Sigma Alpha Iota

12 Spring 2023 • sai-national.org Music Education On November 20, 2022, the Iota Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota at the University of Georgia (UGA) held its seventh-annual Dreaming of the Redcoat Band Day. The event is inspired by the book Dreaming of the Redcoat Band by Richard Gnann, a children's book about joining the University of Georgia's Redcoat Marching Band. While the event had a total of 137 student participants, attendees of all ages came from across the state of Georgia to join the Redcoat Marching Band for the day. Gathered at the Redcoat Practice Field in Athens, GA, they learn stands music, marching techniques, participated in a Dawg Walk with the school's mascot, Hairy Dawg, and experienced a live performance from the Redcoat Marching Band Derbies. Sister and current Philanthropy Chair, Ally McKoon, explained why Iota Zeta chose this event for Iota Zeta's fall philanthropic endeavor: "The Redcoat Band is the largest and most well known affiliation of the University of Georgia's Hugh Hodgson School of Music (HHSOM). While the band was originally formed to boost the morale of game days, it has grown so much bigger than that. Our [Sigma Alpha Iota] chapter here is made up of roughly half Redcoat members. The two organizations have been known to become synonymous, as we hold many of our service and social events at Redcoat Field. Since the sisters running the event are usually current members of Redcoats, we are able to take our favorite traditions, new and old, and expose students around the state of Georgia to experiences that come with being a part of the Redcoat Band. In essence, Iota Zeta continues to host and run Dreaming of the Redcoat Band Day in order to celebrate and encourage the future of music at the University of Georgia." The event, split into two sessions, began with the elementary school students. Participants were able to try on Redcoat Band uniforms before being led in a music therapy activity by sisters Lauren McClary and Reagan Finnerty. The students then moved on to create their own paper version of a shako, the cap that Redcoat Band members wear during their performances, complete with their very own drawings. Next each student was given a kazoo to learn snippets of stand tunes such as Glory and Go Georgia Bulldogs. After a quick snack break, the participants gathered at the Super G on the 50-yard line to perform the songs for family and friends. Hairy Dawg made an appearance, happily greeting the children and their families for many photo- opportunities. The next session consisted of middle and high school students, each bringing their primary instrument. After check- in, participants gathered excitedly as the Redcoat Marching Band Derbies gave a small performance of signature Redcoat tunes. Members from the Derbies also gave a small speech about their position in the band and how their involvement in Redcoats has impacted their college experience. Participants were then split into sectionals by instrument in designated spots across the field, where Derbies members taught each group stands music such as Bulldog March Medley, Glory, Go Georgia Bulldogs, and Krypton. After a short snack break, the event concluded with a full band and participant performance and a mock Dawg Walk featuring Hairy Dawg. Hairy Dawg, again, A RENOWNED TRADITION T h e S p i r i t o f t h e B a n d A RENOWNED TRADITION T h e S p i r i t o f t h e B a n d

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