SJC's regimental band: the sound continues to March On
Since the Cadet Corps officially formed in 1915, the Regimental Band has been an integral part of the military tradition of St. John's. At every performance, every March On, and every trip, the Regimental Band has accompanied one of St. John’s' flagship organizations.
At its inception, the band was only a drum and bugle corps, similar to most military music ensembles of the time. In 1934, the corps filled out its brass and wind sections, becoming the big, booming band recognized today.
Mr. Hammann, SJC’s Director of Bands and Regimental Band, said that prior to his arrival 21 years ago, the band was student-run. This meant that an adult director did not formally lead the band; instead, a senior student served as the Drum Major each year, guiding the band through competitions and events and leading the March On. Since then, Mr. Hammann has assumed leadership and continues to prepare the band for its major role in the storied St. John's vs. Gonzaga rivalry.
Mr. Hammann said the March On—and the band overall—is an immense source of pride for Cadets. The March On, one of the school’s longest-running traditions, requires extensive preparation each year. For freshmen, practice begins in August, as they learn the fundamentals of a military-style band. They practice marching, and the drum line works to perfect the cadence.
All the songs follow. Over the next three months, Regimental Band members master the National Anthem and the school's fight song, “St. John's Scarlet and Grey”. They learn The Army's song, “The Army Goes Rolling Along”, too. During homeroom periods on Drill Days starting two weeks before the big day, the band assembles on the field at Fernandez Stadium to rehearse the sequence of songs for the March On with the Cadet Corps.
All this preparation will come to fruition this Saturday as the Regimental Band performs the March On ahead of the 102nd matchup between St. John's and Gonzaga. The March On will be at 12:30 at St. John's College High School.
