Luke Partsch didn’t immediately realize he had won the “drill down” during the Cornhusker Marching Band’s annual exhibition Aug. 23 at Memorial Stadium.
During the challenge — the band version of Simon Says — students march in formation and follow commands delivered by a drum major. If they make a mistake in following the instructions, staff tap them out. The process continues until one marcher stands victorious.
Partsch, a first-year law student from Nebraska City who plays mellophone, was on the edge of the block facing away from the rest of the remaining participants when he became the last one standing. He heard a noise from the crowd and then a “delay” command instructing him to turn and face the other way.
“I hear a delay call and I thought, ‘I’m about to see what happened,’” he said. “I delay and there’s no one. I’m ready to be done but I have to lock in and stay focused.”
The drill down is just one of the items during the exhibition, which caps the week of band camp. The event is the first time that year’s ensemble performs for an audience. The students run through their pregame show, show off some marching fundamentals and musical warm-ups and preview music for their first halftime show.
The drill down portion of the evening tests participants’ skill, focus and ability to respond quickly. If they do make a mistake but recover so that none of the judges notice, they can remain in the competition, testing their ability to bounce back as well.
“It’s all about recovery, listening, awareness,” Partsch said. “You really have to be on your feet and ready.”
The exhibition is a satisfying way to end a week of nine-hour days and intense rehearsals and preparation, Partsch said. Getting in front of an audience for the first time is a reminder of the reason for all their efforts.
“It’s all worth it when we actually have people in the stands cheering and shouting,” he said. “It’s just so fun.”
Tony Falcone, associate director of bands and director of the Cornhusker Marching Band, said the first opportunity to perform is a culmination of the students’ work and is important in helping the group come together.
“Musicians bond in performance, and having that positive experience with so much wonderful support gets us off to a tremendous start,” Falcone said.
This upcoming season, Partsch is looking forward to the halftime shows focused on the musical "Wicked" and military and veteran appreciation. Falcone, Partsch and 12 other students went to France earlier this summer and participated in an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
“We’re playing some of those same songs, and being able to get that context this summer about D-Day and all of the emotions of that, I’m so excited to play that show,” Partsch said.
As he kicks off his fifth year in the Cornhusker Marching Band, Partsch said the work is worth being able to spend Saturdays at Memorial Stadium watching football with the people and music of the Cornhusker Marching Band.
“Every game day is the best day,” he said.
