I Heart Band: Alumni Celebrate 150 Years of Being ‘The Best in Sight and Sound’
The University of Arkansas Bands program recently marked its 150th anniversary, and to celebrate we asked past members to share their favorite experiences and memories.
Here are a few of their answers, which illustrate the bands’ impact long after graduation, and demonstrate to prospective members the lasting community that band membership creates.
Today’s 350-member organization remains a cornerstone of Razorback games and concert performances. The program supports each member’s academic success through scholarships and financial aid.
Additionally, the Razorback Band alumni society, formed in 2005, promotes communication, friendship, and professional development among Razorback Band Alumni.
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Ashley Kersey ’15
Ashley Kersey was a member of the U of A bands from 2011-15, playing piccolo during the marching season and the flute in the concert band. Kersey and her husband credit U of A bands for some of their greatest collegiate experiences, from a moving rendition of TAPS at a 9/11 memorial performance to a rousing speech from Chris Knighten, professor of music and director of bands, on the steps of Old Main.
“I’m fortunate enough to have met my greatest friends and my husband through the [Razorback Marching Band],” Kersey said. “I still remember being dropped off at college, sad about leaving Mom [and] Dad, and forcing myself to jump into a conversation in the band hall. Thank goodness I did because that same group ended up leading to some lasting, lifetime friendships.”
Kersey’s love story with the U of A bands didn’t end with graduation. She left with lasting memories like being proposed to on those same steps of Old Main.
“I only look back at my time with fondness and admiration,” Kersey added. “As Andy Bernard states in ‘The Office,’ ‘I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.’ I couldn’t think of a more fitting quote to describe my time.”
McCraw is a perfect example of how our students make Fulbright College a great place to learn, research, work, and grow — all in pursuit of our mission: peace through education.
Chad Martin ’94
Chad Martin was a saxophone player in the U of A band from 1991 to 1994, experiencing campus milestones like the opening of Bud Walton Arena and the men’s basketball team’s Final Four appearance.
“I was perhaps the worst tenor saxophone player ever,” Martin said. “The 1992 basketball season showed me the reason I wanted to be in the band: Hogwild. While the football times were fun, and I got to play saxophone with Bill Clinton and march in the inaugural parade, the Hogs stunk it up in football.”
Martin credits the bands with providing some of the best times of his life.
Kim Morton Walton ’85
Kim Morton, a former member of the Hogwild band, recounts how her band directors’ kindness helped her cope with her brother’s death during her senior year.
“At the end of my senior year on May 3, 1985, my brother [was] killed,” Walton said. “The next week was finals. I was so devastated that I just left school to be with my family.”
“One of my friends told the directors, and they contacted all my professors and arranged for me to take finals at a later time,” she added. “I will never forget their kindness.”
Kevin Thornton ’97
Kevin Thornton’s band aspirations began in the 8th grade, sparked by watching the Razorbacks play on TV and seeing band directors drive the crowd’s enthusiasm.
“Some of my favorite memories of band are the trips for away games, a bowl game, and basketball tournament games,” Thornton said. “Being an Arkansas native, I was proud to represent my state and university.”
Thornton experienced the highs and lows of the athletic seasons, cherishing his role in pumping up the crowds like he had seen on TV.
“My time in the Razorback Marching Band and Hogwild Band 30 years ago were some of the greatest times of my life so far,” he added. “It continues today as I play in the Alumni Band [for] homecoming and the holiday Hogwild Band every year!”
Lexia Spencer ’75
Lexia Spencer was a trombone player turned cowbell aficionado and percussionist by then-director Eldon Janzen.
“I was a member of the Uarkettes and represented Humphries Hall and Alpha Delta Pi leading the alma mater at Pep Rallies at the Greek Theater,” Spencer said. “I was just the Cow Bell Ringer, probably the first and last, but always got a chuckle when someone asked me what instrument I played.”
Spencer’s son, Collier, followed in her footsteps, joining the band in 1998 as a percussionist.
“I found pride in being a Razorback Bandsman and more for raising a much more proficient one,” Spencer added. “This year, I’ve had two hip replacements and am just walking again. I can [still] play a hell of a fight song on my piano and do so every game day.”
Sam Wood ’52
Sam Wood joined U of A bands just after World War II, recounting the glory days under director Edmund Marty. During those days, Marty’s uncle, a Ringling Brothers Barnum Bailey Circus band director, provided a Calliope which was towed behind a red war surplus Jeep for the football halftime shows.
“The highlight of my band days was in 1951 when the band was invited to be the honor band to His Majesty Rex, king of the Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” Wood said. “Day of the parade we marched behind King Rex’s float for five miles, 80-degree heat, wool uniforms – what a hike!”
“Crowds along the way were so large the band could only march four abreast, showered along the route with joy,” he added.
About the University of Arkansas Bands: The University of Arkansas Bands Program, part of the Department of Music in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, began in 1874 and is one of the oldest band programs in the country. The program has seven ensembles including the Razorback Marching Band, Hogwild Band and five concert bands with over 400 student members representing every college at the university.