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Posts Tagged ‘Husky Alumni Band’

Husky Alumni Band Performs at Peer Pathways’ Health Conference in Lynnwood

Posted by glennled on August 15, 2025

(L to R): *Yesterday’s Trumpeters Stephanie, Roy, Dave, and Stan (and Glenn, cameraman)*

Yesterday, for the first time in 9 years, I played trumpet as a member of the University of Washington’s Husky Alumni Band. We performed a few lively tunes at the closing ceremony of the 10th annual conference of Peer Pathways, held at the Lynnwood Event Center on 13-14 August. The conference brings together peer supporters, advocates, and community leaders.

Peer Pathways is engaged in peer support, wellness, and empowerment (https://www.peerpathways.net). The event was funded by the Washington State Health Care Authority and hosted by The Rainbow Makers and Jones Community Solutions. For the band’s performance, they made a “very generous donation” to the scholarship fund of the Husky Marching Band Alumni Association. HMBAA’s scholarships are for current students. Please see https://hmbaa.org.

The band is available for hire for numerous kinds of events, including parades, weddings, birthday parties, engagement parties, retirement parties, business/office openings and parties, celebrations of life, and more. All proceeds go towards supporting the UW Husky Marching Band through scholarships and financial support.

The band’s next performance will be at the UW’s annual Varsity Alumni Game (the first game of the football season) when the Huskies host the Colorado State Rams on Saturday, 30 August.

The last time I had performed with the band was on 30 September 2016 when the Huskies stomped the #7-ranked Stanford Cardinals, 44-6 before 72,000 roaring fans. On 9 November 2016, I posted an article here on my blog, where you can re-live that terrific game by viewing about 80 stellar photos. Use either the Archives in the left column or search the keyword “Stanford” in the search box in the right column.

Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

*Where conference attendees sat and where we performed for them*

Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: HMBAA, Husky Alumni Band, Husky Marching Band, trumpet, trumpeters, tunes, Varsity Alumni Game | Leave a Comment »

“Taps” for Skyline’s Annual Memorial Walk in Seattle, Honoring Veterans

Posted by glennled on November 10, 2016

Skyline at First Hill is a Presbyterian retirement community in downtown Seattle near St. James Cathedral and Harborview Hospital. Between its two wings, one for independent living (Skyline Towers) and the other for assisted living (Skyline Terraces), is a courtyard. That’s where I stood in the rain on 2 November to sound “Taps” on my Getzen bugle after the responsive reading of “We Remember Them” by Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Riemer, which is found in the Jewish Prayer Book (please see http://hmd.org.uk/resources/poetry/we-remember-them-sylvan-kamens-rabbi-jack-riemer). Then “Taps” closed the second annual “Skyline Memorial Walk” ceremony hosted by Skyline’s chaplain, The Reverend Elizabeth Graham.

Earlier, the residents and staff of Skyline had been invited to submit the names of veterans and others whom they wished to be remembered in advance of Veterans Day, 11 November. Their names—about 200—were read aloud, interspersed with periodic bell ringing, before the audience. Twenty, mostly elderly people gathered in the Madrona Community Room: two men, 18 women, silent in their memories of their dear veterans of WWI, WWII, and every conflict since, and others.

The names were then written on individual placards staked into the fertile soil in the planters in the courtyard, where they remained for a week so that the residents, staff and guests could walk among them.

Isn’t it amazing? In place after place across the nation, around the world, year after year, our veterans are honored. The lowest, the highest, it matters not. To paraphrase a famous saying, when you put on the military uniform, whether on active duty, retired, or national guard or reserve, you write a blank check at that point in your life, made payable to “The United States of America,” for an amount of “up to and including your life.” Engraved on my bugle is a citation of the Biblical verse, John 15:13. We honor such men and women.

Rev. Graham found me through my membership in Bugles Across America (please see http://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/ and my post of 4 May 2015). I’m glad she did. I’m glad I played cornet through high school and college. I’m glad I teach private trumpet lessons. I’m glad I teach beginning brass at Skyview Jr. High School in Bothell. I’m glad I play trumpet in the Husky Alumni Band. I’m glad I play in the Alderwood Community Church Orchestra in Lynnwood. I’m glad I’m the VFW Post 1040 Bugler. All these things enable me to sound “Taps” for veterans every chance I get—it’s my honor, and I’m grateful. Lucky me.

Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

: Westward view from the courtyard, Skyline Retirement Community, Seattle

: Skyline Towers from the courtyard

: Skyline Terraces from the courtyard

Posted in Ceremonies & Celebrations | Tagged: brass, bugle, bugler, Bugles Across America, cornet, Getzen, Husky Alumni Band, lessons, orchestra, Skyview Retirement Community, Taps, trumpet, veterans | Leave a Comment »

Photo Gallery—Huskies Dominate Stanford, 44-6, before Husky Alumni Band and 72,000 Other Fans

Posted by glennled on November 9, 2016

On Friday evening, 30 September, there was a Showdown in Seattle—#7 Stanford came to Husky Stadium to face #10 Washington—and it was a Blowout. The Huskies dominated the Cardinals, 44-6, before a sellout crowd of 72,027, the largest crowd since the stadium renovation was completed in 2013 for $280 million. ESPN broadcasted the game nationwide.

Glenn Ledbetter

This game also featured the reunion of the 1991 UW football team that won the national championship. This year is the 25th anniversary of that momentous achievement.

As a member of the UW Class of 1962, I played in the Husky Alumni Band as we performed for the Husky fans at various venues during pre-game tailgating. That entitled us to sit alongside the Husky Marching Band in the horseshoe stands at the west end of the stadium. I took the photos below. Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

Below is a gallery of photos taken by the Husky Marching Band’s photography crew (see https://www.facebook.com/huskyband/photos/) . Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

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Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: band, Husky Alumni Band, Husky Marching Band, UW | Leave a Comment »

Photo Gallery of Cheer Day, 13 Sept 2014, UW 44, U Illinois 19

Posted by glennled on April 11, 2015

The “Fighting Illini” of the University of Illinois came to Husky Stadium and went home without a victory, losing to the University of Washington Huskies, 44-19, on Cheer Day–the annual football game when high school cheerleaders come from all over the state to participate with the Husky Cheerleaders and Varsity Marching Band in the pre-game and half-time activities. And, of course, the Husky Alumni Band participates, too–and I’m a member! In the half-time show, the Varsity Band commemorated the 50th anniversary of The Beatle’s concert in Seattle.

Below is a gallery of photos, featuring lots of trumpeters, from the game. Louis Figueroa took the field-level shots, and Garry Nakayama took those from the press box. Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

: Cheer Day gathering, pre-game

: The joy of being in Band!

: “All You Need is Love,” The Beatles, 1967

: High school cheerleaders perform on the field at Husky Stadium

: !

: Dr. Brad McDavid, Director of Athletic Bands, University of Washington

: UW Tradition: caps on backwards after a victory!

Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: Cheer Day, cheerleaders, concert, Husky Alumni Band, Husky Varsity Marching Band, The Beatles, trumpeters | Leave a Comment »

Photo Gallery: UW Huskies Defeat Eastern Washington University Eagles on 9-6-2014

Posted by glennled on April 9, 2015

It was the first Saturday of September, 2014. This was the first home game of the football season for the University of Washington Huskies and the second game under new Coach Chris Petersen. The opponent was the Eastern Washington University Eagles from Cheney, Washington near Spokane. The Huskies won, 59-52, in a wild shootout.

Below is a gallery of photos. featuring the Husky Varsity Marching Band trumpeters, from the game. I am a member of the Husky Alumni Band. Shots from the pressbox are by Garry Nakayama, and those from field level are by Louis Figueroa. Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

: Dr. Brad McDavid, Director of Athletic Bands, University of Washington

: Mel Poll, tenor, sings National Anthem

: Chris Petersen, UW Husky football coach

: Shaq Thompson, UW, scores against Eastern Washington University Eagles

: Cyler Miles, UW, scores against Eastern Washington University Eagles

: UW Cheerleaders-1

Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: Coach Chris Pertersen, Dr. Brad McDavid, Husky Alumni Band, Husky Varsity Marching Band, Mel Poll, National Anthem, tenor, trumpeters | Leave a Comment »

High School Cheerleaders Day at Husky Stadium—UW Defeats U of Colorado, 59-7

Posted by glennled on May 29, 2014

High School Cheerleaders Day, UW Husky Stadium, 11-9-’13

At a night game in Seattle on 9 November 2013, the University of Washington Huskies drubbed the University of Colorado Buffaloes, 59-7. Quarterback Keith Price was 22 of 29 in passing for 312 yards and had two passing TDs and two rushing TDs. Running Back Bishop Sankey rushed for 143 yards.

All that’s very well indeed, but credit must be given where credit is due–it was High School Cheerleaders Day, so with that much support, it was impossible for the Huskies to lose!

