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Miami Fight Song goes virtual: a Q-and-A with marching band director Brooke Johnson

Watch the band perform via Zoom and learn what else it's doing this semester

Interview by Margo Kissell, university news and communications

Brooke Johnson

Brooke Johnson

The Miami University Marching Band (MUMB) recently produced a video of the band performing the “Miami Fight Song.” We reached out to director of athletic bands Brooke Johnson to find out how this fun rendition came together remotely.

How did the video come about?

In late spring, staff members from the Alumni Association and advancement offices reached out and asked if the MUMB would be interested in creating a virtual Fight Song video. We decided that it would be a great way to promote our #MoveInMiami campaign in August, so we got to work on it!

Can you tell us about the process of recording and editing it?

First, we asked members of the marching band’s leadership team to record themselves playing the fight song. We provided them with a recording to play along with so that we would be able to easily line up all of the videos. Then I was able to work with a video editor to mix the audio and video files into what we eventually posted online.

How has the band been practicing due to COVID-19?

Right now, we are embracing a completely virtual curriculum. Miami University Marching Band virtually

Members of the Miami University Marching Band recently recorded the Miami Fight Song and used it as a way to promote the #MoveinMiami campaign.

We will continue to work on some virtual recording projects, but my primary goal for the season is to provide students with a social outlet in this particularly isolating time in our lives. My hope is that marching band rehearsal is the best part of everyone’s day, even if we’re meeting over Zoom and not face-to-face like we would prefer!

We’re also utilizing this time to give students the opportunity to learn more about the marching band activity in general — maybe they’ve always wondered how to write drill and choreograph movements or maybe they would love to learn more about how to repair instruments! We’re offering sessions every week where students have the opportunity to learn more behind-the-scenes info about this activity they love so much.

A lot of fans on social media probably end up humming along. What kind of reaction have you received?

The reaction has been extremely positive. I think seeing students make music together again brings a smile to all of our faces.

For those who may be missing the band during the traditional fall season, are you planning any other videos?

Yes - we’ve got a few projects in store this semester! We encourage fans to follow us on social media to keep up with our upcoming activities!