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University of Miami Fanfare
Great universities throughout the country begin their halftime performances with a special fanfare consisting of small portions of their school fight songs and alma mater. The fanfare signals the start of halftime festivities, exciting the crowd and encouraging loyal fans to remain in their seats during the band’s performance. Following the Miami Hurricane’s National Championship season in 2001-2002, David Lambert, D.M.A. ’05, wrote a similar fanfare for the University of Miami.
“UM Fanfare” was premiered by the University of Miami Band of the Hour during the 2004 Miami Hurricane home football opener versus Florida State University. It has since been performed as a prelude to all Band of the Hour performances and has become a part of the University of Miami’s commencement to announce the opening of the ceremony.
President’s Processional Fanfare
Commencement ceremonies are rich in history, tradition, and ritual. Over the years, the University of Miami has had a number of talented musicians and composers contribute to that history and tradition.
The “President’s Processional Fanfare – Toward Our New Century” was commissioned by the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music for the inauguration of the University of Miami's sixth president, Julio Frenk. Written by Brian Balmages, M.M. ’00, the fanfare premiered on January 29, 2016, at President Frenk’s inauguration ceremony.
The Music of Henry Fillmore
Henry Fillmore, the American composer and bandleader best known for his marches, was an ardent supporter, friend, and benefactor of the University of Miami band. After retiring to Miami, he quickly adopted the Band of the Hour at the University of Miami as his own. As a result, he was named “permanent guest conductor” of the band, and in appreciation of his dedication, the University awarded Fillmore an honorary doctorate in music. Fillmore’s prominence as a band composer and his tireless dedication to the field of music remain his legacy. Benefiting most from his musical passion and artistry was the University of Miami band, to which he bequeathed most of his estate. The Henry Fillmore Band Hall, dedicated in 1959 along with the Fillmore Museum, is a symbol of that legacy.
The recessional music today is but a small part of his life’s work. Each selection has a unique relationship to Miami and the University. “The Miami March” was dedicated to the community of Greater Miami, which enthusiastically supported Fillmore and his music.
