Panther Marching Band Alumni Band

Alumni Band Weekend

October 1, 2009

Dearest Panther Marching Band & Marching Blue Alumni & Friends,

It is with great anticipation that I look forward to welcoming each of you back to EIU for this year's Homecoming game on Saturday, October 17 as EIU faces the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.  This year has been a great year thus far and we are looking forward to you joining us! The purpose of this letter is to give you the schedule for the day along with final details. This information and more is outlined below. At the end of this letter is the schedule for the weekend.

Music

The halftime show we'll be performing is our "Back to Blue Show" and includes "Rhapsody in Blue," Eiefel 65's "Blue," and a great arrangement of "St. Louis Blues."  This music is posted on the website. Please download and print this music and bring it with you. If you're planning to join us for pre-game or in the stands, you'll need to print off that music too.  The Alumni Band will only perform "St. Louis Blues" at half-time so only print this tune off.

Game Tickets
Participating Alumni Band members will get free admission to the game and sit in the stands with the Panther Marching Band. For spouses or others contact the Athletic Ticket Office (TBA, www.eiupanthers.com) and let them know you are coming with the Alumni Band. 

Attire

Rehearsal attire is casual and warm.  You will be given a PMB Alumni Band T-Shirt, but for the game be sure to wear warm clothes under your shirt.  Be sure to wear your Royal Blue and any EIU clothes.

I am very excited about Homecoming and the Alumni Band this year. The 2009 edition of the Panther Marching Band is growing fast and is sounding great.  I hope you will be proud of what you see and hear. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you Homecoming Weekend.  GO PANTHERS!

Sincerely,

R. Alan Sullivan
Interim Director of Bands                               
217-581-6087
rasullivan@eiu.edu
 
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

EIU Marching Band2:30-4 pm: Registration
Doudna Fine Arts Center, Foyer
Check in for the reunion and pick up your registration packet.

4-6 pm: Halftime Show Rehearsal
Tarble Field
Join fellow alumni and current students for our halftime show rehearsal. If you plan to participate in the halftime show, it is very important that you attend this rehearsal. (Registration required.)

5:30-6 pm: Registration
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. University Union
In case you missed it the first time, here’s your second chance to check in and pick up your registration packet.

6 pm: Reunion Dinner
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. University Union
As a former member of the Panther Marching Band or Pink Panther Dance Team, your meal will be provided compliments of the EIU Alumni Association. Tickets for additional guests are $15 per person. (Registration required.)

8 pm: EIU Pep Rally
Lantz Arena
Get in the Panther spirit with performances by the EIU Marching Band, Billy the Panther EIU Cheer Team and the Pink Panthers.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

Pink Panthers7 am: Continental Breakfast
O’Brien Stadium

8 am: Halftime Show Dress Rehearsal
O’Brien Stadium
Join us for our final halftime show rehearsal. If you plan to participate in the halftime show, it is very important that you attend this rehearsal. (Registration required.)

9:30 am: Homecoming Parade
Old Main
March in the Homecoming Parade as a member of the EIU Alumni Band or the Pink Panther Alumni Dance Team. Note: The parade route is approximately 2 miles long. (Registration required.)

11:30 am: Annual Alumni Tent City
South of O’Brien Stadium
All colleges will be “under the big top” south of O’Brien Stadium. Faculty and staff from many of the departments will be present and available to visit with you and your guests. Past attractions have included the College of Arts and Humanities’ famous cornbread and beans cooked over an open fire, live music, freebies and more.

1:30 pm: Homecoming Football Game and Halftime Performance
O’Brien Stadium
EIU hosts Tennessee Tech for the Homecoming football game. As a former member of the Panther Marching Band or Pink Panther Dance Team your game ticket will be provided compliments of the EIU Alumni Association. Additional tickets will be $13 per person. (Registration required.)

4:30 pm: Postgame Concert
O’Brien Stadium
Following the conclusion of the football game stick around and participate in our postgame concert. Ensure that, win or lose, Panther football fans leave O’Brien Stadium in a festive mood!

6 pm: Alumni Awards Dinner
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. University Union
Join the Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association in honoring this year’s alumni award recipients. You may register for this event using the enclosed registration form. Tickets are $25 per person. (Registration required.)