Karl, as Drum Major during an election year and a Republican,
made sure that the band was fair and balanced in mocking both presidential candidates (not that it was hard
to do). But the most memorable halftime shows of Karl's Drum Major-ship weren't political at all - the show
that didn't matter (which may have included a baby being punted on the field) and the hilariously
child-scarring "Lock 'n Load Me Elmo" show will forever be imprinted on the minds of those who witnessed them.
For better or worse.
Karl also led the band through a change in academic administration - the departure of Dean Brodhead and arrival
of Dean Salovey. Both Deans appeared in the classic band movie Surewood, and Karl's attempts to teach
Dean Salovey to conduct were a frequent sight throughout the football season.
Whether conducting at hockey and basketball, directing the first
football rehearsal inside the Yale Bowl on a gorgeous fall day,
or leading 200 people and two massive überprops to a YPMB victory
in Lamebridge, Karl's cool head and Midwestern charm saw to it that
the band was always one big happy family.
When you see his name
on a ballot someday, remember to vote Gunderson!
Past Drum Majors |
