Why children are getting and what UB is - University at Buffalo

Each year, the band chooses a theme for its
field show, including music and costumes.
This year’s theme is “City Rhythms: The
Music of New York City.”
Between practice, performance and travel, each member
dedicates about 200 hours to the band in the fall
semester alone. For those who also play in the spring
pep band that time commitment doubles.
Band members range in age from 17 to 25.
In 1969, the band marched in Richard Nixon’s
Presidential Inaugural Parade.
The band acquired its first nickname, “Pride of the East,” in 1961, under the
direction of Frank J. Cipolla, UB professor emeritus of music.
‘Thunder of the East,’ in its tenth year,
is a growing ensemble intent on
building campus pride
Strike up the
band
When the Thunder of the East performed at halftime throughout the Bulls’ magical 2008 football
season, including the MAC Championship game and International Bowl, the rolling, percussive burst
of sound plus the pageantry—produced by nearly 150 musicians, dancers, flag bearers and baton
twirlers—excited the fans and urged the players to victory.
“Power, precision and passion” are the band’s defining principles and also serve as its motto,
says James Mauck, marching band director. “It [expresses] who we are and how we approach our
performances and rehearsals. It is the band’s motto for uniform cohesiveness, ensemble performance,
and it reflects the individual contribution of each member.”
But beyond the music there’s more than meets the eye (and ear) with this marching band.
Story by Kevin Fryling, MA ’06, with photography by Douglas Levere, BA ’89
26 Winter 2009 UBTODAY www.alumni.buffalo.edu