Photo Story: Blue Band Rookie
Photo posted December 8, 2017 in
News by Madison Myers
From the moment she was accepted to Penn State as a freshman, Jess Hopkins dreamed of joining the ranks of Penn State's Blue Band. The first year of Blue Band is an eye-opening and exciting new experience. Joining the Blue Band brings new friendships and countless lessons to be learned. Blue Band musicians say the experience helps each member grow to be the best version of themselves, for the benefit of the entire group.
Jess Hopkins dances among the other members of the Blue Band during the Penn State v. Georgia State game in September. / Photo by Madison Myers
The first month of the Blue Band season includes a series of music memorization tests. Using a pencil to practice, Jess concentrates on her music in preparation of these tests.
/ Photo by Madison Myers
Jess is greeted by band volunteer David Cree during the morning rehearsal before the Penn State v. Pittsburgh game in September.
/ Photo by Madison Myers
Members of the piccolo section of the band huddle together during a chilly early-morning rehearsal in September.
/ Photo by Madison Myers
Jess makes her way toward the HUB-Robeson Center on Penn State's University Park campus. / Photo by Madison Myers
Early afternoon kickoff times mean earlier rehearsals for the Blue Band. Jess stands with members of her section as she experiences her first football Gameday sunrise. / Photo by Madison Myers
Close ties and friendships are made as the band spends countless hours together on away trips. Jess eats breakfast at a Columbus hotel while traveling with the band to the Ohio State game.
/ Photo by Madison Myers
David Cree directs a piccolo music sectional at a Tuesday evening rehearsal in October.
/ Photo by Madison Myers
Students blur by as Jess poses during a visit to the HUB-Robeson center.
/ Photo by Madison Myers
Being a member of the Blue Band means taking long bus rides to away games. Jess takes a nap on the bus headed to Columbus, Ohio for the Penn State v. Ohio State game.
/ Photo by Madison Myers
Jess, seated left, sits among the band following a halftime performance in Beaver Stadium during the Penn State v. Michigan game in October.
/ Photo by Madison Myers
Jess celebrates a touchdown in the stands of Beaver Stadium during the nighttime Penn State v. Georgia State game in September.
/ Photo by Madison Myers