Band Adds Skirls, Kilts to Football Pageantry Today

Skirts may never appear on Harvard cheerleaders, but Scotch kilts will flutter in the ranks of the University Band this afternoon when the "best in the business" marches onto Soldiers Field to start the grid season with an "oompah."

Bagpiper Leigh Cross '51, who has never been in Scotland although he claims that he "has always been interested in Scotch music," will not be the only innovation in the musical offerings this afternoon. The Freshman Texan's University debut will be shared with that of J. Rosson Overcash '49, who blows the drillmaster's whistle for the first time.

Overcash takes over the job long held by Guy V. Slade '32, while William J. Reinhardt '47 and Jerry Liebman '50 will share drum major duties. Reinhardt is slated to lead the band maneuvers and Liebman will offer some fancy baton twirling.

One hundred and thirty musicians, including about 30 new men, comprise the 1947 version of the group. Nine sousaphones, one borrowed from the Cambridge Fire Department for the day, and the big Band drum, as well as Cross' pipes will add to the alphabetical shennanigans.

In addition, the musicians have prepared two compositions new to Soldiers Field for the half time festivities. Since Western Maryland was not able to send a band north, the University tooters will have the whole intermission to themselves.

Band magnates have also planned booths under the stands to sell their famed "Ivy League Album" during the game.