University Park, Pa. -- After a mere week of preparations, auditions and rehearsals, the Penn State Blue Band, a fixture of Penn State for 110 consecutive years, is whole once again.
During auditions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of last week, more than 450 students vied for the organization's 310 positions, which include 262 musicians, 34 silks, 11 majorettes, a drum major and a feature twirler. While prospective rookie members learned the trademark Blue Band high step marching style outside the Blue Band Building, prospective returnee members presented themselves musically to the Blue Band staff to retain their membership.
The ensemble will perform in full uniform for the first time on Sept. 5 during the home football opener in Beaver Stadium against the University of Akron. For pictures of the preparations for the 2009 football, and marching, season, visit http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/2124 online.