2010 Homecoming Alumni Band

Thank you to those who participated in last year's Marching Leathernecks Alumni Band at Homecoming. You did a marvelous job marching and playing with the Marching Leathernecks at halftime, postgame, and in the stands. Once you have ML "chops" they never go away!

With this being the electronic/technology age, we will be communicating with our WIU Band Alums via the bands office database e-mail account and Facebook. Please help us by sending this on to your Marching Leatherneck friends - let them know about Band Alumni Weekend, Sept. 24-25, 2010. Also, ask that they send their e-mail addresses to Bands@wiu.edu so that we can more easily communicate with our alums.

Please join us for the 2010 version of the WIU Alumni Band! Send us a completed form by mail, fax, or e-mail and indicate your plans to participate in this year's homecoming/alumni band events, along with all of your contact information (see Registration Form). It will involve coming to Corbin-Olson practice field on Fri., Sept. 24th, to meet current members, if you can, and then on Sat. morning, the 25th, for a REHEARSAL. The Alumni Band will perform alone and with the Marching Leathernecks at the football game.

The last couple of years, band alumni purchased the official embroidered "Alumni Band" purple polo shirt and this was worn with khaki pants for the game. We plan the same for this year. You may order your shirt on the Response Form we're providing. See example of logo design on order form. If you have a shirt from last year, then you're "good to go" and won't need to purchase one this year. Please respond ASAP with your Registration Form so that we can send the music and order the shirts.

Dr. David Miller has again so generously offered to have a brunch/social at his country home on Sun. morning, the 26th. The address is 5915 Route 9, Blandinsville IL. Directions - 6 miles north of Macomb, then about 6 miles west on Route 9 towards Blandinsville.

Join us in welcoming Dr. Matt Thomas, newly appointed Associate Director of Bands/Director of Marching Leathernecks, Concert Band, Pep Band, and University Band. A native of the Midwest, Dr. Thomas was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Kentucky, and then taught in the Cobb County, Georgia, school district. Dr. Thomas' graduate studies include a Master of Music degree in Wind/Band Conducting and a Ph.D. in Music Education from The Florida State University.

Plan to be with us for a great weekend of playing music, reminiscing, getting re-acquainted, and meeting other Marching Leathernecks alumni. We'll make our plans for next year and work toward getting more alums to join us for a weekend of being a part of the Marching Leathernecks again! Feel free to contact me or University Bands if you have any questions.

Thanks for all of your past contributions to the Marching Leathernecks, and we encourage you to get involved again to shape the future of the Marching Leathernecks Alumni.