The Central Michigan University Band program is celebrating its 100th anniversary!
In the fall of 1923, Music Department head J. Harold Powers recruited a group of men and boys, funded the purchase of uniforms, and became the band’s first director. Charles J. Barnes, who was the Registrar and Dean of Men, also donned a uniform and acted as honorary Drum Major. The band was immediately cheered on and embraced by the community in response to its enthusiastic support of the football team.
According to that year’s Chippewa Yearbook, "The band helped immensely to add color to the games and to keep the spirit of the spectators, as well as the team, to a maximum. Let us hope that the band will continue to give added zest to the social and athletic endeavors of Central and that the bands of later years will continue to maintain the high standards set by the present organization of splendid musicians."
Throughout the year, WCMU will feature music and stories from the band’s rich history. Listen to
Mosaic with David Nicholas and Afternoon Classical with Judy Wagley and Fire Up Chips!
WCMU
CMU Bands 100: Filling Big Shoes
WCMU
Dr. Christopher Chapman, Director of Bands at CMU, talks with Judy about the bands and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
WCMU
CMU Bands 100: Marching Chips Tradition
WCMU
CMU Bands 100: The First 100 Years - David Nicholas Jazzes it up with Robbie Smith
WCMU
CMU Bands: The First 100 Years - Band History
Audio station
Sixth Man Band
The Central Michigan University Band program is celebrating its 100th anniversary. In the fall of 1923, Music Department head J. Harold Powers recruited a group of men and boys, funded the purchase of uniforms, and became the band’s first director. In the years since the band has grown to be known as the most exciting bands in all the land.
CMB 1: 1923
Central Marching Band 1937-38
Central Concert Band 1949-50
Symphonic Wind Ensemble 1958-59
SWE Radio Broadcast 1959
SWE 1967-68
Fire Up!
CMB in the stands-ca 1980
1990 Pregame Clarinets
Jack Williamson's first semester with SWE
Dr. Christopher Chapman and the CMU Symphonic Wind Ensemble
The Original "Swingin' Chips"
Walter White (trumpet) and his quartet jamming with some of our students (Haruki Hakoyama-tpt) after the concert
First CMU Jazz Weekend Poster
Jazz Lab at Elmhurst College Festival
Jazz Lab 1 around 2010
Jazz Lab rehearsal with Bob Mintzer
Jazz Lab
Jazz Lab
Jazz Lab
Jazz Lab
Jazz Weekend
Jazz Weekend
Carl Allen showing student Michael Hamilton what to play (Donovan Boxer & Lucas Keur on saxophones)
BBB Tripp and Crowd Jan 31 15
BBB Zach 2 Jan 31 15
MAC Tournament 2016
Stobbe Mohawk 2013
MAC Tournament 2016
MAC Tournament 2016
2007-WBB v Ferris
Cleveland 19
MAC Final
MAC 2022
2022-2023 Concert Schedule (as of September 2022)
October 9: CMU Symphonic Wind Ensemble with Alumni Concert Band; 1:00 p.m.
November 17: CMU Symphonic Wind Ensemble; 7:30 p.m.
December 6: CMU Wind Symphony, Symphony Band and University Band; 7:30 p.m.
February 10: CMU Jazz Weekend Final Concert; 7:30 p.m.
February 21: CMU Symphonic Wind Ensemble; 7:30 p.m.