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FROST BAND OF THE HOUR

Performing the official soundtrack for the Miami Hurricanes.

University of Miami
By University of Miami

The Frost Band of the Hour, the beloved marching band for the iconic Miami Hurricanes is a storied University of Miami institution almost as old as the University itself. This year, the band embarked on a new era with two dynamic leaders: director of athletic bands Craig McKenzie and associate director of bands Sheldon McLean, both doctoral graduates of the Frost School of Music. They’re bringing new music and energy to a group that serves as both a soundtrack and a symbol for the sports events that unite the South Florida community.

 The marching band is open to students from any school or college at the University, not just the Frost School, as well as to students from other colleges in South Florida. The multimedia team spent days with this extraordinarily talented and dedicated group behind the scenes, at rehearsals, and on the field, creating a portrait of their enthusiasm and commitment.

Band Camp

Band members attend band camp a week before the fall semester begins to prepare for the new academic year. 


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Band members get fitted for their new uniforms at the start of band camp.
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Top: Sophomore Devin Thomas tries on his new uniform. Bottom: Sophomore Courtney Richardson gets her new shako.

“On the first day of band camp, you’ll make so many friends and meet so many new people. Everyone can join the band and find a place and a friend; we’re all welcoming, we’re all loving.”

Devin Thomas, mellophone
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The band members gather at the Frost School of Music, where they check in and collect their instruments. They then break into sectionals for the first time, where they learn their new music and play with their sections.
McKinly Carodine, a freshman trumpet player.

McKinly Carodine, a freshman trumpet player.

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New band director Craig McKenzie leads his first rehearsal with the band, with only two weeks before their first performance at the season opener.

“We are marching into the future—stronger, louder, and prouder than ever. With new musical selections, bigger performances, and a dedication to both tradition and innovation, our band is growing in numbers and impact.”

Craig McKenzie, band director

FAMOUS FIRST

Joined by alumni and faculty, the marching band holds its first full practice on the Intramural Field on the Coral Gables Campus. 


Noah Booz, the band’s new drum major and a junior studying music education, conducts the program rehearsal.

Noah Booz, the band’s new drum major and a junior studying music education, conducts the program rehearsal.

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Top: First-year student Cameron Bellman plays the clarinet as the band’s brass section rehearses on the field. Bottom: The Hurricanettes line up during practice.
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GAME DAY

The band members meet at the Frost School of Music for an early morning rehearsal before loading their instruments and boarding the buses for a late afternoon game at Hard Rock Stadium.


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Band members carefully pack up their instruments to prepare for transport to Hard Rock Stadium..
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Top: Drum captain Antonio Francois, center, puts on his bibber before the bus departs the Coral Gables Campus. Bottom: Band members prepare to head out on the 30-minute commute to the stadium.
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AT THE STADIUM

Mario Sanchez, a sophomore tuba player re assemblies his tuba after arriving at Hard Rock Stadium.

Mario Sanchez, a sophomore tuba player re assemblies his tuba after arriving at Hard Rock Stadium.

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After arriving at Hard Rock Stadium, some band members begin warming up while others enter the stadium. Top: Mario Sanchez, a sophomore tuba player, reassembles his tuba after arriving at Hard Rock Stadium.
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While waiting for the game to begin, band members enjoy some downtime to relax and fit in a final rehearsal..

THE HURRICANE WALK

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“There’s a saying: ‘The band always wins.’ If we’re able to put our all into it and just have fun and show that excitement, then it can still be an enjoyable experience, no matter what’s happening with the team and what’s happening with the game.”

Kayla Goodman, saxophone
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GAME TIME

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Hanna Christensen, far right, a sophomore playing the French horn.

Hanna Christensen, far right, a sophomore playing the French horn.

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Kaden Jamid, a sophomore who is legally blind, plays the trumpet.

Kaden Jamid, a sophomore who is legally blind, plays the trumpet.

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Keke Dawson, a first year on Sax.

Keke Dawson, a first year on Sax.

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Noah Booz, Drum Major.

Noah Booz, Drum Major.

“When I’m on the ladder at the Hard Rock, I’m totally present in the moment. Everything slows down, and the only thing filling my head is the band. We don’t just cheer on the Canes; we are the soundtrack of the Hurricanes! To stand at the front of such a force is truly an awe-inspiring privilege.”

–Noah Booz, drum major


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From left to right: Alex Casale, first year, Nicolas Acosta, first year, Avion Samuel, a sophomore, Antonio Francois, jr,drum captain, and Nikayo Carroll, sophomore.

From left to right: Alex Casale, first year, Nicolas Acosta, first year, Avion Samuel, a sophomore, Antonio Francois, jr,drum captain, and Nikayo Carroll, sophomore.

“There’s nothing quite like running on that field right at the beginning of the game or for halftime. It’s like, ‘hey, I’m on the football field just like the players.’”

Stella Bilder, band captain
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Drum major Noah Booz walks to exit the stadium after a long day. The band members are the first to arrive in the stands and the last to leave.

Drum major Noah Booz walks to exit the stadium after a long day. The band members are the first to arrive in the stands and the last to leave.

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Before packing up and loading the bus, the Frost Band of the Hour gathers outside the stadium and sings the alma mater—a new tradition started by McKenzie this year.
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The band members finally get some quiet time to check their phones and decompress on the bus ride back to the Coral Gables Campus late in the evening.

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