The NCAA tournament is about basketball but also so much more: the parents, fans, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The Sweet 16/Elite 8 are taking place in 4 cities around the country and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD is covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of access in the days ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage from Los Angeles with an interview of Alabama mellophone player Kaden Orendorff.
You are from Rockton, IL: what made you choose Alabama? I wanted to switch things up and have a different kind of lifestyle because the North and the South are very different. The campus was great and I wanted to be in the Million Dollar Band and play at basketball/football games and do all the postseason stuff. It offers experiences that no other band does.
You are majoring in biology: why did you choose that subject? I want to go to physician assistant school. I am also passionate about the sciences and helping people and being part of a team.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I will take a gap year or 2 to do some traveling, spend some time with my family, and get myself ready for grad school.
You have been named to the Dean’s List multiple times: how do you balance your work in the band with your work in the classroom? I do not consider my band time work but rather my relaxation: these are my family/friends at the university.
You play the mellophone: what on earth is a mellophone, and what is your favorite song to play on it? It is the marching version of the French horn, like a trumpet. My favorite song to play is “Right Above It” by Lil Wayne.
How long have you been playing the mellophone for, and what is the best part of being in the band? About 8-9 years. My favorite part is the travel: I have gone coast to coast from NYC to LA and so many cities in between that I would otherwise not have had a chance to visit.
You are a big skier: what is your favorite ski destination? Breckenridge, CO.
How does your school decide who got to go to the NCAA tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? It is based mostly on participation during the regular season: sometimes it involves seniority, and also availability. It is a wonderful opportunity to represent our school/state and showcase our talents.
This is your school’s 4th NCAA tourney in a row: did you get play in Birmingham/Louisville in 2023, San Diego in 2022, or Indianapolis in 2021? I went to Birmingham/Louisville, and was also in Nashville for our SEC tourney win last March.
Any predictions for your game vs. North Carolina tonight? I think it will be a good game and I am excited to watch it. I think it could end up as 1 of the best Sweet 16 games: I am hesitant to make a prediction…but obviously Alabama!