IOWA CITY, IOWA (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A suburban horn player is excited her University of Iowa marching band will get to perform at halftime of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl after organizers reversed course.
The week leading up to finals was full of highs and lows for mellophone player Skylar Read and other members of the University of Iowa marching band.
“[There was] frustration at the people who valued money over tradition and over the efforts that we put it in. But, it felt so nice to be recognized as an important part of the college football experience,” Read said.
Following student outcry, bowl organizers announced the Hawkeye Marching Band would join Tennessee’s band and country star Gavin DeGraw in performing at halftime of the game on New Year’s Day.
Read, a Glenview native, said they learned at their last practice before winter break.
“That was when we knew we would have five minutes at pregame and five minutes at halftime…We had to majorly cut down both of our performances,” Read said.
The sophomore said the band, which played in the Music City Bowl last year, made the edits to its well-regarded Metallica performance and is ready for Orlando.
“It’s our last thing, let’s just focus on spending some good time together, playing some good music,” said read.
She encourages fans to check out their show which isn’t likely to be fully televised on their Facebook page.
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