PHOTOS: After COVID-19 took away the crowd, alumna returns to lead the Marching Chips at homecoming
Central Michigan University Alumna Gabbie Bass took back what COVID-19 stole from her in 2020 - the opportunity to lead the CMU Marching Band onto the field at a homecoming game.
Saturday was the first time that CMU has ever invited an alum back to lead the band. Director of the CMU Marching Band James Batcheller said he hopes it's the last time given the circumstances of COVID-19.
“2020 was Gabbie’s one year as head drum major, and she did spectacular work to lead the band,” Batcheller said. “During everything we went through in 2020, with limited rehearsal, limited performance, we tried to create value in everything we did - without knowing whether we'd ever actually perform in public."
"(Bass) kept the Chippewa spirit alive, as is our tradition.”
Despite the unexpected disappointments and obstacles of the pandemic, Bass pushed through. Leading up to homecoming, Bass practiced with the band in the Jack Saunders Marching Band Field. When game day finally arrived she helped lead the band as they marched through Mount Pleasant in the annual parade. She led the pre-game show performance later that afternoon.
“When I found out that they canceled the football season, I was like, ‘well, there goes that.'" Bass said. "It sucked so much, but I knew I had to step up and lead the rest of the band through the unknown. My character and maturity definitely developed a lot with the marching band. I discovered who I am while making life-long friends.”
