Our Director Has Passed

I'm late in posting this, but there is an importance in posting it regardless of tardiness.

To my knowledge, I never met Matt Jenkins, so I can hardly say any words about him. Instead, I'll allow past band members and those who did know him do that instead. On May 17^th, Ryan Carollo E-mailed the listserve with this message:

For all you Moocowers, and especially those of you who were Moocow Marching Band members between 1999 and 2005, I have some sad news to share. Our beloved director from that time, Matt Jenkins, passed away on Thursday, May 10. The obituary is available here: http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1480431&fh_id=14062

With sadness,
Ryan

This was followed by an E-mail from Justin Brown:

Dear Fellow Band Members,

I'm emailing regarding sad news that several of our cohorts have brought to my attention, the passing of our former director, Matt S. Jenkins.  I don't know much more than what is in the obituary which can be found here

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/berkshire/obituary.aspx?n=matthew-s-jenkins&pid=157639363&fhid=4937
http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1480431&fh_id=14062

I hope that this announcement goes out over the listserver (not knowing if previous attempts have made it through or not).  I've included a few email addresses that I had at my disposal and apologize if you're receiving this email twice.  If there's someone that I've missed, please feel free forward the word along.

Matt served as the director of our illustrious organization from 1999-2005.  I had the opportunity to work with him closely while I served as student leader of the band.  I think it was clear to all of us that he definitely enjoyed being a part of our group and always had
a great time when he was with us.

Chris Holmes '03 pointed out to me that it takes a special person to "get it" and understand what it means to be in the Moocow Band, and I think there are few people out there who could lead such a rag-tag bunch of misfits.  Matt was certainly one of those people.  I think we all had a ton of fun working with him over the years.  There were a lot of times where Matt was just one of the guys, participating in our antics and even enhancing both our good and bad ideas. Without Matt, I'm pretty sure the band wouldn't have wrestled a flag away from Amherst fans at the 2002 homecoming game to make an albeit brief appearance on NESN.  Matt was also a large part of the conversation that led to the first root beer keg party in 2004 and made sure it happened by getting us the keg.  It's incredible that his continues to be an annual band event.  Last night, I ran across a cd that Matt made for us in the spring of 2005 entitled, "Matt Spencer's Greatest Hits", where Matt Jenkins collected a bunch of famous recordings and played the end of "Gimme Some Lovin'" on the tuba during each of them.
He presented this and copies at the band banquet that year.  I think one of Matt's favorite parts of being in the band was assigning the annual PITA award; sometimes it was so hard to make a decision, but also felt so good getting some payback. I'm sure that we each have our own memories of times with the band and how Matt was a part of them. These were the kinds of things that he did for us, and he will certainly be missed.

I hope that this news finds you well.

Justin Brown '05
Williams College Moocho Macho Moocow Military Marching Band Student
Leader (2002-2004)

Which was responded to by Richard Levy, Jr.:

Very, very sad.  Matt succeeded the great Fran Cardillo, who directed the band from 1964-1999, following Irwin Shainman.  Sad coincidence, both Matt and Fran died at UMass Hospital in Worcester (Fran 13 years ago next week ....).

Condolences to all Eph Marchers,

        Rich Levy '74 (Student Leader  '71-'74)

I offer what sympathies I can to those that knew Matt and, I think I can speak with confidence that, the rest of us admire and are thankful for what Matt did for this group and this band.

"These are our normal hats."

The Band Gets a YouTube Channel

For those wondering how the Band did in broomball, I regret to report that the Band lost the next game they played. However, they gave everyone a run for their money in the playoffs (click on the image to see full size):

In other news, however, the Webmaster (while still trying to figure out a way to host all the video files we have) has updated the Band's new YouTube channel! Now you can catch all the videos and performances you love online! Like this classic from back in 2001 against the 'Herst:

For the full channel, go to this URL: http://www.youtube.com/user/MMMoocowMMarchinBand.

Long Live the Cape!

As is eventual with the unending passage of time, all things must change. And, so, on January 19^th in the 67^th Year of Our Undefeat, by the Justinian reckoning, the band happened to find themselves congregated in the band closet on accident all at the same time with enough coincidental luck to witness the announcement of a new band leader for the next two years.

