Big Red Trumpet Traditions

The Big Red Trumpets are a bunch steeped in tradition. Although the origin of many of our traditions remains unknown and their purpose seems sometimes blurry, they are vehemently defended, and every year, the Trumpets obey them...

Shortstop

Shortstop is a deli in downtown Ithaca, and for events like CU downtown and Spring Concert, the trumpets frequent said dining establishment to enjoy in one anothers' comradery. It has also become a Trumpet Trumpet tradition to make the trek there down East Buff with the olds during Homecoming weekend. It's surprising their old joints can handle such an excersion.

Football

The Trumpets play football during Tuesday night rehearsal (or during whatever other rehearsal we feel like it). Tuesday night rehearsals are long (9-11pm), and we practice drills. Playing football is much more fun. Plus, unlike the rest of the band, the Trumpets don't need several hours of practice to get a drill right. We can learn it all on Saturday morning before the game! Anyway, it's fun to hear the rest of the band fall apart without us...

Push-Ups

Trumpets do push-ups for every point Cornell has every time we score. For example, if Cornell scores 5 touchdowns in the game the Trumpets will have done 105 (7+14+21+28+35) push-ups. This leads to another minor tradition: Field Goals and safeties scored late in the game that do not cause Cornell to win suck. In fact, safeties in general suck...

Sunglasses

As a rule, Trumpets wear sunglasses on Saturdays. The original reason for this we do not know. Maybe it is to keep the sun out of our eyes. Maybe it is so the police cannot recognize us. Maybe it is to keep our hoards of fans from knowing our true identities. Maybe it is all of the above. Whatever the case, we wear sunglasses every Saturday. If you forget your sunglasses, a pair of "penalty" shades is provided. These glasses are the type you find at a gas station or in a box of cereal. They look bad; or at least they are supposed to look bad. In recent years, the penalty shades have become incresingly more inventive. For instance, one pair has only one functional arm. The other arm is a trumpet lyre which has been duct-taped to the side. Miraculously, it was the perfect length! Every once in a while, someone grows fond of a pair of penalty shades. This is not normal though...

10:23

Have you ever noticed that no matter when you look at a clock, it always reads 10:23? This incredible phenomenon was discovered by our own Ken Flanagan '98. Trumpets to this day continue to marvel at the regularity of this time...

Trombones

It is tradition that the Trombones in the BRB suck.

Trumpet Survivor

This tradition was engineered by FRODO '12 and helps current members of the Big Red Trumpet Section bond with our alumni. Trumpet Survivor is an email-based competition inspired by the television show Survivor. Participants are sorted into tribes of trumpets and compete in challenges for immunity. Those who don't win immunity may be voted out in "Tribal Council." Challenges are often Marching Band/Trumpet themed and usually involve creativity, trivia, and stories from the good old days. Each season of Trumpet Survivor lasts for many months, extending from the school year into the summer. Only a single participant can achieve truly legendary status amongst the Big Red Trumpet Section by becoming the Sole Survivor. Past champions include:

Season 1 ('11-'12): Eileen McIver '11
Season 2 ('13): Greg Berman '12
Season 3 ('14-'15): Tommy Seery '09
Season 4 ('20): Eric Frackleton '08
Season 5 ('21-'22): Oliver Matte '23
Season 6 ('23): Pony Siper '20

Taco Bell

A true trumpet eats at Taco Bell (a.k.a. T-Bell) whenever possible. A Taco Champion may even choose to consume eleven or more tacos after already eating dining hall food (or at least fifteen without the dining hall meal). Going in boxers is also encouraged.

Marching with the Columbia Band - Inactive

In years past, a member of the Big Red Trumpet Section marched onto the football field during the Columbia Band's halftime performance to demonstrate our superiority. Since the Columbia Band was downright awful, the addition of one of our own improved their shows immensely and allowed us to mock them for their comparative suckitude. More recently, Columbia bandsmen began marching onto the field during Cornell's halftime shows in retaliation, but their efforts to disrupt our performances proved futile. In fact, Columbia's band sucked so much, it completely disbanded! Pathetic attempts to resurrect a new band are unfortunately under way, so perhaps this tradition shall continue after all.

China Buffet & Dinosaur Barbeque - Retired

Trumpets love hanging out with one another. That's why we usually get dinner together after rehearsals. Sometimes though, Okenshields and Keeton just won't cut it. One of the highlights of Homecoming weekend is seeing all of the Big Red Trumpets who return to their alma mater to hang out with us undergraduates. This great reunion would not be complete without a trip to the China Buffet. And of course, no trip to China Buffet would be complete without the customary Jello Race... Every Finals week, around the time when we choose next year's leader, the trumpet section takes a trip up to Syracuse to eat the delicious food at Dinosaur Barbeque.

Trumpet Hockey - Retired

For the past couple of years, the Trumpets have taken a night out of the year to rent out Lynah Rink and play hockey. This tradition was the brainchild of Carl and Lowell, who were taking PE hockey at the time. Sure, some of us can barely ice-skate, but that doesn't really matter. The point is, it's fun.

The Mink Dog Award - Retired

Every year, there is a very special trumpet within our ranks. This special individual is not a rank leader, not the spinmaster, and no, not even our mighty section leader. This person is.... The Mink Dog. What is a Mink Dog, you ask? Well, in the grand ole academic year '94-'95 lived a field manager who was destined for a better life- destined for greatness, destined- to be a Trumpet. Greg Minkler became part of the greatest section in the band, and elevated his status accordingly. Fortunately, being a trumpet involves more than just playing ability. This was especially good for Greg, who had a severe absence of Skilz. In his honor, The Mink Dog Award was created. Every year from this point on, a trumpet has had this high honor bestowed upon him or her. It is in recognition of achievement as a Trumpet despite musical talent (i.e. sucktitude)...