As a member of the Husky Alumni Band, I got to play my cornet again for the tail-gaters. I asked the band director if we could play “Hey Baby” which came out in 1961. We did, entertaining fans down on the boats moored to the docks at the shoreline of Lake Washington. Everybody loves to sing along and dance to those lyrics–“Hey, hey hey baby! I want to know if you’ll be my girl.” With a thousand cheerleaders at the game and the Huskies winning so easily, who wouldn’t be happy?!

Here is a photo gallery of the game, focused on the UW Husky Marching Band (especially the trumpets) and Cheerleaders, plus all the high school cheerleaders. Field-level shots are by Louis Figueroa, and press-box shots are by Garry Nakayama. Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

: Pre-Game

: Dr. J. Brad McDavid, Director, UW Athletic Bands

: Melvyn Poll, operatic tenor (left)

: Cory Meals

: Half Time

: Post Game

: Cory Meals

Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: band, Buffaloes, Cheerleaders Day, Cory Meals, Dr. J. Brad McDavid, Hey! Baby!, Huskies, Husky, Husky Alumni Band, Melvyn Poll, trumpets, University of Colorado, University of Washington | Leave a Comment »

High School Band Day at Husky Stadium—UW vs. Idaho State

Posted by glennled on May 27, 2014

UW Director of Athletic Bands, Dr. Brad McDavid

On 21 September 2013, the University of Washington Husky Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Brad McDavid, hosted its annual “Band Day.” In 2013, the Husky Marching Band, created in 1929, commenced its 84th season.

Selected high school bands from all over the state performed in the second home football game held in the newly renovated Husky Stadium in Seattle. The Huskies beat the Bengals of Idaho State University, 56-0, and as a member of the Husky Alumni Band, I got to play my 59-year old Super Olds cornet again. I’m of the UW Class of 1962.

The photos below were taken by Louis Figueroa (ground level) and Garry Nakayama (press box level). Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

: Husky Trumpeters, Pre-Game, Dempsey Field House, UW

: Pre-Game Show

: Dr. Brad McDavid, UW Director of Athletic Bands

: Halftime Show

: Victory!

: Post-Game Show

: Daniel McDonald

Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: Band Day, cornet, Dr. Brad McDavid, Huskies, Husky Alumni Band, Husky Marching Band, Idaho State University, Super Olds, University of Washington | Leave a Comment »

Husky Alumni Pep Band Inspires UW Basketball Team to Crushing Victory over Texas Tech, 108-79

Posted by glennled on December 10, 2010

7-ft N'Diaye at the line

While the UW Varsity Marching Band was away in Pullman for the Apple Cup football game—by the way, UW beat WSU, 35-28!—the Husky Alumni Band supplied the pep band for the home basketball game in Seattle against the Texas Tech Red Raiders from Lubbock, TX. It was no contest, as the Huskies won “going away” in dominating fashion, 108-79.

Husky Alumni Pep Band

What was the prime difference between the two basketball teams? the players? the coaches? the home court? the talent? the height, size, length? the quickness, speed, leaping ability? the offense, the defense? the bench depth? the experience level? Or was it something else, perhaps–some hidden ingredient? Maybe the secret advantage was the inspiration provided to the team and the crowd by that outstanding pep band, led by those 8 great trumpet players (including me)! Well, why not? why not make the claim? why not take the credit when something everybody wants to happen turns out just right? Our politicians do that every day!

And let’s give some extra credit to the fabulous half-time show, too, featuring the Panther Pride Unicyle Team from Snoqualmie Valley (see the next post on this blog). They must have helped the fans and Huskies some, too, huh?

Now if you want a better description of how the game was actually played, please go to http://www.gohuskies.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120410aaa.html and watch the highlights on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDUwJMwtEFM&feature=player_embedded. Man, does this Husky team look tough! I think it’s the best team Coach Lorenzo Romar has ever assembled. We’ll see.

You remember last March, when the Huskies lost to West Virginia, 69-56, in the first round of the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Basketball Tournament? That game was “the men against the boys.” Their starters were taller, heavier, stronger, and just as quick and fast. We were no match.

Well, maybe it will be a different story this year against such teams. Maybe this year we will be the men. We have a better front line, and we have more depth. As the game against Texas Tech showed, we have a better Matthew Bryan-Amaning (“MBA”), a true center (Aziz

Justin Holiday at the line

N’Diaye), and a sterling Justin Holiday. Coach Lorenzo Romar says he has a 10-man rotation right now and is hard-pressed to narrow it to 8. Plus, Romar’s teams always seem to improve throughout the season. For example, N’Diaye is foul-prone; he fouled out last Saturday. We need him to rebound, block shots, and defend well. Let’s watch him improve. The Maui Tournament exposed our weaknesses, and we have about four months to work on them.

