Gator Marching Band holds open practice this afternoon

August 30, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The public is invited to watch the University of Florida Gator Marching Band practice from 4 to 6 p.m. today, Aug. 30, on the Gator Band Practice Field across from the new Clinical and Translational Research Building, Gale Lemerand Drive.

Fans can watch from the field level or from atop the parking garage complex across the street.

“We are excited to welcome the media and especially our fans to see the hard work that goes into our pre-game and halftime shows,” said Jay Watkins, associate director of bands. “Our students dedicate a great amount of their time to support the university, and we’re proud to showcase their hard work.”

The band will mark its 100th anniversary this year with a special halftime show this fall and a banquet on campus.

The band is the 2013 recipient of the Sudler Trophy, presented to “a college or university marching band which has demonstrated the highest of musical standards and innovative marching routines and ideas, and which has made important contributions to the advancement of the performance standards of college marching bands over a number of years.”

For more information, go to http://www.ufbands.com