Brooke Johnson is still pinching herself. Years after her trumpets blared through Delaware Stadium, the 2009 alumna has returned to the University of Delaware Marching Band (UDMB) as the sixth director in the program’s storied history. 

Taking the reins from Heidi Sarver, who retired this spring after 29 years at the UDMB helm, Johnson hopes to continue “Sarv’s” student-centric legacy. 

“Heidi always put people first,” Johnson said. “Yes, we have a job to do—preshow, halftime show, performing during games. But [for Sarver] that was all secondary to taking care of us as people.”

It’s how Johnson is approaching her role as UDMB director. If a student misses class, for instance, she won’t badger them with questions. Instead, Johnson might ask, “How are you doing? Is everything okay?”  

Community and connection, as thousands of alumni can attest, are the heart and soul of the marching band. 

“We want everyone to feel welcomed, included and supported,” said Johnson. “This is a place for people to be themselves, a home to so many.” 

She discovered this home in 2001, at the annual UD Band Day event where high school students play alongside their college counterparts during a Delaware Football game. The 9/11 attacks had occurred only a few weeks prior, and as the joint bands of UD and UMass played “God Bless the USA,” with thousands in the stands chanting along, Johnson knew then: “I am part of something special.”

It's what all UDMB members quickly learn. When Johnson interviewed for her position last fall—a whirlwind, two-and-a-half-day process that involved multiple meetings and rehearsals—she also fielded a large student question-and-answer session. Some asked about her time directing the marching band at Miami University-Ohio; others wanted to ensure the music section leader would still get to call “Hey Baby” when the tubas begin playing.

Traditions endure to this day: the clandestine welcome ceremony for all new members, the playing of “Bozo” at the end of every pregame—“all those little things that mean so much,” said Johnson.

“I get it,” she added. “I feel a deep loyalty and responsibility to the traditions of the past along with an excitement to build a program of my own.”

Her palpable energy coincides with UD’s move to Conference USA, which will bring new travel and performance opportunities, including potential Bowl Games, beginning in 2025. As Johnson looks ahead, she has a vision of “more growth, more travel, more opportunities,” including dreams of seeing UDMB perform at the London New Year’s Parade or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.  

But for now, her goals remain firmly in Newark. 

“My focus is on the students and giving them the same experiences that are so meaningful to me,” said Johnson. “I am so grateful and honored to be the one who gets to continue this legacy.”