Traditions - Real Trumpets Wear Shorts

Real Trumpets Wear Shorts

For time immemorial, it has been the practice of the Trumpets each year to wear shorts to every marching rehearsal. Big deal, you say? If so, you're probably from somewhere down South where 'cold' is a word one might use to describe soft drinks, but not the weather. Up here in Michiana, things are different. Wearing shorts to every practice in August and September is no problem, but it becomes a bit of a challenge after that.

In 1991, we wore shorts during the 7 am Saturday morning practice before the Navy game, despite temperatures which fell to -5 F. In 1992, we wore shorts during the Friday practice before the Penn State game, where we marched through 1 inch of snow. It is passed down year after year, to the point where it is unheard of to wear long pants to practice. Even those who forget every now and then, they make up for it by rolling up their pant legs upon arrival at practice. For the new trumpet freshmen, who may occasionally forget to wear shorts to practice, they must pay their penance to the section by stripping down and marching practice in their boxer shorts. 2001 section leader Megs Drangstveit is notorious for insisting on shorts as required attire, and will threaten bodily harm upon any who disobey.

Things have become easier in the past few years with a combination of two warm falls and access to the Loftus building, which contains an indoor football field to practice on. Wearing shorts during the long walk to and from Loftus is still cold, however, and we usually practice outside even if it is cold.

Real Trumpets Still Wear Shorts.

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