Memories fade; Traditions live on

by Jessica Zmierski, EA

Many honored traditions have been created in the Marching Hundred. The clarinet section has had the honor of two awards, the red and white Vito, given every game day, in memory of two people dear to the hearts of those who knew them. Although these awards are similar in style and meaning, they each have their own unique story to tell.

The Marching Hundred clarinet section marched all white Vitos, a model of clarinet produced by LeBlanc corp.; this set Indiana apart from the Big Ten marching bands. But because of the plastic clarinets demand for countless hours of repairs, the white clarinets were discontinued from being used before the 1997 marching season. In 1998, the clarinet section brought back a single white Vito to be awarded to the most spirited member of the clarinets that week before a home football game. In 1999 the recently inaugurated spirit award was dedicated in memory of Tiffany Nicole Powell, who was a beloved member of the clarinets.

In 1999 Powell, a newly initiated brother of AZ, was tragically killed in a car accident. An excellent student, Powell achieved a 4.00 gpa her first year at Indiana University, the brothers set up an award to be given to a current first or second year brother who exuded the same dedication to music and their education studies. The executive council of AZ presents the Tiffany Nicole Powell award in memory of an honored brother to a worthy recipient at the spring banquet. The council can elect not to give the award if they feel that a brother does not meet the qualifications.

In 2005 The LeBlanc corp. gave a new white and red Vito to the Marching Hundred. The red Vito was and still is awarded to a member of the clarinet section based upon the best attitude during the week prior to game day. This clarinet is awarded in memory of Steve Jones who passed away from cancer in 2005. Jones daughter, Molly, still keeps in touch with the Marching Hundred clarinet section. Although Jones is no longer with us, he is remembered for starting the clarinet tailgate and being a supportive fan of the Hoosiers.

These two uniquely crafted instruments have been awarded in memory of past contributors of the Marching Hundred, but very few people outside the clarinet section know why these colored instruments are still used. It is a tradition, which is bestowed upon the veterans of the section, past and present, to keep these traditions alive. As memories fade of seasons past, the memory that a member of the Marching Hundred has of being a part of “A Tradition of Excellence” is priceless and should always be treasured. It has been an honor of the clarinet section to march with these specific instruments in memory of deserving veterans, and will always be in the memory of those who have been given the opportunity to keep the tradition alive.