NUMBALUMS at Northwestern University

10/09/2026

NUMBALUMS, we’re so excited for a great homecoming weekend! Make sure to check out the FAQs, especially if you’re signed up to march!

Link to FAQs: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ssTQnWV2DEOfVle8f0isklpSfohxlEbW/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=102879190069915448769&rtpof=true&sd=true

10/07/2026

An update from the NUMBALUMS

10/01/2026

NUMBALUMS and Friends,

By this point, many of you have seen the article released by the Daily Northwestern this afternoon announcing that there will be no NUMB pregame show at Friday’s grand opening of the new Ryan Field. Athletics has made no commitment to bring it back for any game after that.

Article: https://dailynorthwestern.com/2026/10/01/top-stories/numb-to-be-absent-from-ryan-field-on-field-opening-pregame-program-future-unclear/

The Chucks. Push On. Downfield. Block N. The tunnel. A 100-year tradition at risk, on the very weekend the stadium turns 100 in the 175th anniversary year of the University.

Obviously, this news is incredibly upsetting. Dr. Parker and Dr. Taylor have been working diligently through official channels, but to no avail.

Now it’s on us.

We are asking every NUMBALUM and supporter of the band to channel your purple pride, P&G, and frustration into action. Let’s make sure that all future games at the New Ryan Field feature a NUMB pregame!
Please email all three today:
Athletic Director Mark Jackson: [email protected]
President Chiang: [email protected]
Savanna Wood, Athletics Director of Marketing: [email protected]
Tell them your frustration. Tell them your disappointment. Tell them that your excitement about the new stadium has been tarnished by this upsetting news.

Does this make you reconsider your season tickets? TELL THEM.
Does this make you reconsider future donations to the university? TELL THEM.
Does this make you reconsider if Northwestern is the future school for your kids? TELL THEM.
If you’re a parent, is this not what you signed up to pay tuition for? TELL THEM.
When you go to a college football game, do you expect to see a college marching band on the field for pregame and halftime? TELL THEM.
Does it suck, for no reason other than that we care about NUMB and this 100 year old tradition and this University with all of our bleeding purple hearts? TELL THEM.

(Of course, tell them firmly but respectfully)

Our ask is simple: commit publicly to restoring on-field pregame at every home game at the new Ryan Field.

Let them know that NUMB pregame is more than a performance. It is a tradition that connects generations of Northwestern students, alumni, family and fans. It is what makes a Northwestern football Saturday (or Friday) feel like Northwestern. Ask your friends to do the same. NUMBALUM or not, affiliated with the University or not, the more voices the better.
It’s time, band. Let’s let our P&G shine. Let’s save pregame.

Go ‘Cats!
The NUMBALUMS Board

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Last updated Oct. 1 at 12:00 p.m. The Northwestern University Marching Band will not perform on the field pregame for NU’s opening of the new Ryan Field against Penn State on Friday, multiple sources familiar wit...

09/14/2026

HEY BAND! IT’S TIME TO REGISTER FOR HOMECOMING!

As always, we’ve got a full line up for you homecoming weekend

Friday 10/10: NUMBALUMS Bar Night at Comida Cantina in Evanston, 8-11pm. Camaraderie and reverie with NUMBALUM friends old and new!

Saturday 10/11: GAME DAY! Kickoff time is TBD. Play in the stands and march halftime with us!

Sunday 10/12: Annual Meeting. Come hear about what’s new with the bands program and share your ideas for how to make NUMBALUMS even better!

You can register for ALL EVENTS here: https://events.ard.northwestern.edu/en/Dn8g9BS7/g/ZbQ4t3v2EQ/numbalums-homecoming-weekend-2026-4a65iLQgd7/overview

Some important things to note about registration:
- as of right now, the FAQs reflect last year’s information. We’re working on getting those updated as more info becomes available, but this is the link to register for 2026!
- if you need to buy your NUMBALUMS membership, you can also do that through the form linked above, but you have to buy membership and register for homecoming in two separate transactions
- a ticket link for friends and family is coming soon

Can’t wait to see you in Evanston!

09/11/2026

The Northwestern University “Wildcat” Marching Band extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the members of the Hawkeye Marching Band family following the loss of beloved member and mellophone player Derek Phillips.

Our hearts, minds, thoughts, and prayers are with Derek’s family and every member of the HMB, past and present. We will all aspire to pay honor to Derek’s life through our character, passion for performance, and love for our fellow band members at every institution.

05/24/2026

Congrats to Mr. Farris on his retirement! Last weekend, we celebrated Mr. Farris with his final Concert Band concert, a lovely reception, and a celebratory happy hour. It was great to see so many NUMBALUMS there to say a big THANK YOU to Mr. Farris for his years of dedicated service to Northwestern. Happy Retirement, Mr. Farris!

(videos in the comments)

05/21/2026

05/04/2026

Hey NUMBALUMS! There are lots of great events happening in May and YOU should be there!!!

Friday, May 15, 7:30pm - Mr. Farris's last concert! Mr. Farris will conduct the Concert Band in his final concert at Northwestern. The concert starts at 7:30pm at Pick-Staiger. Tickets are $6. Reception to follow. You can purchase your tickets here: https://music.northwestern.edu/events/concert-band-4
If you're unable to join in person, you can access the live stream here: https://www.music.northwestern.edu/live/pick

Saturday, May 16, 3-6pm - Mr. Farris's retirement celebration! There will be a casual get together at Five and dime in Evanston to celebrate Mr. Farris's retirement. This is a casual event, so swing by as you're able. Light snacks will be provided and a cash bar will be available. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpT3RhjMnzKHm1vdkwvpViXgEdK--M2BIW7QjDD5oQ6JU_9A/viewform

Wednesday, May 27, 6:30-9:30pm - NUMB Senior Celebration! Come celebrate the NUMB class of 2026 and welcome them to our NUMBALUM ranks. The event will take place at Five and dime. Your $20 ticket gets you a dinner, a drink ticket, and lots of P&G! Please RSVP here if you plan to attend: https://events.ard.northwestern.edu/en/Dn8g9BS7/g/ZbQ4t3v2EQ/numbalums-welcome-numb-class-of-2026-5a65UzfpIEb/overview

We hope to see you soon, NUMBALUMS!

04/08/2026

Welcome to our new Director of Athletic Bands, Michael Parker!

Michael Parker has been appointed Director of Athletic Bands at Northwestern University beginning in July. He will lead the University’s athletic band programs, including the Northwestern University "Wildcat" Marching Band and pep bands. He will also conduct the Concert Band and teach courses in the Bienen School of Music.

"His outstanding musicianship, Big Ten experience, respect for tradition, and forward-looking vision make him an exceptional addition to the Northwestern University Bands faculty,” said Director of Bands Robert Taylor.

Read more: 🔗 http://spr.ly/6184B6a74I