The bases, comprised of the sousaphones and baritone saxophones, is self-proclaimed to be the best section in band. We always have fun whether it’s playing a great bassline, or doing our own dance during the field show, or section dinners at Chick-Fil-A.
2017-2018 Sousa Section at Quick Lane Bowl
Section Shenanigans
The basses (DUMBasses) find many ways to express our inner tomfoolery and merriment. Shenanigans are often inspired moment to moment, but two remain paramount in the tradition of the section.
The Halftime Show Dance
Each field show includes a drum-break during which all band members perform pre-choreographed moves, except for the basses (and drumline). Because of our large instruments, many of these moves are not feasible. This gives us time do do own own little dances, which are usually the best part of the show. Highlights include:
Leapfrog
Jousting
Bull and Matador
Single Ladies (Original)
Tribal Dance / Robot
Pyramid
Muscle Beach
Fishing
Stanky Leg
Backflips
How to Dance at a Rave
People Bowling
Gangnam Style (Original)
Poker Game and Bar-Room Brawl
Tuba Snake (Original)
50 Yard Dash
Castle Siege
The 2013/14 Bass Section practicing jousting
The 2011/12 Bass Section jumping together
The 2010/11 Bass Section in Pyramid formation
The 2009/10 Bass Section doing the Single Ladies dance
Pep Band Distractions
During basketball games, we distract the opposing team when they are shooting free-throws. The bass section has gotten on TV several times for running across the top of the bleachers waving our large instruments. Cheers include:
Flat out run
Spinning in Bell-Hats
The Tu-Boat
The Wave
Tuba Shoulder Presses
Superman Chicken Fights
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the sousaphone section leader, Alec Wall, at arw58@duke.edu!
