Sacred Heart University’s marching band debuted its 2025 field show on Aug. 30 at the home opener against Stonehill College. The field show, “SHU in The Upside Down 80s,” combined two themes of “Stranger Things” and music from the 1980s.
The band’s inspiration behind this idea was to find music that is fun for the band to perform and engaging for college students and parents. They aimed to blend popular culture with musical performance.
Source: Facebook, @SHU_BandOrchestra
“Stranger Things was most appealing for many different reasons,” said Keith Johnston, the director of bands and orchestras. “The last season is coming out in November and they use a lot of different kinds of music within the 80s.”
With the final season of “Stranger Things” set to release on Nov. 26, the marching band knew this media would be the next big thing. Moreover, with the series already a big hit, they were hopeful that this theme would resonate with the audience.
Along with the “Stranger Things” theme song, the band performs several songs from the 80s, including Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors.”
“The way Cyndi Lauper interacts with the band on a musical level is very impressive,” said Johnston. “I get goosebumps every time we do that song.”
With its mix of nostalgia and modern-day media, the theme was sure to be a success in entertaining the crowd. However, due to field construction, the marching band faced challenges with their formations.
“We’ve been practicing next to the Pitt center in the grassy area,” said Matthew Meaney, president of the Sacred Heart marching band. “The performance was our first time out on the football field because it was under construction.”
The issue raised concerns for the marching band, as they were unsure if the performance would resonate with the audience.
“Nobody knew anything,” said Johnston. “Not even how far off the field we had to be.”
The marching band felt uncertain about the crowd’s reaction, but even with those doubts in mind, the show had to go on. The crowd was all ears, and even louder with their cheers.
“I loved it,” said Senior Hannah Zhong. “I don’t listen to a lot of 80s music, but it’s hard to not get hooked with how they put on a show.”
From the music to the choreography, both college students and parents were engaged with the marching band’s unique spin on the theme.
“There was definitely a lot of enthusiasm from the crowd,” said Meaney. “Everybody knows the ‘Stranger Things’ theme so it’s easy for everyone to get into it right away.”
With the positive reaction from the crowd, the band is hopeful to draw even more attention in the next performance.
“I definitely recommend going to the next game,” said Zhong. “The crowd after half time was on a different level.”
The Sacred Heart marching band is set to take the field again during family weekend on Sep. 27 at noon. Catch “SHU in The Upside Down 80s” before it’s gone for the season.
“I was so happy with the band, they were troopers, got through the whole thing like they have been going their whole lives,” said Johnston. “We’re looking forward to the next performance.”