If we peak at the right time—post-season tournament time—we could be double-trouble for anyone! Next March, we want to at least break through the “Sweet Sixteen” into the “Elite Eight.” That’s what the Husky Alumni Pep Band is playing for. Come on, guys–let’s even aim to play in “The Big Dance!”—let’s be there, Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX, 2-4 April 2011. Book it!

Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: Apple Cup, Aziz N'Diaye, band, basketball, coach, Elite Eight, Houston, Huskies, Husky Alumni Band, Husky Alumni Pep Band, Justin Holiday, Lubbock, Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Maui Tournament, NCAA Basketball Tournament, Panther Pride Unicycle Team, pep band, Red Raiders, Reliant Stadium, Romar, Snoqualmie Valley, Sweet Sixteen, Texas Tech, The Big Dance, trumpet, trumpeters, TX, UW, UW Varsity Marching Band, West Virginia, WSU | 2 Comments »

Stanford Cardinals 41, UW Huskies 0, Three Bands 100!

Posted by glennled on November 11, 2010

Thrilling Pre-Game Percussion Performance--Wow! Those Drummers!

The Stanford Cardinals skunked the University of Washington Huskies, 41-0, a couple of weeks ago. It was

Crushing half-time stats!

the Huskies’ first home shutout in 34 years (since 1976)! Our team stunk so bad that fans started leaving by half-time. No doubt, the cold rain made that an easy decision for many fans. But if you came for the bands and the music, then Husky Stadium smelled sweet as a rose, and you were entertained in high fashion. The half-time show, especially, was fantastic!

Husky Alumni Band

There were three bands at the game: UW Varsity Marching Band, UW Husky Alumni Band, and a visiting band named “Musica Grato Himi” from Himi, Japan. (As you know, I’m a proud member of the Alumni Band and stayed at the Stanford game to the bitter, cold, rainy end.)

The half-time show was spectacular! Not only was the music superb (from the movie, “Mama Mia”), but

also some 800 cheer and dance team members from 44 junior high and high schools performed on the field along with the UW Varsity Band and Musica Grato. The entire field was covered with enthusiastic, fit people in the most colorful uniforms! For more about cheer and dance squads, please see the next post on this blog.

Finale of the 2nd Annual UW Half-time Spirit Extravaganza

Some final notes about the Japanese band. Musica Grato is Italian for “give thanks to music.” In 2005, the UW

It was a sloppy game

Husky Marching Band performed in Himi, Japan, and Musica Grato performed in Seattle at both a Husky football game and at a concert with a band from the Northshore School District located in Bothell/Woodinville. Since Musica Grato was formed in 2003, it has steadily achieved magnificent results. Atop the list of their awards and honors are their performance at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China in 2008, and the Sudler Shield prize from the John Philip Sousa Foundation of America. During the 2010 trip to Seattle, they again performed a joint concert with the Northshore School District Band on Monday, 1 November, two days after the UW-Stanford football game.

The Huskies will come back

Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: bands, Bothell, Cardinals, drummers, Husky Alumni Band, Japan, John Philip Sousa Foundation of America, Mama Mia, Musica Grato Himi, Northshore School District, Stanford, Sudler Shield prize, University of Washington, UW, Varsity Marching Band, Woodinville | Leave a Comment »

Marching in the Seafair Torchlight Parade

Posted by glennled on August 4, 2010

Parade photos by Elliot Suhr, seattlepi.com

It’s only about 2.5 miles from the Space Needle to Qwest Field along the route of the Seafair Torchlight Parade, but if you’re in the parade, near the end, it takes many hours to get there. That’s what I learned last Saturday, when several other members of the Husky Alumni Band and I mixed in with the UW Varsity Marching Band to play our music along the parade route through downtown Seattle. The obvious enthusiasm and pleasure of the hundreds of thousands of spectators of all ages who lined the streets made the whole event very fun for us all. And the weather was perfect. Oh, what a night!

There were Seafair pirates and a police motorcade and firemen and floats and clowns and drill teams and a queen and Hawaiian princesses and military bands and school bands and cheerleaders and–you-name-it! Our band was #81 of 105 groups in the parade. Fourteen awards were presented to the best and most creative entries. The parade was sponsored by Alaska Airlines.

The UW band was big, although not full size, which you’ll see as soon as football season starts next month. About 18 of us trumpeters came for the parade. If you ever have a chance to be in the parade, don’t turn it down…it’s so much fun!