Naturally, there was much excitement about who this next leader might possibly be. Who would be chosen to fearlessly lead the band against the teterrimous traps that the dastardly defectors were sure to be conjuring as well as a whole other score of threats and obstacles that might (foolishly) challenge Williams's chosen band? Who would keep the Order of Moocow fed and nourished?

Their questions were to be put to rest as the band members fell into the traditious roles of ceremony, with Griswold as Bearer of the Whistle and Carlos as Bearer of the Bearer of the Whistle. The other members formed in a circle over the carpet-for-induction goldfish as their new band leader was announced…

Welcome to those sacred ranks, that time-honored and respected position, that ultimate dictatorship, Jessica Luning! A band member since her Freshman year, we can rest assured that once again the Moocho Macho Moocow Military Marching Band is in good hands; your Band stands at your command.

Band Winning in the Playoffs? You Can Bet Your Sweet Ras They Are!

Again, the picture isn't really from this game but last year.

Due to their last victory, the Band has made it into the playoffs, the first game of which was this night at 10:30. The Band turned out in spades, providing a 5-person cheering section for the game (rounds of Blood and Ice Cold Beer were enthusiastically shouted). They didn't know how this epic confrontation would turn out but what is glory without life-altering risk and possible eternal shame?

Once again, the Band descended into a close game, the players staying locked at 0-0 until there was 4 minutes left on the clock. Mauger the deadlock, Teddy managed a goal. Elated, the bandlings watched in stark prospection to see how the game would close. To their dismay, they were greeted with a teterrimous score from the other team with only a minute and a half left in the game.

Neither team scoring afterwards, they were forced into overtime – three penalty shots per team, alternating, with the team with the most points in the end winning. Joe Aduboffour took goalie as the first round of shots were taken: no one scored. Shouts of Abstinence, Celibacy were made. The opposing team went again, once again maugered by Joe. The moocows took their shot – and scored. Everyone's eyes glued to the goal, rapt with the excitement of the moment.

The shot was blocked.

There was much weeping, world peace was discovered, and babies were named after the championing players. The Mucho Macho Moocow Military Marching Band has won its first game of the playoffs.

Broomball: WIN!!!!

The picture to the right is not from this year - however, we have no pictures from today's game at 10 P. M. Plus that picture from last year is just a great image of Teddy being boss.

Uncertain as to how affairs might turn out for them (suffering a loss of 5 to 1 from their last game), the bandlings shuffled out onto the ice, determined to give it their best. With Matt (due to his still-recovering arm) offering moral support from the sidelines, Joe Iafrate and Joe Aduboffour covering the offense, Jonathan covering defense, Teddy covering the middle, and Connor guarding the goal, the band held their own against the Boys From Nebraska throughout the game with neither team scoring (due to many mirific saves by Connor and unerring stick-handling by Teddy). Then – with 15 seconds left on the clock – the ball missed contact with the stick of a swinging player, rolling in front of the goal. In the swarm of other players, Joe Iafrate saw the chance – and took it.

And that, dear readers, is how the band came to victory for that fateful game, demonstrating their ability to win not only on the marching field*.


*football is merely its secondary usage

End of the Year Band BBQ!!

The sun wasn't exactly shining but the band wasn't exactly going to let that stop them either. They took the grill near Fitch instead of earlier plans for behind Lehman. With Nat and Will manning the grill, awards were given out like usual and many laughs were had. Even Antal made an appearance (third photo)!

New Leader

While our leaders of old never truly leave, whether in memory or spirit (here's looking to you, Leah), they do – unfortunately – eventually graduate. And, so  we must bid farewell to Will Harron. He has lead us well, whether it be against rowdy and jealous rugby players or in ensuring a proper alibi during the fourth quarter of an AmHerst game. Whatever plans he has ahead (and they will assuredly be great), we wish him well and good luck.

And as we see Will off, we look to Carlos Dominguez take up our reigns, give us insight and a straight future path, and shed eternal glory upon that Ephraim blessed band of the highest military order – the Moocho Macho Moocow Marching Band. A band member since his Freshman year, we know that Carlos will do well in his post and keep us fed fully on the nourishment that all growing children need – root beer and sour skittles.