Being a creative media intern for Husker Athletics has helped Hudson Carrico better fulfill his duties to the Cornhusker Marching Band — and, in the process, all of Husker Nation.
When Carrico was named a drum major for the Cornhusker Marching Band, he knew it didn’t just give him responsibility toward his fellow band members. It gave him responsibility toward all of Husker Nation.
“Husker fans pride themselves on the deep tradition we have here,” said the junior in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. “When you hear ‘Hail Varsity’ ringing through Memorial Stadium, there’s just nothing like that feeling. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”
Being part of the band, especially in a leadership role, meant taking on the challenge of recreating that feeling for generations of Husker fans who pack the stands each week.
“I remember going to Husker football games with my parents when I was little and being blown away by what the marching band was doing on the field,” he said. “Being in this position today is a little surreal.”
To live up to that childhood experience is a tall order. Thankfully, Carrico is surrounded by people committed to the same standard of excellence that drives him.
“The Cornhusker Marching Band students are the hardest workers I know, and that’s proven every day during practice,” he said. “I was always told that the band is a reflection of the drum major, but I already know they're going to be positive and give it their all each day, so I just need to bring that energy, too.”
To help the marching band perform at its highest level, Carrico has another advantage: He occasionally gets to watch them as a spectator when he’s working as an intern for Husker Athletics, filming and creating video content.
“I’m a creative media intern for Nebraska Athletics, so all the things you see on social media — all the flashy photos, graphics and videos — is our team,” he said. “I like to say I get to experience Husker Athletics from every angle. When I’m filming, I can listen to what the band sounds like from a totally different place. I think that really helps me get better as a drum major.”
The internship also gives him the opportunity to be immersed in a different side of the Husker traditions that inspired him as a kid.
“In middle school and high school, seeing all the things that Husker Athletics would put out on social media just got me so excited,” he said. “I really thought it was the coolest thing, and here I am today getting to be a part of it.”
Carrico sees both of his roles as a way to enhance the overall Husker experience. Positive energy, he said, can be infectious.
“I think good energy goes a long way — the band is really a positive force, and music can do wonders for our whole community.”
