Drum to Make Debut Again

Fresh from a long-overdue facelift, the Harvard University Band's bass drum will make its second debut today at the Harvard-Cornell game.

Since its first appearance at a 1955 Harvard-UMass football game, the eight-foot-tall drum has undergone the yearly wear and tear of sporting events and other band activities without the benefit of any serious repairs--until this summer.

When band members determined that the drum's two cowhide heads were in serious danger of falling apart, they launched a fund drive to repair the colossal instrument. Contributors included Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III and other Harvard faculty, according to band Manager Victor W. Hwang '93.

Remo Company, a major percussion manufacturer in Hollywood, Calif., performed the restoration. The total cost for shipping, repairs and parts exceeded $3000.

"We basically had the cowhide heads replaced and had a little work done on it on the inside," Hwang said. "We're hoping that it'll be set for the next few decades."

Today's game also marks the band's third Trombone Day, which returns after a two-year hiatus. The event will draw about 75 high school, college, community and professional trombone players from across the country.

Trombone Day Director Thomas G. Everett said he had set aside the event because he "basically got tired."

"We decided to take a couple of years off, but we've brought it back now to provide an opportunity for people who love to play the trombone to get together," Everett said. Steve Turre, a jazz trombonist with "Saturday Night Live's" band, will be a Trombone Day guest.