Nov/Dec08 - Halftime Magazine

Volatile Times

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:17:00 -0800

These are volatile times. Just in the past month, the Dow Jones Industrial Average�a stock market index�has recorded the largest drops and largest surges since its start in 1896. Overall, the Dow has lost more than 21% between Sep. 15 and Oct. 28.

Regionals - Nov/Dec 2008

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:15:00 -0800

A listing of marching events: major competitions, shows and conferences by region. From November 2008 to January 2009.

One-Handed Woodwinds Program

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:11:00 -0800

New innovations are being made each day, so that everyone� including the physically challenged� can experience the gift of music. The University of Nebraska at Kearney�s One-Handed Woodwinds Program has created a saxophone that can be played with, you�ve guessed it, one hand.

Prohands Hand Exercisers

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:10:00 -0800

Hand strength is an important factor in the marching arts activity. Now there�s a new product�Prohands Hand Exercisers�that allows performers to build up all of the different muscles in their hands and arms. Prohands offers an advantage over the traditional �V� grip or rubber ball because users can exercise a greater variety of...

Guard and Puppetry Combine

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:07:00 -0800

Winter guard has a big fan in the world of entertainment. Heather Henson, daughter of Muppets founder Jim Henson, prominently features flags and props in her hour-long stage show titled �Panther & Crane.�

ESPN Battle of the Bands

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:06:00 -0800

College bands received a dose of action-adventure, thanks to ESPN and the makers of the hit summer film �Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.�

Book Excerpt From �Field Level�

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:05:00 -0800

Read an excerpt from �Field Level: The Ultimate Band Director�s Guide to Fielding the Ultimate Marching Percussion Section.�

Hendrickson Wins CBS Challenge

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:03:00 -0800

CBS 42 KEYE-TV, a television station in central Texas, showcased 16 local high school drum lines with its fifth annual Marching Band Challenge. KEYE-TV aired the groups� performances during halftime broadcasts of preseason Dallas Cowboys games, and then viewers voted online for their favorites.

�Making the Blue Band�

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:02:00 -0800

High school musicians across Pennsylvania dream of one day marching into Beaver Stadium before 107,000 screaming fans. Each year about 200 freshmen audition for the Penn State Marching Blue Band; less than half make it.

Now a documentary titled �Making the Blue Band� by Penn State Public Broadcasting follows...

Bad Bands?

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:01:00 -0800

University marching bands have been in the national spotlight lately for bad conduct. The University of Wisconsin (UW) Marching Band was banned from performing at the Oct.4 nationally televised home game against Ohio State University due to allegations of hazing and inappropriate behavior.