Bass Drum Journal

HUB Fall ‘25 Rewind: Greatest Hits of the HUB from Fall ‘25 

by | Mar 16, 2026 | Events

Why is brass the best section?

I’ve played brass my whole life. I started with the trumpet when I was little, holding an instrument that was almost as big as my ambitions. Three years later, I moved to flugelhorn, and not long after that, I switched again, this time to euphonium. Apparently, I like instruments that require a lot of air and a lot of stubbornness. I grew up going to music schools where you had to earn your place. Competition was present even in the air we breathed. Every chair, every solo, every performance mattered, and everyone was constantly trying to prove themselves. It was intense, but it also taught me to love the challenge of music and the feeling of working hard to make something beautiful. 

Brass, however, was always a very male-dominated section. That meant I not only had to fight to reach the same level as everyone else, but I also had to prove that I deserved to be there in the first place. Sometimes, some comments made me feel like I didn’t belong in brass, like it wasn’t meant for girls. I heard things that made me question whether I should continue at all. But in the end, the joy of playing always won. I kept practicing, kept showing up, and kept choosing brass. 

In my last year of music school, I won a contest to play as the soloist with the band. It was one of the proudest moments in my musical career. But even then, some people asked if I really deserved it. How could others have lost against me—a girl? Even after all the effort, people still thought that maybe I didn’t quite belong in brass. 

That’s why the Harvard University Band Brass Section is so special to me.

HUB brass is genuinely the first music group where I, as a woman brass player, have felt completely included as just another member of the section. No distinction has ever been made between any of the players in brass. No assumptions, no questioning, no “exceptions.” Just musicians playing together and having fun. And that will continue to be the spirit of this section. 

Beyond that, brass is simply the most fun section in the band. Everyone knows the party doesn’t really start until brass joins. If there’s a loud chord to blast, a dramatic entrance, or a moment that needs a little extra energy, we are always ready. We are the section that brings the sound, the enthusiasm, and sometimes the chaos (the good kind). 



Our cut traditions are obviously the best—no debate there. And the fact that so many student conductors come from the brass section has to mean something. Maybe it’s the confidence that comes from playing instruments that can shake the room, or maybe it’s just that brass players like to be heard. Either way, we somehow always end up at the center of the action.



But what really makes brass the best section isn’t just the volume, the traditions, or the reputation. It’s the people. Brass players have a special kind of camaraderie. We celebrate each other’s successes, laugh through mistakes, and support each other both in and outside of rehearsal. There’s something about sharing stands, breaths, and ridiculous inside jokes that turns a group of musicians into a family. 

So, to answer the question: brass is the best section because it goes beyond anything people imagine when they think about music. It’s not just about the notes we play — it’s about the community we build around them.



HUB brass is the family I am most proud to be a part of. 

And if you ever need proof that brass is the best section… just listen for the loudest, happiest sound in the band room.



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Hey members of the Harvard University Band community! We had a great time this fall; from crazy halftime shows to social events to a host of other “shenanigans,” we really had it all! As a first-year student, it meant so much to me. I’m super excited to give you a rewind of some of the fun we had during the fall ‘25 semester through the lens of a new bandie! 

 

 

Bandies preparing for the game!

 

Our First

We began the season with new bandie auditions and the Harvard-Brown season opener! March down was an exciting experience for us first years; It was super cool getting to play our favorite fight songs for Cambridge and march through the crowded streets. This year at halftime, we shared the field with our new “drone overlords” (Slohoda‘27), playing our music on the field while they made shapes in the sky.  

Evening football game with drone show of Bertha (our drum!)

Football Season Highlights 

Another notable halftime show was our tribute to the “Late, Great, and Only” Tom Lehrer. On the field, we spelled out our favorite periodic table elements, Arsenic and Sulphur, in reference to Lehrer’s element song, and dressed up our Giant Bass Drum Bertha. Unfortunately, while we played one of our songs, it became increasingly difficult to keep the clothes on Bertha, but we made the best of it. Other great shows included our FOP trip with Keggy and our tongue-twister of a show at Columbia. When we learned our beloved drill master would be replaced in the box with a representative from Columbia, we rewrote our show to make it as “easy” as possible to read. As we performed on the field, joined by pineapple, the first of many, we found it quite amusing to hear the announcer read our script with much difficulty. 

Bandies in the stands at home game vs Cornell!

Band at Harvard-Cornell 2025 

At the Dartmouth game, we made a day out of one of our favorite traditions: Cuts! We bonded with our sections, Christmas or not. At the game, we paused during the third quarter to take the HUB Exam 2025 and celebrate our relationship with our cut sponsors. After a journey to seek the guidance of the Rhinos, we were inducted as official members of our cuts family. Snip snip snip.  

Statue of Liberty Impersonator, Jonathan Slohoda ‘27

Statue of Liberty Impersonator, Jonathan Slohoda ‘27 

Another highlight of the season that deserves a mention is the buzzer-beater finish of the Harvard vs. Penn25 Game. After a close game, Harvard was down 1 point on the 38-yard line with 5 seconds remaining. On the edge of our seats, we watched as our kicker kicked a 53-yard field goal for the game. It was definitely one of the loudest 10,000 Men of Harvard we played that season. 

Ameerah with yellow flower!

Ameera Rahman ‘27 with the ceremonial Flour and Flower 

Of course, no semester recap could go without the biggest event of the season: “The Game” vs. yAle and their “precision” marching band. After the forever-long bus ride to the Harvard Club of New York, we finally saw the shining lights of the city. One amazing performance later, we were free to explore the city. For many of my bandie friends and I, it was our first time in downtown New York, so it was quite exciting! Many of us explored the city and bought overpriced “I ❤️ NY” merch.  

Happy bandit in front of wall that says 67 Wall!

Evan Elling ‘29 at 67 Wall Street, NY 

The next morning, we were greeted by a first for the season: rain. Nevertheless, we made the most of it and set off to the wretched city of New Haven for the showdown against the bulldogs. With a 9-0 football team, we were sure to win and break the 4-year losing streak! We, the Band, played our hearts out in the first half, then performedour halftime show. After half time, we, with copious amounts of ginger ale, said goodbye to our old senior staff—Ameera Rahman ‘27, Jonathan Slohoda ‘27, Mei Fujimura ‘27, Erick Contreras-Rodriguez ‘27, and Gracie Simonson ‘26—and welcomed our new senior staff—Condolezza Dwuye ‘28, Jack Wilder ‘28, and Colleen Meosky ‘28. After a reminder that the band always wins, we played our favorite fight songs, including “Wintergreen,” to celebrate our new staff!  

Bandies supporting hockey game!

New Senior Staff (yAle photos lost in Transit) 

Enjoying the Community 

We concluded the semester with our annual tradition of Christmas caroling at the downtown crossing. We showed up two hours early, so some other first years and I indulged in the Boston tradition of Dunkin’ Donuts and walked around Macy’s! (Want to learn more about Hub Caroling Adventures? Check out this bass drum journal entry by Ray Ferreira!) 

Bandies out caroling!

Band @ Downtown Crossing

My first semester as part of the HUB has been one to remember, and I’m sure all our other first-years will agree. It’s been amazing finding a new community that loves music and shenanigans as much as we do. And of course, the band as a whole has had such a great time and is excited about upcoming events! It’s been great to share some of the amazing things we’ve done this semester. We look forward to more unforgettable memories ahead! 

 

 

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