The average student at UW will probably tell you that marching band is “cool,” but for Janice Stone it’s the best thing that she did in college besides receive a degree.
Janice Stone, an avid musician has been part of the marching band at UW since 1986 when she joined as Junior. The year prior to joining the marching band, she learned to play the tuba. She became the first female tuba player the next year. Now, 51-years-old, she teaches instrumental music to middle and high school students in the Monona Grove School District and volunteers as a field assistant for the UW Marching Band.
“In high school I played the clarinet, and when I tied out for marching band in college I learned to play the tuba the year before.There were not many clarinet spots,” said Stone. “So I thought I should play a brass instrument.”
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However, Stone’s job is a little different compared to other field assistants since Director, Michael Leckrone (Mike) gave her a new job working with freshman members.
“On any given week, I will work with a group of people on the sideline who are not marching in that particular show often Freshman, sometimes people who are hurt, and sometimes people who are trying to improve their skills to get onto the field,” said Stone. “I like working with people who are new to a skill.”
There are numerous marching band traditions. Some are very well-known by many students on campus. One in particular is the fifth quarter.
The fifth quarter is a post- game celebration that is intended to entertain the audience that is exiting the stadium after the end of the game. This show can last up to 45 to 50 minutes.
“The fifth quarter is totally fun because a lot of bands do a performance after the game,” said Stone. “But I think our band is a lot more interactive than a lot of bands are. I really appreciate it and like that. It’s really