Marching Hundred loses Hawaii Five-0 competition, members react

Toward the end of CBS’ Hawaii Five-0 episode Monday, a picture of the University of Maryland’s marching band, the Mighty Sound of Maryland, appeared on the television screen.

Results for the networks “Marching Band Mania” contest, which began on Sept. 19, were announced during the program. IU’s Marching Hundred participated but did not take home the $25,000 prize.

“I thought that from my view Maryland was definitely one of the top three,” said David Woodley, director of athletic bands and of the Marching Hundred. “Obviously I liked ours. Maryland did a good job spelling out Hawaii Five-0.”

Woodley said he hoped the band would win, but the contest was just for fun.

“It was worth it to do something a little bit different for a change,” he said.

Junior and Maryland native Felicia Wisniewski, who plays the mellophone in IU’s band, said her native state’s band had a good sound.

“They didn’t dub over theirs like we did,” Wisniewski said. “But truthfully, we have a sound that no other band replicates.”

IU’s band, she said, could have used the money, she said.

“But at least it didn’t go to someone like Notre Dame who didn’t need it,” she said.
Woodley said the band would like to participate in other contests similar to this one in the future.

“There really aren’t many that you can plan on,” he said. “They crop up or pop up from time to time without much warning. I think we had enough fun that we’ll try others that come to us.”

Until then, Woodley said he wants to thank the fans.

“We definitely want to thank all the members and fans that helped us vote,” he said. “It was definitely a campus thing to do.”