Music from 150 spirit-filled NIU students echoes from Brigham Field every Thursday.

In addition to this Thursday evening’s rehearsal under the lights of the NIU football stadium, the NIU Marching Band can be found marching to the beat of its drums three other nights a week behind the engineering building.

“The Huskie Band’s awesome,” said Rachel Lynn, a freshman Spanish major who plays the mellophone for the band.

The band began its vigorous training at band camp Aug. 17 to 21. During that week, participants rehearsed between nine and 10 hours a day, said Margarite Ortega, interim director of the Huskie Band.

The Huskie Band, nicknamed the “Pride of the Midwest,” is a diverse group that includes not only the horn-blowing band and the stick-swinging drumline, but the flag and rifle-twirling color guard and a dance team called the Silverettes.

The Silverettes and drumline have more rehearsals than the rest of the band and receive an extra credit hour for their added dedication, Ortega said.

“It’s a good break from school,” said Melissa Campbell, a senior visual communications major and third-year Silverette.

For some, it’s a way to continue a hobby that they have had.

“I didn’t want to major, but I wanted to continue to dance,” said Stephanie Spindel, a freshman nursing major and first-year Silverette.

On game days, the Huskie Band has a full day of rehearsal and performances. Starting at Central Park West, the band marches to the stadium to perform for the tailgaters in a performance called “Huskie Preview” that begins an hour and a half before kick off.

While people fill the stadium before kick off, the band is on the field performing the National Anthem, NIU Fight Song and the opposing team’s fight song.

Throughout the game, the band and drumline perform several pieces, keeping the crowd excited and the noise level high.

During the football season, each halftime show is different. In honor of Sept. 11, the band will perform a themed halftime show Saturday called “Americana,” which includes Don McLean’s “American Pie” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”

Upcoming shows will have other themes, including a Halloween surprise, Ortega said.

As the game ends and the fans leave, the marching band performs its post-game concert.

The band also makes several appearances in the community, including the Homecoming and Sycamore Pumpkin Fest parades.

“It’s an organization that takes the stress out of your everyday life,” said Matt Cummins, a sophomore music education major.

88 Winds

23 Drumline

19 Color Guard

20 Silverettes