Marching Hundred Showcase Concert brings spirit, music to Assembly Hall

Spirted shouts of “Go, fight win!” filled Assembly Hall on Wednesday as the Marching Hundred performed its annual showcase concert.

Hoosier fans cheered as the cream and crimson clad musicians played songs featured during football games including “Hail to Old IU,” “Hot, Hot, Hot” and “Dirty Little Secret.”

Marching Hundred director David Woodley said the show was a display of the band’s musical flexibility.

“The showcase has always been developed to be a re-cap of the entire season,” he said. “Very little rehearsal was involved.”

Performing with the band were the Redsteppers, a dance squad that choreographs routines to live band music.

“We learn a new dance each week,” said Janis Parker, the Redsteppers choreographer. “It can range from country to jazz to ’80s rock. We adapt a variety of dance styles depending on what the band plays.”

Throughout the showcase, the Redsteppers jumped, kicked and twirled in front of the band, changing outfits between each number.

Sophomore Kati Detty, a second-year Redstepper, applied crimson lipstick to match her IU cowgirl boots.

“I enjoy the rush that comes with performing,” she said before the show. “I feel adrenaline coursing through my veins.”

As trumpets, trombones and other metallic instruments blasted songs in harmony, the drumline kept rhythm from behind the band. But musicians weren’t the only performers featured.

Attired head to toe in game day gear, freshmen football players Griffin Dahlstrom, Dimitrius Carr-Watson, Aaron Price and Javon Cornley greeted each other on the court with chest bumps. Four drumline members proceeded to use their helmets and shoulder pads as percussion surfaces for a performance titled “Chaumpin’.”

Green and enraged, an Incredible Hulk played by Parker also joined the Marching Hundred for “Set Me Free.”

“It’s always good energy with this group,” said Sherri Quintero, mother of sophomore clarinet player Allison Quintero. “We love to watch the band. We’ve attended the football games and shows for the past two years.”

Freshman Kyle Murray, a tenor saxophone player, said performing with the Marching Hundred is an experience unlike any other.

“I learned all of the songs for tonight in about a month,” he said. “I love playing music, and I like the people. Playing in front of crowds gets me pumped.”

Despite hard work and long hours of practice, Murray said he plans to stay with the band for the rest of his college career.

“I feed off the pressure,” he said. “I’m here for the long haul.”