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U of M marching band performs at Flekkefest [UPDATED]
Published 7:23am Monday, July 30, 2012 Updated 12:25pm Monday, July 30, 2012Former West Central Area faculty member Tim Diem will be bringing the famous University of Minnesota Marching Band to the Flekkefest Parade, on Saturday, Aug. 4, in Elbow Lake
Diem, who taught middle school band at WCA for three years during the early 90s, is the Director of the Marching Band and Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Minnesota.
Diem received Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Minnesota-Morris in Instrumental Music Education and Piano Performance, and holds master’s degrees in Wind Conducting and Collaborative Piano Performance from the University of Northern Colorado.
One of the most exciting and highly visible organizations on campus, the Minnesota Marching Band provides enthusiastic support to the University’s athletic programs, and represents the University with pride at home and away.
The band performs at all Gopher home football games and at the annual Indoor Concert.
This year the marching band is taking to the road and performing in two parades at summer festivals throughout Minnesota, including the 4th of July parade at Delano and at Flekkefest, in Elbow Lake.
Interestingly, membership in the Marching Band is open to all students, and not just music majors.
In fact 95 percent of the marching band are not music majors. Currently, more than 20 different majors are represented by members of the marching band.
Even students who have never been in a marching band are eligible.
Being a member of the U of M Marching Band is a commitment.
The marching band season officially begins with Spat Camp, the ten-day training period that starts in late Aug. and ends on Labor Day weekend.
When fall semester classes begin, the band meets Monday through Thursday for two hours in the afternoon. Additional rehearsals are held on Friday afternoon, and Saturday mornings before all home football games.
