LHAB News
Press Release:
November 14, 2018 - 55th Alumni Band Weekend
55th Longhorn Alumni Band Weekend
Alumni Band returns on November 16-17 for the 55th Band Day reunion
AUSTIN, TX – November 14, 2018: The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band Association (LHAB) will welcome alumni and families back to the UT campus during its 55th annual LHAB Alumni Band Day Weekend from November 16-17, 2018. Returning alumni will enjoy events that bring together lifelong Longhorns and provide a nostalgic return to the Forty Acres. Events include the gathering at the Butler School of Music Longhorn Band Hall on Friday, November 16 starting at 5:30 pm for the annual business meeting, the election of officers and board of directors, and playing rehearsal.
“We are pleased to have the LHAB return to the Forty Acres as part of this great campus tradition. The LHAB represents a healthy, positive and forward-looking organization that epitomizes what a college alumni band should be. The LHAB is a shining example for others and I am grateful to be associated with you. Thank you to the LHAB for what they are doing for current and future Longhorn Band students, and how they represent The University of Texas.” Dr Scott Hanna, Director, Longhorn Band.
In addition to UT fans experiencing the historic 500th game at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium during the Iowa State versus Texas matchup starting at 7:00 p.m., fans will see nearly 1,100 band members take the field for the halftime show. This exciting tradition of the Alumni Band marching during halftime serves as a reminder that there is a strong connection between the Longhorn Band alumni and current students.
The LHAB Charitable Fund serves to raise scholarships for student musicians and since the its inception in 1964, LHAB has provided over $875,000 in scholarships and has grown from stipends of $50 a year to over $80,000 this year to LHB students. This fund is established to support the Longhorn Band program and to ensure its longevity years to come.
The Longhorn Alumni Band is also thrilled to announce our participation in the 75th Anniversary of D-Day ceremonies in Normandy, France in June 2019. LHAB has over 555 members and guests participating in the once-in-a-lifetime historic event, as the band will serve as the official ceremonial band for the memorial services.
LHAB is very honored that Mel Kusin, LHB 1942-43, will be among those going. Mel is a 92-year-old WWII combat veteran, who both fought in Europe and has played in the US Army Band. A remarkable man, Mel vows to play and march again and will be recalling his time when on the first anniversary of V-E day, his band led a giant celebratory parade down the Champs Elysees. Just behind him in jeeps waving to the crowd were General Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle and the Allied Forces celebrated the liberation of France from Nazi Germany.
“For me, an unforgettable experience as the biggest parade ever held in Europe with our little band representing the United States and presenting the winning generals of World War II to the public. I am thrilled to be again making a trip to Normandy with the Longhorn Alumni Band”
One alumni band member will also have the honor of performing “TAPS” during the official events at both the American and British cemeteries on June 6, 2019.
For media requests of in-studio interviews OR attending rehearsal on Saturday, November 17 at The UT Bubble, please contact in advance. Special guest from UT Athletics expected around noon in The Bubble. Please note, parking is difficult near The Bubble due to game day activities and road closures.
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Video: Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPa8DFZjf9o (starting at 6:00 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih8vgfCTz3M
Photos: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nHRLZqsGhfdFs8Tgf_2Z3GcspqkOa6AX
Contact
For further information, please contact:
Geof Sloan, LHAB President
geofsloan@gmail.com
512-689-6396
About The Longhorn Alumni Band
The UT Longhorn Alumni Band began in 1964 with 67 members. Now, LHAB consists of over 4,000 members spanning seven countries. Each year 800+ Longhorn Alumni Band members gather for our annual meeting at the designated Alumni Band home game. LHAB and LHB each perform half-time shows of their own, and then present a combined performance for a total of over 1,000 performers on the field.
The "Blast from the Past" represents all of the pride and spirit of countless LHB generations and looks forward to their next appearance with the "Showband of the Southwest."
Website: http://www.lhab.org/ Facebook: @LonghornAlumniBand Twitter: @LHAB
About The University of Texas Longhorn Band
The University of Texas Longhorn Band is one of the greatest traditions of The University of Texas, particularly those surrounding the Texas football gameday experience. The band performs at all University of Texas football games, including a smaller pep band for out-of-state trips. You can also see LHB at pep rallies, parades, and additional guest appearances. LHB is one of the largest student organizations on campus, and our members work hard to prepare and perform in front of more than 100,000 burnt-orange faithful on fall Saturdays. Longhorn Band currently marches about 380 members, has one drum major, one feature twirler, and a Bertha crew to handle the world's largest bass drum, Big Bertha. The band made its first formal appearance at the Kansas City-Texas football game, beginning a tradition that was later to become known as "The Showband of the Southwest."