Why Mello?

For those of you who aren't regular members here, you may be asking yourself, "Now why would these people play mellophone? It's not even a real instrument! You can't even tune it!" Well, that may be true, but there are plenty of reasons to play mellophone in the Marching Hundred. But don't take my word alone for it. Below, you will find testimonies from some of our own mellos here.

Why mello: When asked this strangely obvious question, two things come to mind:

1. The girls- As many of those who have seen the mello line at a performance know, the mello line is predominately made of people of the female gender. For a young collegiate freshman, this can be a great way to spend a week of summer and the first semester of school. It never hurts knowing a lot of girls before starting school.

2. The mellophone is a very unique instrument; one that requires great amounts of talent and dedication. It is the most unacknowledged instrument, besides bass clarinet (which is not marched at IU). Even while its glory goes unmentioned, its beautiful resonating tone is very soothing to the player and its audience. The pure and fresh ring of the mellophone bell is enough to make a person want to cry because they are so happy to be alive and listening to the angelic sound of a french horn. Anyone who is not a french horn player and plays an instrument is missing out on an experience of a lifetime.
-Tim Shelford

"Why mello?" WHY NOT!! Mellos rock! With their awesome mellow tone, they add that little special something to every band. I have played other instruments, but they just don't compare to the awesome feel of playing the mello. When we combine the talents of other mellos from around the states, it's no wonder the Mello-Line is one of the most fun to be on. If you have played Mello in high school or anywhere else, then come join the Mello-Line.
-Alan Herrington

Not only do mellos sound cool, but they're also shiny. Well, at the beginning of the season they are.
-Ashley Ordner

Why Mello? Well I marched it in high school & let's face it--it's the coolest brass out there. Fingers are pretty easy, and most of the time we've got some type of melody, so it's not boring like the tuba--yet not as important as the trumpets whom have to practice all the darn time. It's the middle voice and without it the band sound horrid...that's why I did it-- because there was a need.
-Sophia McCormick

Why Mello? Why Not?? Although we're one of the smaller sections in the band, it doesn't diminish our fun. In fact, it makes us closer. With a section of between fourteen and eighteen, you can get pretty close to a really awesome group of people. I myself almost didn't join my freshman year because I wanted a few more days at home--and am I glad I didn't! So go ahead, take the plunge. It'll be well worth your while!
-Erin Huberty