Saturday, Sept. 15, ISU’s Big Red Marching Machine will be leaving Hancock Stadium to host Band-a-Rama in Braden Auditorium.

This event has taken place during Family Weekend for years and has been directed by Daniel Belongia since 2005.

This year will serve as a preview for the Big Red performances, rather than a retrospective one, since Family Weekend is earlier in the fall than usual, Belongia said.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. Big Red will start their roughly 45-minute performance with the ISU fight song, ISU Alma Mater and "God Bless America." Then, the preview of their halftime performances for the 2012 football season will begin. 

The first set will be their current halftime show consisting of six to seven Beatles songs, followed by a set Belongia explained as very different for the band.

Electronic instruments, synthesizers, subwoofers and speakers, which have previously not been utilized by Big Red, will be incorporated to perform songs by Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna. 

“It’s going to be a different kind of experience and a different sound from a college marching band,” Belongia said. “But it’s perfectly appropriate given the music that is on the radio right now and is very contemporary.” 

The third set of halftime music will be Big Red’s halftime presentation at the Nov. 17 football game, which is dedicated to honoring the military. The set will consist of a medley of military themed-songs which Belongia calls military salutes. During this time, service members in the audience will be asked to stand to be recognized.

The program will conclude with another round of the ISU fight song and Alma Mater. The program will last about 45 minutes to an hour. 

“It’s a really nice event. I’m grateful for it — it’s always a highlight for our fall,” Belongia said. 

When asked what piece he is particularly excited about, Belongia did not oblige. 

“That’s sort of like asking who your favorite child is,” Belongia said. “I think there’s something for everybody in the music we’re playing this year.” 

Tickets can be purchased through the Braden Box Office. Adult general admission is $5 and student and senior admission is $3. Tickets will be on sale through the night of the performance.