Photo By Sgt. Ian Charles Tracy | The Utah National Guard’s 23rd Army Band supports the University of Utah’s...... read more read more
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A long-standing rivalry exists between the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. The first football game between these two nemeses took place in 1896, and there has been a continued opposition ever since. This year’s game was held in Salt Lake City, at Rice - Eccles Stadium, home of the Utah Utes.
Each year, the University of Utah dedicates their home game that falls closest to Veterans Day, to honor all veterans and military service members. This year, the game recognized military service members on Nov. 9, the UofU vs BYU rivalry game, adding additional meaning to this highly anticipated and well-attended game.
During halftime, the Utah National Guard’s 23rd Army Band, conducted by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Spencer Frohm, performed songs with both the UofU and BYU university’s respective marching bands. This marked a unique experience for the 23rd Army Band to share the field with the university bands. Some members have worn both the military uniform as well as the school band uniform making this event a memorable experience. The three bands used the power of music to celebrate the veterans and honor “All Who Serve.” One mission of an Army Band is to raise morale and esprit de corps within their organizations, the 23rd Army Band has gone above and beyond to accomplish this mission for 100 years within the state of Utah.
Frohm has a unique experience when it comes to this rivalry. Having attended both schools, and having marched in both bands, even leading them at times, he has spent a lot of time with each school.
“Through that experience, I learned that no matter the outcome of the football game, the bands and the American people always win,” said Frohm. “The bands put aside their differences and bring their respective school colors together for a show focused on patriotism and support for our brothers and sisters in arms.”
This year added a third perspective of this unique collaboration as the 23rd Army Band received an invitation from the director of the University of Utah marching band Dr. Brian Sproul to add their professionalism and expertise to the event.
Frohm is one of the few people that has served as the Band Master for the 23rd Army Band, and was invited to share the field with all three bands during the UofU and BYU games halftime show as the conductor.
“The bands offered me the privilege and honor of conducting the combined groups on the field for the entire performance,” said Frohm. “It helped make the [23rd Army] band’s 100th year even more special and I will never forget the experience and will cherish the memory forever!”
1st Sgt. Lisa Blodgett has been with the 23rd Army Band for 31 years and still continues to share her passions for music and veterans. Before she enlisted into the National Guard, Lisa attended college at the University of Utah, where she was a member of the Marching Utes.
“While in college, when the Holy War rolled around, it was the tradition to share the halftime show with the BYU Marching Band,” said 1st Sgt. Lisa Blodgett. “This year’s rivalry game was special to me as the 23rd Army Band was invited to join in the performance with the other two bands, where all three bands came together as one to put on a spectacular halftime performance honoring our veterans.”
What makes this event even more special is that Lisa was able to share the field with her son, Spc. Benjamin Blodgett who marched for the University of Utah and is also a member of the 23rd Army band as well.
Spc. Benjamin Blodgett is currently enlisted in the 23rd Army Band as well as a student at the University of Utah and a proud member of the Marching Utes. Tonight he marched with the Marching Utes, but also had the opportunity to share the field with his mother who was with the 23rd Army Band.
“For my entire life both the University of Utah and 23rd Army Band have been significant parts of my life, and rooted deeply in my family,” said Spc. Benjamin Blodgett. “Thanks to their example I’ve now taken the opportunity to be a part of both of those groups, and though they live in separate worlds, having this day to unite together was truly a blessing.”
The halftime show is often the calmest part of this rivalry game and helps bring the fans together. Members of all three bands performing in the sold-out Rice - Eccles Stadium will cherish their experience, whether playing for the Cougar Marching Band, Marching Utes or the 23rd Army Band.
Spc. Blodgett summed up his experience by stating, “Whether I’m a Marching Ute or an American Soldier, I know I can at least leave that field with the same appreciation for everything that this message of patriotism stands for.”
(Utah Army National Guard story by Sgt. Ian Tracy)
| Date Taken: | 11.09.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2024 13:11 |
| Story ID: | 485651 |
| Location: | SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, US |
| Hometown: | SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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