The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Everyone wants them, we got them OH-IO

I don’t believe I have ever seen a marching band receive so much notoriety as The Ohio State University Marching Band.

Last year, the “Pride of the Buckeyes” performed a halftime show entitled: video games.  In the show, the band formed a horse that actually walked (galloped) across the field.  Everyone thought it was incredible!  The YouTube video of the show went viral, meaning it had so many hits (people looking at it) that it went well into the millions. A couple of weeks ago, the band formed an image of pop music icon Michael Jackson doing his popular moon walk across the field. The attention this show got (on YouTube) was worldwide. Michael Jackson’s mother even called the OSU Band office to give her approval and admiration.

This past week, the band performed a Hollywood show that saw Superman fly through the air to save a leaning building and then formed an OSU flagged ship that rammed  (what else?) a Michigan ship that soon sank into the deep abyss of the sea!  This video now has well over six million hits and has drawn the attention of “CBS Evening News”, ESPN, “The Today Show”, USA Today and so many more that the OSU Band Office has had to turn media requests over to The Ohio State University’s main office.

OSU Marching Band column photo 10-2013
The Ohio State University Marching Band at Ohio Stadium on the OSU campus. (photo submitted)

It seems the whole world wants to see, hear, and learn about TBDBITL!  As much as many can’t seem to get enough of this long-time band of excellence, now turned “rock star” marching band, Van Wert is privileged to have them in concert at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on November 7.

I have actually been in conversation with the directors for over 12 years.  We have also had the directors tour the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, thanks to the Van Wert/Paulding County OSU Alumni Association.  We actually hosted one of their annual bashes at the Niswonger, where then-director Jon Woods and current director Jon Waters both had the opportunity to see what kind of facility we had.

I know that the OSU Marching Band gets dozens and now maybe hundreds of requests to perform each year.  It was actually a happenstance meeting that I ran into  current director Jon Waters at Macy’s Department Store in a Columbus mall last year.  We began speaking and one thing led to another and we found a date that worked for the band to perform at the Niswonger. Little did we realize at the time that the whole world would be demanding the band’s attention on November 7, 2013!

There have been a few in our area who have been members of this prestigious organization, but not many!  It is a very competitive organization to make.  Most spend a complete summer or more attending summer sessions before the tryouts actually begin. Then, in August, several days of tryouts take place, where each individual’s playing and marching skills are critiqued. In a very grueling and emotional meeting, all competing members (including those who have previously been members) enter the Steinbrenner Band Room at the stadium and hope not to hear their number called.  When a number is called, that person stands up and leaves the room, knowing their dream of becoming part of TBDBITL had just been shattered.  It is a dose of extreme reality.  What are left are 225 of the leanest, meanest marching band members who have the honor of being “The Pride of the Buckeyes” — The Ohio State University Marching Band.

Their Niswonger concert on November 7 has been sold out for nearly three months; however we now have some exciting news to announce.  Through special permission with the OSU Band, WTLW/WOSN TV 44 out of Lima will simulcast the actual concert into the First Federal Lecture Hall for an additional 175 people to enjoy the raucous atmosphere.  Those tickets go on sale today (Wednesday, October 30) beginning at noon.  You may get them in person or by calling the box office (419.238.6722), or online at NPACVW.ORG.  When the first 175 are sold, we are out!  We are thrilled to be able to offer this exciting opportunity to a few more people.

By the way, if you come early to the concert, tailgaters will be parking in the south parking lot where all kinds of food and activities will be going on.  Those who arrive after 6:30 p.m. will be diverted to the north parking lot.  Doors open at 6:30 that evening to the lobby, but you might want to catch the band as they march from the Elementary School to the Niswonger, much like the band does on game day from St. John’s to the stadium.  They will hopefully depart the Elementary School around 6:30 that evening.  The band will then enter the Music Hall and sound check whereupon we will open the doors to the public upon their completion.  If they are not done by 7 p.m., the doors will not open until they finish, so be patient!  Your seats are all reserved; don’t worry.

It will be quite a day and evening as we bring the Buckeyes to Van Wert; something many others wish they could do!  We appreciate those who have helped make this happen: Jeffery-Mohr Dentistry of Van Wert, the Kenn-Feld Group, First Federal Savings & Loan of Van Wert, The OSU Alumni Club of Van Wert and Paulding Counties, 1150 WIMA, The Lima News, and T102.1 FM.

FINÉ.

POSTED: 10/30/13 at 6:23 am. FILED UNDER: News