Wake Forest Athletics
Old Gold & Black Marching Band Makes First Bowl Appearance Under Heath
12/27/2019 10:30:00 AM | Les Johns
“I think Wake Forest fans will be very excited to witness the growth of the ensemble, and the excitement and energy that the group will bring to all home games,” - Director of Athletic Bands Tim Heath
The winter academic break isn't going to impede the Old Gold & Black Marching Band from descending upon New York City to perform at the half, supporting the Wake Forest Football Deacons as they battle Michigan State Friday in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.
There are 70 members of the marching band, and 67 making the trip to perform, according to new Director of Athletic Bands Tim Heath.
"I'm very excited," Heath said. "It's my first opportunity to travel with the band in the postseason to one of the best places to be for Christmastime. My students got to spend a full day in New York City, got to know each other and keep building those relationships.
"We get to go to Yankee Stadium and cheer on the Deacons, get a chance to see another great marching band from Michigan State, and watch these two programs go after each other. We're very excited."
A North Carolina native, Heath and his wife had spent the last six years in Alabama, where he pursued his doctorate at the University of Alabama before teaching at Samford the last three years. The position at Wake Forest opened up in the spring, and Heath got the call, starting in July.
"The transition was smooth," he said. "The director of bands the last 25 years, Dr. Kevin Bowen, was one of the nicest guys. He helped so much with institutional knowledge and program knowledge. He helped iron out some logistically challenges early on that he felt I shouldn't have to deal with while I got to know the students and build a rapport with them. I came in with some of my own ideas and have started putting those into place.
"It's about creating a culture of positive excitement not only for the marching band, but for the institution and all the athletic programs we play for."
Nearly two-thirds of the group left together from Winston-Salem late Christmas night, with the remainder coming in from various points, including Brazil, Mexico City, California, Kansas City, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.
"It's a band full of students from all over the country and all over the globe," Heath said.
Wake Forest athletic director John Currie has shown incredible support for the marching band, Heath said.
"Everyone in athletics has been extremely supportive of our students and of me as well," he said. "They've been accommodating for all the different scenarios we're dealing with. We're not a regional school where the bulk of our students come from within a three-hour radius. Our students come from all over the country and internationally. Athletics has been great in supporting that and our students are thankful that they are able to do this trip."
At the Pinstripe Bowl, expect the Wake Forest Marching Band to perform Star Wars Fanfare, a Disney Princess Medley and The Incredibles. Most of the group got to spend time together on the observation deck of the Empire State Building the day before the game.
"I think it was great to share that excitement with them," Heath said.
Heath said to expect new music from the band moving forward and more-engaging halftime shows.
"Watch the excitement and energy that the students in our program have for Wake and also for recruiting and building the band," he said. "Our students right now are excited about the potential growth that is getting ready to start.
"I think Wake Forest fans will be very excited to witness the growth of the ensemble, and the excitement and energy that the group will bring to all home games."
The perfect fit for the Old Gold & Black Marching Band sounds an awful lot like what Wake Forest football coach looks for on the gridiron.
"Prospective students who are looking at Wake are typically looking for a very challenging academic rigor," Heath said. "They do look at schools similar to Wake, but what attracts them here is we do have the ACC sports plus a college marching band.
"To be a part of the band program, the sports programs and have the academics at Wake Forest really excites them."
