the beach for other Husky fans and the Waikiki locals!

One of the highlights of the trip for the students was touring the USS Arizona memorial and laying a wreath at the site. Each member also spread rose petals into the water above the ship to honor all sailors who were lost during the Pearl Harbor attack. The Husky Band cannot thank the Olsens enough for their incredible support. It was truly a trip that had an enormous impact on each and every student!

Band delivers "Presidential" performance

On September 22, the Husky Band continued a new tradition by kicking off the start of classes by surprising President Michael K. Young and Marti Young with an impromptu performance in front of their home in Madison Park. Director Brad McDavid stated, “This is the second year in a row that President and Mrs. Young have graciously invited the band out to their home the night before classes. In the short time we’ve been doing it, it’s become a great way to kick off the school year. It's great that new members of the band get a chance to meet President Young in an informal social setting.”

President Young and his wife have become huge fans of the band during his four-year tenure at the helm of the University. “Nothing captures the spirit of the University of Washington quite like the Husky Marching Band," said the President. "Marti and I adore the sounds and beats of the music they play whenever we hear the band perform, but experiencing their magic at the President’s Residence to mark the new school year is extraordinary beyond measure.” Even with the band arriving at 8:30 p.m., several of the President’s neighbors turned out for the performance and shared with the students and staff how they can’t wait for next year’s “surprise” performance!

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