UCLA Bruin Marching Band Newsletter
Your Solid Gold Sound
Features
Meet Ken Fisher, Interim Director
Learn More about Ken
Ken Fisher has played everywhere from Guadalajara to Helsinki. Deeply passionate about education, Fisher has led the Solid Gold Sound into its raucous 2022-23 season.
Learn More about Ken
The 2022-23 Marching Season
Yes I want to read about this epic season
It's been an exciting season. Come catch the highlights, and stick around for the Sun Bowl!
Yes I want to read about this epic season
Opening the Hollywood Bowl's 100th Season
Dudamel, Marsalis, and Gwen? Let's read more
What were the students in the marching band feeling just before taking the stage at the Hollywood Bowl to open a landmark season in the company of Gwen Stefani, Branford Marsalis, the LA Phil, and John Williams?
Dudamel, Marsalis, and Gwen? Let's read more
Talk About Viral!
Yes I want to learn about this amazing collaboration
It was December 2019, and the K-Pop Superband BTS was looking for an edge. They found it with the Solid Gold Sound. They collaborated on the track "ON" for BTs's album Map of the Soul: 7, 2020's BEST SELLING ALBUM WORLDWIDE. In 2021, the Marching Band did a BTS tribute as the first live halftime show after the COVID break.
At present, the BTS Show has now received 2.7 million views. Announcements and descriptions of the show were translated into Korean, Spanish, and Japanese. The video has been watched in 182 different countries.
At present, the BTS Show has now received 2.7 million views. Announcements and descriptions of the show were translated into Korean, Spanish, and Japanese. The video has been watched in 182 different countries.
Yes I want to learn about this amazing collaboration
Meet Drum Major
Deborah Gallego
Deborah Gallego
Ms. Gallego (“Deb” to her friends) has conducted the marching band during some of its finest moments. We had a chance to catch up with Deb and ask her a few questions.
Q. What’s your major?
African American Studies, with a minor in Education. I’ll be graduating in 2023.
Q. When did you start playing music?
Summer after Sixth grade. I gained access to music education through the LA Unified School District’s Beyond the Bell Program, which was a great way to experience music. I fell in love with music and never let it go!
Q. Use three adjectives to describe your first experience performing with the UCLA Marching Band.
Surreal, Exhilarating; Cathartic
Q. What was your most memorable experience?
Performing at the Hollywood Bowl with Gwen Stefani, Gustavo Dudamel, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, YOLA, and the USC Marching Band. Really fun, and kind of unreal.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
I’m off to graduate school, hopefully. I want to pursue an M.Ed. and a teaching credential. After earning my advanced degree, I’d love to work as a public school teacher in the social sciences. I hope to combine my passion for music, social justice, and education to give to others what music has given to me: happiness!
The Search for a Permanent Director is On!
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is conducting a nationwide search for Director of the Marching Band. We thank our current interim director, Ken Fisher, for his steady hand on the till this year. He has led the marching band to great success this season.
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Give to the group that keeps on giving. Support the Solid Gold Sound.