Rodney Bennett, the new chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, got an introduction to a key element of the Husker game day experience during a visit with members of the Cornhusker Marching Band.
Bennett dropped in on a rehearsal of the alto saxophones Aug. 17 at Westbrook Music Building as they prepared for their Aug. 18 exhibition and the upcoming season. Bennett even helped drum major Steffani Nolda lead a chorus of “Dear Old Nebraska U.”
“I think everybody here will help me get proficient with the fight song,” he said.
Bennett said he played the saxophone from around second grade through high school and told the students his sax is probably still in his parents’ home in Knoxville, Tennessee. Bennett thanked them for what they add to game day.
“I just love what you guys do, the way you are contributing to the university and contributing to the game day experience,” he said. “Music and the arts are such an important of the journey, and each one of you in your own way is making a very unique, intentional, individualized contribution to that journey, not just for yourselves but for people who get to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful music that you make.”
Bennett fielded questions from some band members, sharing his first impressions of Nebraska and his love of country music, specifically mentioning musicians Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs.
“I’m a country boy at heart,” he said. “I think the lyrics and music and the way it’s presented speak to me more than any other genre of music.”
Cyphers Stewart, senior music education major and alto saxophone section leader from Omaha, said he appreciated Bennett stopping by.
“It was a great surprise,” Stewart said. “He was very friendly and caught on very quickly, caught on to our energy.”
Stewart is looking forward to this season’s halftime shows and said he hopes the band can add to an exciting atmosphere.
“I hope we add a positive vibe that is reflected in the audience, so that everyone is having a good time,” he said.
The Cornhusker Marching Band will hold its annual exhibition concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 in Memorial Stadium. The event is free and open to the public.
