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The Bearcat Bands have many traditions that we hold dear. Although we continually strive for growth, our
traditions tie us to the past and provide continuity despite other changes that may occur.
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1. Cutting Through the Band
NO ONE, that's right, NO ONE except emergency medical personnel may cut through the band while we are in
formation. This is probably the most sacred of our traditions. Make no mistake about this, no one may cut through
the UC Band while we are in formation. If someone attempts to cut through, first ask politely to go around, and,
if necessary, briefly explain the tradition. If the person persists, use stronger language to tell him or her to
go around. ONLY AS A LAST RESORT should you use physical force to eject the person from the assembled band. If you
need help, other band members around you, your section leader, and the Drum Majors will help you. Do not be timid
in enforcing this important tradition. NO ONE may cut through the band.
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2. Pre-game Inspection
Before the warm-up show on Sigma Sigma Commons, the band members form two lines facing each other. Members’
uniforms are then individually inspected by the Drum Majors using the proper criteria.
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3. Good Luck Taps
Before each performance, band members give good luck taps to other members of the band. These consist of two
knocks with the knuckles on the other person's chest. This stems from an old theater tradition.
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4. Charge Down the Stadium Steps
Before the pre-game performance at each home football game, the brass, color guard, and woodwind sections line
up at the top of Nippert Stadium, play a fanfare, and charge down the steps into formation.
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5. Sitting Hat Ripple
After pre-game and half-time performances, the Director and Drum Majors dismiss the band into the stands. No one
sits until the Drum Majors give a signal, after which the entire band sits together. The Drum Majors then give
another signal for the hat ripple. The person at the appointed end of each row takes off their hat and everyone
follows in order. This forms a sort of race between the rows. After the hat ripple, the gloves must be taken off.
This keeps our appearance organized and professional.
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6. No Music
The UC Band never takes the field for a marching performance with sheet music.
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7. Alma Mater / Cheer Cincinnati
After every game we play Cheer Cincy followed by the Alma Mater. Auxiliary members sing while the band plays.
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8. Wearing Hats Backwards
If the team wins the game, we turn our hats around during Cheer Cincinnati, but then the hat is straightened
during the Alma Mater.
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9. Confetti Toss
When the basketball team scores its first field goal of each half, the band throws confetti up into the air. This
tradition has spread to encompass most of the fans at home games.
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10. Dismissal
After all relevant rehearsals and performances of the Bearcat Marching Band, the Drum Majors will dismiss the
band. This dismissal consists of a vocal and physical cadence modeled after the one originated by George N.
Parks. This dismissal will be taught to you during your first year.
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11. Sectional Traditions
Most sections within the band have their own traditions, which will be taught to you by the upperclassmen in
your section.
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12. SEE NUMBER 1
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