The Project

One of the most recognized and visible ensembles on any campus is the marching band. It reflects the culture and character of the university. The Marching Blues instill pride in alumni, friends, students and future students, and your gift will help improve our identity. Thanks to the generosity of two donors, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar until we meet our $50,000 goal - that means the impact of your gift is doubled. New uniforms are $600 each, and we hope to purchase a set of uniforms to wear by the fall of 2019.

You Can Help

We would like to thank Dr. David Woods, b music '65, dean emeritus, University of Connecticut, and Dr. Ted Yungclas for matching dollar for dollar every gift we get up to $50,000. The matching gift is in honor of Professor James Van Slyke, the former marching band director at Washburn University. Your gift can help us reach our goal and have new uniforms in time for the fall of 2019. We know you have a sense of pride every time you see the Marching Blues. We hope our new uniforms will increase that for all Ichabods and future Ichabods!

The Student Experience

The marching band is a great way to provide a positive college experience for all students who attend Washburn, whether they are performing in the band or showing their spirit at athletic events. The Marching Blues are students who are seeking degrees in all areas. Music majors and others work together in conveying a standard that represents everyone at our institution, and the visibility of this ensemble is an important tool in promoting the Ichabod experience to all.
 

With the ever-growing popularity of drum corp, it is important for our program to maintain an active role in the development of students to meet the standards set forth by today's high school music programs. As an institution that develops young music educators, it is important to educate our students in these new trends. Marching band uniforms are part of the equipment needed to support a quality program.