Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University marching band will not perform live in the fall of 2020. The university made the decision due to the evolving nature of the COVID virus, findings from recent research as it pertains to marching band music performance and Washburn University’s commitment to the safety and health of all students, faculty and staff.
“I personally will miss watching the Washburn University marching band coming across the lawn toward Yager Stadium before a home football game this fall,” said Dr. Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University. “I know that the marching band is as much part of the experience as the football game for many of our students and alumni.”
“However, the safety of our marching band students is paramount and it is with that in mind that the decision was made to move to a virtual marching band experience this year.”
Washburn University is committed to creating this experience for students and will provide marching band members with a virtual learning teaching and learning environment for fall 2020, ensuring these students will interact in an online platform for this particular class.
“The university has been preparing holistically for a changed learning environment this fall, including organizing all spaces for social distancing and installing additional technology,” said “Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, vice president of academic affairs. “We have a robust online learning platform that allows for learning flexibility and innovative solutions that will allow our marching band students to interact and perform together virtually.”
The director of bands for Washburn University, Dr. Tom Seddon, and chair of the Washburn University music department, Dr. Craig Treinen, are looking to put the marching band on the big screen in Moore Bowl at Yager Stadium, with virtual half-time and pre-game shows for football games.
“We believe this course of action is in the best interest of our students and the entire university community,” said Treinen. “Although our marching band students will miss serving the university in more traditional ways this fall, we will work together in new ways to create great virtual shows. And, we will be well-prepared to come back even stronger in 2021.”
- 30 -
