Joining in unity during a time when college marching bands have been forced to the sidelines, the IMB will keep the spirit alive by performing virtually together. (Photography: Lexi Coon)
This photo was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.Nine students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marching Blazers will perform with college marching ensembles from across the nation in a virtual performance Jan. 11, showcasing their talents and commitment to the performing arts.
The College Band Directors National Association Intercollegiate Marching Band is a unique project that will combine college marching bands from different conferences, regions and styles in a single performance. Nearly 1,500 performers selected from 200 bands in 45 states and Puerto Rico will all work together to produce a virtual college marching band show.
The IMB will perform “End of Time” by Beyoncé in a video that will premiere online on the Intercollegiate Marching Band YouTube channel on the same day as the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Monday, Jan. 11.
Joining in unity during a time when college marching bands have been forced to the sidelines, the CBDNA IMB will keep the spirit alive by performing virtually together, according to the IMB.
The Marching Blazers are part of the UAB College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music.
“We are so excited that these members from the Marching Blazers were selected for such a prestigious and unique event,” said UAB Director of Bands Sean Murray, Ph.D.
Performers from the UAB Marching Blazers are:
- Ashley Archard, junior, Blazerette
- Lucas Beetem, junior, Baritone
- Kayla Bridgmon, senior, Blazerette
- Lyndsi Brown, junior, Blazerette
- Lindsey Burroughs, junior, majorette
- Chandler Howard, senior, drumline
- Carl Walden, sophomore, trumpet
- Sarah Williams, sophomore, trumpet
- Morgan Prater, sophomore, clarinet
“This is going to be a historic performance,” said Mark Spede, DMA, president of CBDNA and the director of Bands at Clemson University. “In this unusual year when bands have been unable to perform their traditional pregame and halftime shows during college football games, CBDNA is pleased to offer this opportunity with the help of its partners.”
The IMB performance will showcase all of the unique aspects of a college halftime show, including musicians, drum majors, color guard members, dancers and majorettes. For more information about the CBDNA Intercollegiate Marching Band, visit cbdna-imb.com.