Uh-one and Uh-two and Uh-100...

Baylor's band program celebrated its centennial this spring with the annual President's Concert on April 12. The concert marked the 100th anniversary of the Baylor band program with the world premiere of "Exhortation and Praise!" by Alfred Reed. 
A prolific composer who earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Baylor, Reed was commissioned for this work specifically for the band program's centennial celebration. Reed also conducted the University orchestra while a student at Baylor. 
Monies for the commission were given by the Baylor band department, Baylor Alumni Band Association, Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity and Tau Beta Sigma band sorority. 
The Baylor band program is led by Dr. Kevin L. Sedatole, a Baylor graduate who returned to his alma mater in 2002 after serving as director of two of the top collegiate bands in the country -- the University of Texas Longhorn Band and the University of Michigan Marching Band. When Dr. Sedatole attended Baylor, he was a member of the Baylor Wind Ensemble and now conducts the group.
"The Baylor Wind Ensemble is what attracted me to Baylor as a student, as well as its two very fine conductors, Richard Floyd and Michael Haithcock," Dr. Sedatole said. "When the opportunity came for me to take over as director of bands, it was something I just could not pass up. To conduct this fine ensemble and lead such a superior band program is a real honor. Besides, who doesn't want to return to their alma mater?" 
Future plans for the Baylor bands include a new record project featuring specially commissioned works. Dr. Sedatole said some of Baylor's most recognizable programs -- the Golden Wave Marching Band and other athletic bands -- will grow in size, as well as in spirit. The marching band will increase to 300 members -- "just a few less than a really big school just south on I-35," he laughed. "We will perform to the best of our ability, which I believe is at a very high standard, and we will continue to show the greatest spirit that we can at all athletic events."