M. O. B.!!!!!!!!!

One of the most irreverent institutions around is the Marching Owl Band, from Rice University in Houston. Rice is one of the elite academic schools in the country, and it is relatively small compared to the other schools against whom it competes in sports.

In 1970 the band transformed itself from a traditional marching band to an unconventional group of performers. They wear black business suits and fedora hats rather than the traditional band uniforms. And there half time presentations have music, but there is almost always some social or political commentary too. I have seen them spoof the Governor, the Olympics and the big universities, especially the University of Texas.

Last night in the pre-game performance for the Texas Bowl, the M.O.B tweaked their opponents, Western Michigan University (it had been hoped that Notre Dame would be the Owls opponent). They thanked WMU for coming to Houston, for, "making their existence known". They said that Rice was pleased to have them as opponents, despite the fact that many would rather have played someone more familiar. They then asked if WMU would mind " putting bags on their heads and pretend they were Irish!"

Outrageous fun!




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