CFANS Good Vibes: Marching band students perform in Dubai

Last week, 30 members of the University of Minnesota Marching Band performed at the World Expo in Dubai. Two CFANS students participated in the performances, and they shared more about their experience. The band performed in multiple stage shows and marched in a parade to generate excitement around Minnesota’s bid to host the World Expo in 2027.

Senior Bella Kappenman will be graduating this spring with a degree in animal science and a minor in wildlife care and handling and will attend veterinary school at the U of M this fall. She plays in the drumline with the marching band and enjoyed playing for the UAE delegation during the United States National Opening Ceremony. "I am extremely grateful to have represented our University, the State of Minnesota and the United States at the World Expo 2020 Dubai," Bella said. "There are no words that can accurately describe the feeling of being included in a global event that showcases over 190 cultures, traditions and innovations for our future." She noted that one particularly memorable moment was parading through the streets of the Expo, bringing new music to people who may have never heard a marching band before. "The Expo truly champions the notion of bringing diverse ideas and points of view together, celebrating the differences that each country brings to the table," Bella explained. "As a member of the University of Minnesota Marching Band, I’m not sure I have ever played for a more excited and astounded crowd. Being a part of the U.S. delegation at the Expo is an experience I will cherish forever knowing that our music touched the hearts of so many."

Agricultural and food business management senior and agronomy minor Alex Love plays the trombone in the band and shared that watching the reactions of people from across the world experience the sound and spectacle of a marching band for the first time was his most memorable moment from the trip abroad. "As Minnesota bids to host the Expo in 2027, I felt incredibly proud to be able to show people from across the world one small glimpse of what we have to offer here in the United States and Minnesota," Alex said. "A marching band can represent what can be so great about our country and state: music, community and innovation. It was an incredible honor to be able to represent not only the University and State of Minnesota, but also the United States."

To support future travel for the Minnesota Marching Band, visit z.umn.edu/mbtravel.