University of Washington Husky Marching Band

For the first time in seven years, the entire marching band from the University of Washington traveled to a bowl game.

- Samuel Sweetnam

This holiday season, the Huskies performed in the Peach Bowl, part of the College Football Playoffs, in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Brad McDavid—only the fourth director at the school—has led the ensemble since 1993. He discusses his proudest moments and how the band prepared for this year’s high-profile bowl game.

Halftime: What is your musical and marching background?

McDavid: I was part of The Ohio State University marching band as an undergrad from 1980 to 1984, and I received my Master’s Degree in Music Education from Arizona State University. From there I went to Purdue, where I was the graduate assistant for the Purdue All-American Marching Band in 1991. And in ’92 and ’93, I was back at Ohio State working on my doctorate while I was grad assistant there before coming [to Washington] to accept the job at the University of Washington. This is my 23rd season with the band.

Halftime: How has the band evolved over the time you have been director?

McDavid: I’m proud to say that we haven’t had to change much over the years. I’m the fourth director of the band since 1929, so when new directors have arrived, they tend to enjoy it and stay. It has predominantly been a traditional marching band since its inception. We’ve done a different halftime show for every home game, and our pregame show has changed very little.

We use a lot of traditional formations that the fans have come to know and love. We’ve incorporated some contemporary technique into our drill, but it’s still a traditional band with a commitment first and foremost to entertaining the fans.

Halftime: What makes the Husky Band unique?