June 5, 2007

ATHENS, Ohio - The Alumni Varsity Band (AVB), a dedicated group of Marching 110 alumni that travel as many as four hours to perform for Ohio home volleyball matches, is looking for new members.

The AVB was formed in 2006 and provided both entertainment and team support for Ohio's successful run at a fourth consecutive Mid-American Conference volleyball championship last fall. The group added atmosphere to what was already one of the most formidable home court advantage in the MAC.

"It makes a difference," said Head Volleyball Coach Geoff Carlston. "It makes our games that much more of an event. It is a win-win for all involved. The band members have a blast performing and making a positive impact on our program, and the fans love it!"

As alumni of the Marching 110, AVB members are no strangers to firing up crowds, and Ohio volleyball provides that opportunity. Ohio leads the MAC, and is ranked nationally in volleyball attendance.

"The Alumni Varsity Band greatly enhanced the environment at our home volleyball matches last year," Ohio Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt said. "Their talent and enthusiasm provided a true home court advantage,"

In addition, the opportunity to perform again while renewing old friendships and forging new ones was just too much for some 110 alums to pass up.

"This is more fun than homecoming," 1978 alum and trumpet player Steve Conrad, who now works for the Lancaster Parks & Recreation department as Supervisor of Recreation Services, said. "It is a great opportunity to meet alumni from different decades, tell a bunch of lies from when you were in the band, play the old charts and learn some of the newer ones, and play in the Convo for an immensely talented volleyball team. It's a chance to feel like you are a part of the university again."

Word of the AVB is spreading, and requests for AVB performances at events outside Athens, from weddings to regional alumni gatherings are increasing. To even consider the requests, however, will require continued growth of the organization.

To join the AVB, or get more information, contact Aaron Romero '92 at aromero@ci.athens.oh.us or Jennifer Bowie `94 at bowiej@ohio.edu.