Posted by Alisha Barnett
Cooperation and teamwork are vital to the success of a business … and higher education.
For many years on the Western Illinois University campus, the Marching Leathernecks have been a common sight on what was called the “band field” across from Olson Hall. The band practiced there most afternoons, filling the south side of campus with their renditions of “Georgia on My Mind” and other classics.
However, when construction on the parking lot for the new Center for Performing Arts began in July, the band needed a temporary practice field, and that’s when Facilities Management (FM) stepped in to help. To accommodate the needs of the University’s Marching Band, FM set up a new practice field behind the physical plant building. In addition, the band has been able to store its instruments in a climate-controlled room at the physical plant facility, so equipment doesn’t have to be hauled from one end of campus to the other, day in and day out.
“We understand that it’s important for the band to have plenty of room to practice and to have the proper storage facilities for the instruments,” said Scott Coker, FM director. “Working with the School of Music and University Bands, together we were able to find suitable space to fit the band’s practice and storage needs.”
To see the band’s drumline in action and see if the practices paid off, check out this recent friendly battle against Northwestern University.
When construction of the Center for Performing Arts lot is complete, the Marching Leathernecks will return to south campus, where they will once again hold their daily practices on the new practice field adjacent to the new parking lot.
Barnett originally posted this on behalf of the Office of University Relations, Western Illinois University.
