Isms: Views on life in rural America

I’ve been stuck in a “traditions” mindset lately. Last Wednesday, I couldn’t stop thinking about new year rituals.

When the Huskers played in a Dec. 31 or Jan. 1 bowl game, Dad would place a 33LP on the record player and watch the needle land on a groove. The record: recordings from the University of Nebraska Marching Band. First song up: The Band Song.

If you’ve ever followed the band to Memorial Stadium, you’ve probably heard it. It was one of Dad’s favorites. I can still hear him singing the lyrics:

“Hear the trumpets playin’, Hear the crowd a sayin’

NU Band is on parade!

Hear the trombones...