The attire may have been traditional at the Marquette University Band's first concert of the year on Sunday, but the location was not.

For a first "in modern time," band director Nick Contorno said in his opening speech, the band played outside on Westowne Square in conjunction with Family Weekend.

Decked out in black, despite the sunny weather, the band performed 13 marches and songs for its audience, comprised primarily of relatives or families visiting over the weekend.

The proposal for an outdoor performance came last semester from Andrew Phillips, band president and College of Arts & Sciences junior.

Contorno "thought it was a good idea," Phillips said, "so we decided to run with it."

In order to give the band more exposure, Phillips said, Contorno thought it made sense to hold the concert during Family Weekend.

Arranging for the band to perform during the weekend was relatively simple, according to Maureen Krueger, special programs officer in University Advancement, and Michelle Speiser, an event planner in the Office of Public Affairs.

"We have a pretty general outline (of the weekend) almost a year in advance," Krueger said. When Contorno proposed the outdoor concert about six months ago, "it just kind of fit in" with the program.

Though "we really didn't know what to expect," Speiser said, "I think we'll be doing this again."

An estimated 400 onlookers were in attendance.

The band had to consider several factors as it prepared for the concert, including how the instruments would sound outside.

"When you're outside, you don't have any walls," Contorno said. "The wind just takes that sound and blows it away.

"It makes you a better player," he said. "You really have to play the instrument."

Alternate locations, such as the Varsity Theatre and Marquette Place, were determined in the case of inclement weather, Phillips said.

The day proved ideal for an outdoor performance, though, and onlookers agreed both the weather and the concert's location were great.

"What a great way to bring the weekend to a conclusion," said Shelley and Fred Stich, whose son, Jason, is a College of Engineering freshman. To them, the concert showed "Marquette really offers a lot of opportunities for every student."

"It's an excellent way to showcase the band," said Katherine Grusenski, whose daughter, Kathleen, and son, Ryan, are, respectively, a College of Engineering sophomore and College of Arts & Sciences junior.

The concert's location in front of the Alumni Memorial Union was better than the Varsity Theatre (its usual venue), Grusenski said, because it allowed passers-by to stop by and take in something they may not normally watch.

Debbie Stassi, whose son, Steve, a College of Arts & Sciences sophomore, performed in the concert, agreed.

"I think the idea of having it outside for the first time and during Family Weekend makes it a hit," she said. "Most concerts are in the university theater, (so) you're not aware of them."

Contorno said he would not rule out another outdoor concert.

"I think it would be kind of cool to do it again," he said. "It was a good time."

This article was published in The Marquette Tribune on October 4, 2005.