FEBRUARY 12, 2013 — EVANSTON, ILL. — “I’m excited for the opportunity to welcome new members and provide a sense of belonging to members of NUMB,” says Elisabeth Sladek (WCAS16), one of two new drum majors who will helm the Northwestern University “Wildcat” Marching Band for the 2013 – 2014 season.

Her new partner on the podium is Fritz Burgher (J14), who is in Washington, D.C., this term participating in the Medill on the Hill journalism program.

“As soon as I get back, I’ll be jumping right in and will begin planning for a season to remember,” he says.

Of course, that seasons starts, well, now. The new drum majors’ first performance will be at the Northwestern Spring Football Exhibition on April 13. They will be joining up with returning drum major Will Ritter (WCAS14), who will begin his second season in the white-​and-​silver uniform. The experience has changed him.

Read more: New Drum Majors Ready for New NUMB Challenges

JANUARY 2, 2013 — EVANSTON, ILL. — “You know, we feel like NUMB is part of our football family,” said Northwestern University Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald, moments after his team arrived back on the Evanston campus after winning the 2013 TaxS​layer​.com Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla., yesterday.

The coach was speaking to a throng of reporters after the Northwestern University “Wildcat” Marching Band greeted the team busses outside Ryan FIeld, just as they do at home games. The band members, wearing their warmers and purple Northwestern beanies, had plenty of energy even as the temperatures were fifty degress cooler than they were in Jacksonville.

“We’re always with each other,” said Fitzgerald of his team and the band. “We do band camp together.”

Read more: NUMB Part of Football Family, Says Coach Fitz

JANUARY 1, 2013 — JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — “We talked about making history,” said an emotional Pat Fitzgerald as he addressed the Northwestern University faithful at the conclusion of the 2013 TaxS​layer​.com Gator Bowl. The head football coach and his team had just ended the Wildcat’s 64-​year bowl game victory drought with a win over Mississippi State University. “This is just the beginning,” he said.

The coach then called for the Northwestern University “Wildcat” Marching Band to perform “Go U, Northwestern!” one more time. Brimming with excitement, he counted the tempo himself — at nearly double time. The band, however, kept up. The energy was palpable. Student musicians’ faces were streaked with tears and wrinkled with smiles.

Meanwhile, long-​time Voice of the Wildcat Band Pete Friedmann watched from the EverBank Field press box. He was also blinking back tears.

Read more: 'CATS WIN! Gator Bowl Victory Brings Tears, Joy to Wildcat Band

DECEMBER 30, 2012 — JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — “We love it when our fans and alumni drop in,” says Northwestern University Director of Athletic Bands Daniel J. Farris. “Everyone’s welcome!”

The Wildcat Band will be rehearsing tomorrow morning (New Year’s Eve) at Atlantic Coast High School, 9735 R.G. Skinner Parkway, Jacksonville, Fla. [Map and Directions] The rehearsal will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET.

“It was really great to see a great turnout of fans at last year’s open rehearsal in Houston,” says Farris. “We’re glad to welcome fans to our rehearsal.”

Read more: Wildcat Fans, Jacksonville Invited to Marching Band Rehearsal