Marching 110 founder returns for visit

by Lindsey McKay
Staff Writer

As the wind came sweeping down the plains during the Ohio University Marching 110's practice yesterday, Gene Thrailkill was reminded of home.

"This is what it's like in Oklahoma," he yelled over the gusts.

Thrailkill, founder of the Marching 110, is visiting OU this weekend to participate in the Homecoming celebration. He will be guest-conducting the pregame and halftime shows of the Homecoming game against Kent State at 1 p.m. Saturday at Peden Stadium.

He will lead the Marching 110 as they play "Groove is in the Heart" before the game and the Alumni Band when they perform OU's fight song, "Stand Up and Cheer," and "Play that Funky Music" at halftime, said Richard Suk, associate director of OU bands.

This is Thrailkill's second visit in 30 years. In the early 1980s, he came to OU to receive the School of Music's Alumni Award. 

"It's neat to be back," Thrailkill said.

Thrailkill received his master's degree from the OU School of Music and became director of bands at OU in 1966. In between, he served as instrumental music director for Dixie High School in New Lebanon.  

Thrailkill made some controversial decisions in his five years at OU. In 1968 the band became all-male, a move The Post called "total asininity," he said

"I heard a lot about it," Thrailkill said. "When I look back on it, it may not have been the best decision."

Thrailkill also designed the uniforms now worn by the band and pioneered its high-stepping, show-band marching style, Suk said.

"Before, male band members wore blazers and slacks, and women wore skirts," Thrailkill said. "It's nice that they've kept (my uniform)."

The Illinois native left OU in 1971 after the Oklahoma University offered him a position as its director of bands. Ohio University President Robert Glidden,  who worked at  Oklahoma University, was chair of the committee that hired Thrailkill there.

Thrailkill will preside over the dedication of the Marching 110's historical display at 7 p.m. today in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, said Pete Couladis, president of OU marching band Society of Alumni and Friends.

Saturday, Thrailkill and his wife, Karen, will watch the parade and remember his past at OU.

"Those were the fun years," Thrailkill said. "OU has a warm spot in our hearts."