Joining in unity during a time when college marching bands have been forced to the sidelines, the CBDNA Intercollegiate Marching Band will keep the spirit alive by performing virtually together.
Nearly 1,500 nominated performers from 200 bands in 45 states and Puerto Rico are working together to produce a virtual college marching band show. Joining in unity during a time when college marching bands have been forced to the sidelines, the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Intercollegiate Marching Band (IMB) will keep the spirit alive by performing virtually together. This unique project will combine college marching bands from different conferences, regions, and styles in a single performance.
The Intercollegiate Marching Band will perform “End of Time” by Beyonce in a video that will premiere on the Intercollegiate Marching Band YouTube channel and at the stadium during halftime of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 11, 2021.
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.
What People Say
“This is going to be a historical performance! 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.”
Dr. Mark Spede – President of CBDNA and director of bands at Clemson University
“During these challenging times, we are excited that CBDNA, along with some amazing partners, can offer an event so positive to collegiate band programs across the country.”
Barry Houser – Chair of CBDNA athletic bands committee and director of the Marching Illini at University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
“We are striving for a larger community to bring awareness to the arts, a community that lasts long after this year is over, a community that grows and grows for all marching arts students.”
Jeremy Williams – Owner of GuardCloset.com and creator of StylePLusTV
Artistic Talents
The Intercollegiate Marching Band also brings together professional talent from across the marching band industry. Composer Scott Boerma, director of bands at Western Michigan University and past arranger for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, and Chuck Ricotta, percussion instructor and arranger for the University of Michigan, created the arrangement for “End of Time.”
Michael Rosales, choreographer for the 2018 Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps and the 2018 Paramount Winterguard, and Lexi Duda, a national- and world-champion twirler previously with the University of Maryland, designed routines for the visual performers.
Our Virtual Ensemble
Our Virtual Ensemble, powered by GPG Music, is the IMB’s presenting sponsor. All participants used Our Virtual Ensemble to practice music and routines as well as to submit individual videos. Editors at GPG Music will produce the final video.
A Larger Community
The IMB originated as the brainchild of Jeremy Williams, owner of GuardCloset.com and creator of StylePlus.TV.
Halftime Magazine and CollegeMarching.com are also founding partners for this project.
The CBDNA welcomes additional corporate sponsors and has kicked off a fundraising campaign through FansRaise to fund the IMB as well as raise donations for the CBDNA Mike Moss Conducting Fellowships, providing underrepresented populations with the opportunity to participate in a summer conducting symposium. Visit imb.fansraise.com to contribute.
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