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OU’s Marching 110 Brings Music To The Streets
< < Back toIt's the billed as the most exciting band in the land.
Ohio University's Marching 110 has been one of the major attractions at OU events through the years, and they make it look so easy.
But the fun on the field comes only after lots of hard work.
It's very rare to see a college band dancing to internet pop hits, let alone playing them.
That is, unless you're a student at Ohio University.
Recently, the already acclaimed Marching 110 gained nationwide praise for its performance of Psy's Gangman Style, dance moves included.
Director Dr. Richard Suk, Marching 110 director, says the hip song choices and movements are what makes this band stand out.
“I wouldn't say we started it but I definitely think we were at the forefront of it. We did it before a lot of people did, and I think that's one of the things that has made us unique over the years,” said Suk.
The band's always unique style certainly had an effect on trumpet player Keith Wilbur years ago.
He knew he wanted to be a part of it the moment he saw them perform in high school.
“I remember my sophomore year of high school the 110 came to my high school, and they played and I'll never forget the intensity they had on the field when they did the UP. You could just hear it echo through the whole stadium. And I knew right then that I wanted to be in that band,” said Wilbur.
While everyone enjoys the finished product, few get to see what goes on beforehand, and how much work the band must put in before performing.
“I don't think a lot of people realize how much work we really do put in. The class is typically one to two semester hours and we're out here on the practice field every day,” said Wilbur.
For Dr. Suk, it's not the sounds of cheers from the stands, but the hard work of his students that keeps him marching on.
“It's their intensity and passion for the product they want to produce. And I've seen that. I've been here for 17 years and over the years that's been the common denominator is that they want to be an excellent ensemble. And that shows in their work and preparation for performances,” said Suk.
You can watch the band perform in the Parade streamed live on our website, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.