January 6, 2023
Members of the 400-member Marching Knights.

On December 28, the Marching Knights embarked on a 15-hour journey to represent UCF at the Military Bowl in Annapolis, Maryland.

Prior to the halftime show, the Marching Knights honored veterans and active service members with performances of Anchors Aweigh, Wild Blue Yonder and other patriotic music in the official Military Bowl parade, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

With only one day to rehearse, Associate Director of Bands Dave Schreier opted to perform pieces with which the band is very familiar. Their 7 1/2 minute performance featured selections from two Broadway musicals, The Wiz and Les Miserables. 

Schreier and Associate Director of Bands Tremon Kizer worked tirelessly to arrange this expedition for their 400 band members and 20 faculty and staff.

“I know our band directors have worked endlessly with the athletic department to get this whole thing organized. Without their tireless efforts, this trip would not have been possible,” Jillian Pirozzi, student band president, said. “I think this is the coolest thing I’ve done during my time with the Marching Knights. Our university provided us with a great opportunity.”

Read the full article at the Orlando Sentinel.