Band Together (TUMB Newsletter) Archive
NEW ISSUE!
Celebrate a landmark year for the Tulane University Marching Band as it bids farewell to legendary Director Barry Spanier, marks the 20th anniversary of TUMB’s rebirth, and shines on national stages. Relive a record-breaking Homecoming, a history-making College Football Playoff appearance, and the largest band membership in university history. Meet Interim Director Dr. Dylan Parrilla-Koester and his groundbreaking marching band research, then follow TUMB from Mardi Gras parades to a world-premiere concert in Dixon Theatre. This issue captures tradition, transformation, and the enduring spirit of the Green Wave.
Spring 2025
The New Uniform Campaign hit its $120K goal for stunning new TUMB uniforms. The band dazzled at Super Bowl LIX with French Quarter parades, Uber One drumline, and GWBB at NFL Honors and Terry Bradshaw events. Mardi Gras rocked with Krewe of Titans, d’État, and Thoth parades. Gear up for Give Green and the Spring Concert —don’t miss the music and reception!
Winter 2024
From performing at the Military Bowl to hosting over 300 students at Band Day and 60 alumni at Homecoming, it’s been a standout season. Supported by Give Green, new uniforms debut in 2025—plus don’t miss our Midcentury Modern concert later this spring!
Summer 2023
A landmark year— the TUMB was everywhere from local Mardi Gras parades, to Washington D.C. performances, and they even stopped in for an American Idol spotlight. With community outreach, guest artists, historic discoveries, and record-breaking fundraising, the spirit of Tulane Bands continues to thrive!
Winter 2023
Tulane Bands marched alongside Green Wave Football’s historic 1-0 journey, from thrilling road victories to a Cotton Bowl triumph over USC. Highlights included dynamic performances, Grammy-winning guest artists, community outreach, and record alumni involvement—all celebrating a season of spirit, excellence, and unforgettable New Orleans energy.
Summer 2022
The TUMB makes a triumphant Mardi Gras return after two years, with freshmen dazzling in their first Carnival parades and seniors relishing the tradition. Highlights include teamwork, crowd interactions, historic Concert Band performances, service awards, new staff, and the start of a new endowed travel fund.
Winter 2022
Tulane Bands served as US Cultural Ambassadors at World Expo Dubai, with 31 members performing 12 custom New Orleans-inspired shows across 4 venues from Nov. 23-28, 2021, amid pandemic and Hurricane Ida hurdles. The Fall 2021 TUMB Newsletter celebrates this global milestone, band camp revival, football energy, Homecoming, and community service.
Summer 2021
"Tulane Bands" rebrand, virtual Mardi Gras videos featured on NOLA.com, COVID-safe performances, senior reflections, record fundraising success, Social Action Committee youth aid, and equity initiatives amid pandemic transitions.
Winter 2021
The TUMB adapted to pandemic challenges through hybrid rehearsals, socially distanced performances, and virtual halftime shows. Balancing safety and spirit, the TUMB upheld its mission while launching social action initiatives supporting community aid, voter registration, and social justice—proving resilience through creativity and collaboration.
Fall 2020
Celebrating its centennial, the TUMB honored a century of spirit—from post-WWI origins to post-Katrina renewal and pandemic resilience. Highlights included Mardi Gras performances in Mobile, local parades, a farewell to longtime staff, new instructors, student service with The Roots of Music, and spirited appearances at Pelicans games.
Winter 2020
The TUMB fueled back-to-back bowl victories with high-energy performances after demanding band camp training, and a memorable road trip. Alongside guest artists, alumni, and community supporters, the TUMB built lasting bonds, showcased artistry on national stages, and welcomed future members into New Orleans’ only collegiate marching band.
Summer 2019
Read about the TUMB performing the national anthem at Krewe of Pontchartrain, a concert at the National WWII Museum featuring Gershwin and Copland, the debut of a historic Selmer clarinet, Roots of Music tutoring, and clinics for visiting school bands.
Winter 2019
The first Tulane Band to participate in a Tulane bowl game victory in 48 years! This issue covers a packed year of music, travel, and traditions. Highlights include band camp, Mardi Gras and bowl game performances, impactful road trips, growing alumni and donor support, and so much more!
Summer 2018
This issue showcases the “dancin’ist band in the land” at Mardi Gras with Peamu Peamu cadences, airborne choreography, and personal parade interactions, plus tricentennial-themed concerts, Music Under the Oaks, Friends of the Band dinners, and alumni send-offs.
Winter 2018
The TUMB’s first 100+ member game days! Highlights for this issue include a major road trip to Oklahoma with a Shreveport recruitment stop, the band’s NBA Pelicans debut, the inaugural Mahnke Mentorship Award, alumni homecoming performances, Band Day with local schools, and behind-the-scenes “ninja” crew and new pit percussion.
Summer 2017
This edition captures Mardi Gras prep and in-parade action for Nyx, Endymion, and Orpheus with volunteer support and Sophie the VW; a Latin music spring concert featuring Malagueña, Bolero, and Samba Batucada; drumline vibration lights from Tulane MakerSpace innovation; Roots of Music tutoring testimonials; District VI Honor Band hosting; student awards via growing endowment; and alumni crawfish boils.
Winter 2017
TUMB celebrates growth with band camp march-offs, Bowie tributes, Florida road trip featuring Dali Museum, Shockwave Dance Team evolution, new color guard instructor Jakki, Friends of the Band generosity, alumni Homecoming "Hey Pocky A-Way," another TUMB wedding, 8th Band Day, and "Roll" Models for young fans.
Summer 2016
Celebrate the 10th anniversary since the resurgence of the TUMB with Mardi Gras "Happy Birthday" surprises, President Fitts inauguration performance, and a Soundwave Pep Band performance at AAC tournament. Then, relive the WWII Museum Concert, Katrina-themed spring show with Promising Skies, Green Wave Winds championship, and Roots of Music tutoring.