Driving down University Boulevard, many passersby have stopped to honk, scream, or even dance in the direction of the 400 (+) outstanding men and women that compose the Million Dollar Band. Many people forget that the band exists outside of Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturdays in the fall, but they definitely do, as any member of the group will tell you. For the band, the year began August 9th. The ensemble pushed through the heat during band camp (in a mostly three-a-day format) and daily rehearsals preparing them for 2009 season.

“The theme of the first show was decided last spring and that theme was the music of The Jackson Five," said Director of Bands, Dr. Ken Ozzello. "Obviously the death of Michael Jackson has brought renewed interest to both his music and the music of The Jackson Five. We have added some special touches to honor the 'King of Pop'.”

Undoubtedly, the show was influenced by Jackson’s death, from a giant MJ shaped drill move on the field to a rousing arrangement of "I’ll Be There". The contributions Jackson made to the musical world are saluted in a true Alabama style. Perhaps the most touching piece of music is a rendition of "Smile", the song sung by Jackson’s brother Jermaine at his funeral, with which closes the

Typically, the MDB performs about three differently themed shows every year and pregame, (which includes the ‘Big Bama Spell-out’). If you pay special attention to pre-game, you would've noticed a new addition to the Tide Tradition - "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac. The first show UA students have seen was already on the field at the end of this year’s band camp. That does not mean the work is over or that it's all down hill from here.

Music alone does not a good show make; however, the attitudes and actual members all play a vital role as well.
The directors note the enthusiasm of the students, "‘Interest is at an all-time high for students wanting to be members of the Million Dollar Band," Ozzello said.

This rise in interest could be contributed to many things: the excellence of the program, a unique experience, and of course - Alabama football. "My favorite part of being in the MDB are the friendships I have made.," said junior secondary education major and trumpet section member, Shane Slaughter.

"I feel that the MDB is a huge part of the UA culture! When the band strikes up "Yea Alabama", everyone gets excited," Slaughter gushed with pride. "The MDB helps make the atmosphere at UA and at the football games."

Throughout the season, a great sense of teamwork has grown, and with such camaraderie comes an undeniable love for and accountability to the group. Bass Drummer Vincent Farley stated, “I have never felt so accepted into a group of people like [the drumline]. I feel it will be a great season and there will be long-lasting friendships.”

Most members seem to feel the same way, and some were even surprised by the amount of southern hospitality that abounds within the returning members of the band. For instance, freshman Brad Ciccholo stated, “All the veterans seemed really nice and accepting actually,” of his time with the drumline earlier this summer at the audition camps.

As the campus looks on to see what the remainder of football season has in store, many members of the UA community are just as excited to see what the Million Dollar Band will bring to the field this year; with what seems to be a group full of potential and an opening show full of Michael Jackson-style grooves, it seems that it would be hard for them to disappoint.

In true MDB fashion, the band has made a spectacle of "Thriller". The Colorguard and Crimsonettes come together in a fully choreographed dance number. The auxiliaries throw on their zombie garb and dance the dance that shaped the 80s. The moves aren't the only component to this classic song. Music and moves come together to steal the show. Sophomore mellophone section member, Wade Jones said "It is an invigorating performance. It is simply...Thrilling."

With the show on the field at the end of camp, all that is left is to perfect and perform; if you are interested in seeing the band, they will be playing at all remaining home games and most away games as well as at traditional times such as the game-day pep rally at Gorgas Library Steps, and if you pass the band on Butler Field, be sure to honk.

For more information about the Million Dollar Band, please visit www.mdb.ua.edu

by Colin Whitworth and Andi Johnson