Burroughs, Mathews participate in U of I’s marching band

Fairfield High School graduate Amber Burroughs and Mid-Prairie High School graduate Sierra Mathews are among the 247 University of Iowa students who are members of the 2020 Hawkeye Marching Band, one of the 'top ten college marching bands in the nation,” according to CNN Headline News and one of the Big Ten Conference's marching bands whose halftime show is 'worth the watch,” according to Sports Illustrated.

Burroughs, who graduated from FHS in 2019, is from Libertyville and plays the trumpet. The 2020-21 school year will be Burroughs's first with the Hawkeye Marching Band.

Mathews is from Kalona and plays the alto saxophone. The 2020-21 school year will be Mathews's second with the HMB.

Affectionately known as 'Band 140” by its membership, the 2020 HMB has been conducting rehearsals outdoors at its practice field in reduced numbers since arriving on campus in August. However, the marching Hawkeyes aren't likely to perform at a home game of the football Hawkeyes in 2020. Big Ten Conference policy currently prohibits marching bands, cheerleaders, and dance team members from performing out of concern and respect for COVID-19.