History and Traditions of the University of Arizona

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Table of Contents

Introduction
How the Band Singing Tradition Began
How the Tradition Evolved
The University Sectors Mostly Involved
Band Singing and the University Heritage
The Present State of the Band
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The University of Arizona (UA) is among the oldest universities of America with a rich tradition that has an extensive historical background. Edmondson (2013) states that although the Americans are somewhat familiar with the social and political events that historically contributed to the development of the University of Arizona, most of them are unaware about some important traditions that are noteworthy for the university. Band singing and marching is one of the traditions of the University of Arizona that people rarely recognize. This essay seeks to discuss the historical aspect of the Arizona Marching Band as a unique tradition that distinguishes this university from the rest.

How the Band Singing Tradition Began

Band singing is an exceptional culture of the University of Arizona. During the 1900s, the influence of the students in the creative arts and co-curricular activities had begun increasing (University of Arizona, 2015). In 1902, the university enhanced its close relations with the local authorities and such relationships made the students to establish a singing band that marched like the trained soldiers. Under the student leadership of Frank C. Kelton, the students developed a ROTC band popularly known as the Reserve Officers Training Corps band (University of Arizona, 2015). The band began with twelve musicians who wore in military uniforms. The band made its first appearance in December 1902 at an organized Battalion Parade.

The singing and marching of the band created an immense enthusiasm among the politicians and the university officials, who thought this practice as an exceptional activity for the university (University of Arizona, 2015). In 1907, the university authority commenced the band projects and created the University of Arizona Band that replaced the ROTC band. During this moment, a UA music department emerged as several trumpeters, singers, and percussionists of the university became motivated to spur the development of the band (University of Arizona, 2015). In the 1920s, the UA marching band grew to forty registered members and in 1902, the band made its first appearance in a football tournament, where the American military sponsored it with 50 musical instruments.

How the Tradition Evolved

In 1928, the moment when the band hired Joseph DeLuca as the music director, the university witnessed major changes in the tradition of band singing and marching (University of Arizona, 2015). The activities of the University of Arizona Band extended from the university levels to the national levels. The band later became a national image when it emerged as the first Arizona band to perform on a radio platform (University of Arizona, 2015). As the band performed in the enthusing football events, in the radio shows, and during the university ceremonies, the preparations for the Second World War were underway (Edmondson, 2013). The nation tore apart during the Second World War and when the moment of reconstructing America came, band singing became a reuniting factor.

The involvement of the UA band in the national events enhanced sporadically and in 1952, when Jack Lee became the second band director (Edmondson, 2013). Jack increased the singing motivation of the UA band. While still on his application processes to become the band director, Jack took an air trip from Tucson to meet the board of administration of the University of Arizona (Edmondson, 2013). Through the airplane window, Jack noticed some creative writings on the rooftop of the UA gymnasium. The writings, Bear Down, Arizona inspired him to write a song about the world war and decided to name that song, Bear Down, Arizona. The song became famous and Jack Lee secured the headship of the UA band.

The University Sectors Mostly Involved

The marching band has some deep influence on the departments of music and entertainment, the department of sports and creative arts, and the department of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) (University of Arizona, 2015). Edmondson (2013) reveals that after the marching band had created an irresistible influence upon the university and the nation as a whole, band singing and marching became an integral part of the UA functions. In the sports department, the marching band influences almost every bit of the functions associated with the tournaments of the American football that mostly involves the local campuses (University of Arizona, 2015). Since the band began performing at the football tournaments and at the Super Ball functions, it increasingly became famous.

The band performs during the opening of the tournaments, and during the halftimes of the tournaments. In the department of music and entertainment, the band has invested several efforts and established some significant foundations for the UA band (University of Arizona, 2015). Marching and other activities of the band rely on the programs designed and implemented by the department of music and entertainment (Edmondson, 2013). Apart from getting involved in the department of music and entertainment, the Arizona Marching Band gets involved in the activities of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). The ROTC university department has a high influence in the national political occasions and national ceremonies (Edmondson, 2013). The band is also common in the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Band Singing and the University Heritage

The marching band greatly associates with the heritage of the University of Arizona. Sports is one of the most significant heritages of the University of Arizona as the university invests a lot in sponsoring football tournaments and engaging in Super Bowl leagues (University of Arizona, 2015). Since its beginning, the university has maintained the heritage of sports and has managed to appear in numerous tournaments that involve universities and other major educational organizations. The Arizona Marching Band blends very well with the activities of sports in the university as it regularly performs in the opening of the tournaments and in the proceedings of the football and Super Bowl events (University of Arizona, 2015). Some UA slogans are part of sports entertainment and some songs are themes for the sports teams.

The Present State of the Band

Since its inception in 1902, the practice of singing and marching in a band at the University of Arizona has transformed to the unprecedented levels. With its current name, the Pride of Arizona, the marching band nowadays engages in commercial performances, celebrity band awards, national issues of politics and governance, and competes in the national band competitions that often attract millions of people across America (University of Arizona, 2015). With approximately 250 registered members who perform in different institutional and national levels, the Arizona Marching band is increasing proving significant in maintaining an ancient tradition of the university (Edmondson, 2013). Corporate organizations are nowadays using the band to sell their brands in the highly competitive American market.

Conclusion

The Arizona Marching Band is an amazing traditional element that distinguishes the University of Arizona from several other institutions across the United States. From a small group of twelve members who sang and marched in the first appearance of the band, the band has managed to evolve through various social, political, and economic dynamics. Apart from engaging in institutional affairs, the Arizona Marching Band has nowadays become a relevant national practice, where corporations and people seek to interact with the band on various reasons. Moreover, band singing and marching has become an important feature in the university sports and in the military services.

References

Edmondson, J. (2013). Music in American Life: An Encyclopedia of the Songs, Styles, Stars, and Stories that Shaped our Culture [4 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of the Songs, Styles, Stars, and Stories That Shaped Our Culture. United Sates, New York: ABC-CLIO. Web.

University of Arizona (2015). The UA Traditions. Web.

Click Here To Order Now!