"Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul." ~ Plato
Members of the Million Dollar Band study majors in almost every school and department within the University and the Million Dollar Band is easily the largest student organization on campus.
But you don't become that "ONE" in a million overnight. It takes months of hard work, practice, dedication and determination from every member. The end result -- a show-stopping performance and an enthusiastic energy that exudes from the iconic Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturdays in the fall. The football team performs magic on the field, but the Million Dollar Band carries that spirit to the fans.
And this is where it starts ...
Welcome to the Million Dollar Band!
Each year, the Million Dollar Band welcomes about 110-115 new members; this year, there are 125 new members. The members come from across the nation. About one-fourth are from the state of Alabama; a large number are from Texas and Georgia, particularly the Atlanta area; and about another one-fourth of the members are engineering majors.
In order to become that "ONE" in a million, students must first submit a letter of recommendation from their band directors. Once those letters are received, students will then audition. University Bands staff are not only looking for good musicians, but good leaders and outstanding character. Auditions are held in the spring and decisions are made by the end of April. Students who do not make it are put on a waitlist. Currently, there are about 250 students on that waitlist.
Once a student earns a spot in the Million Dollar Band, it does not mean he or she is automatically in every year. Everyone must audition each year. The last few years, more than 600 students have auditioned. Of those, about 250 were new students.
Fall camp, oftentimes referred to as "band camp" in high school, is the 12-day intense, all-day practice sessions that occur every year before students begin the fall semester. Camp is broken down into three blocks -- an outside morning block where students work on marching fundamentals, an afternoon block indoors where they practice music and then another couple of hours outside in the evening to continue working on fundamentals. Students spend about 8.5 hours each day playing and marching. The goal -- to know all of pregame and the first halftime show by the end of fall camp.
The Music
To be that "ONE" in a million, students dedicate thousands of hours every fall. In addition to fall camp, marching band is a class that meets every week day from 4-5:30 p.m. throughout the semester. There is also game day, which is an all-day event, and other activities (Crimson Cavalcade of Bands, Homecoming Week, pep bands, etc.) throughout the semester that take time. But despite the hours required, students keep coming back.
The show
The Million Dollar Band typically performs three different halftime shows during a season. This is done in order to add a bit of variety to the season, as well as offer music that will relate to everyone listening.
University Bands staff start planning the shows in June. Dr. Kenneth Ozzello, the director of Bands, writes all of the movements, while Randall Coleman, the associate director of Bands, selects all of the show tunes. These ideas are then sent to an arranger who custom writes show music that will best fit the band's needs.
"The MDB has allowed me to develop professional skills from time management and adaptability to teamwork and communication. It is such a well-rounded organization with opportunities to improve musically, socially and professionally." ~ Dakota Cox, a 20-year-old finance major from Kimberly, Alabama, who is a drum major in the Million Dollar Band
"Band was such a huge part of my life and such a passion of mine in high school that I could not possibly imagine not continuing it in college. My great-uncle and cousins were both members of the Million Dollar Band, so it was also a way that I could continue on a family tradition. I am the type of person that needs band as an outlet for me to relax after a stressful day of classes -- it is a mood lifter on my toughest days, and I treasure all the memories I have made both on and off the field." ~ Miranda Cornelius, a 21-year-old nursing major from Oneonta, Alabama, who is a drum major in the Million Dollar Band
"The Million Dollar Band is set apart by its rich tradition. We work really hard to not only honor the past, but also to stay relevant to what's happening today. Our football team is amazing, and it is incredible to be a part of that atmosphere on campus. Put football aside, and our program still speaks for itself. People expect a lot from us, and we have a big name to live up to. It's an honor to represent The University of Alabama, and it's a dream come true to get to put on the uniform and march with the Million Dollar Band." ~ Leah Sneddon, a 20-year-old apparel design major from Harvest, Alabama, and a clarinet section leader for the Million Dollar Band
"The thing I like the most about the MDB would have to be the camaraderie of the band and the important life lessons that can be learned. We are a bunch of different people who all have various majors but come together six days a week to work on music, drill and produce something that we and the university can be proud of. Having a high standard of excellence, integrity and fun are the kind of characteristics we hold dear in this wonderful organization. These are just a few of the things that I have been taught through the MDB and that help shape me as a future music educator." ~ Matt Meadows, a 22-year-old music education major from Jasper, Alabama, and a mellophone section leader
The Auxiliary
The Million Dollar Band Auxiliary consists of 26 Crimsonettes and 36 color guard. They are at every practice and every game.
"Time management is the most important skill I have learned during my time in the MDB. Attention to detail is also a skill I have acquired. I feel both of these will be beneficial in my teaching career." ~ Courtney Carter, a 22-year-old elementary education major from Chelsea, Alabama, and a Million Dollar Band Crimsonette
When it all comes together ...
Finally, the day we've all been waiting for -- GAME DAY!
"The Million Dollar Band is such a special organization to me, because that is where I have found my best friends. I absolutely love the music, the marching, and the football, but the people are what really make this organization great. My best college memories are without a doubt through this organization. I've been to two national championship games, five total playoff games, and I've performed in some really great stadiums. There are so many great things about the Million Dollar Band, and I've become a better person because of the organization." ~ Anthony Parrish, a 21-year-old music education major from Morris, Alabama, and a mellophone section leader with the Million Dollar Band
Credits:
Photos by Jeff Hanson * Written by Kim Eaton * UA Strategic Communications