Lang
9/10/26
The Hawkeye Marching Band issued a statement on Thursday indicating how it plans to honor fallen mellophone player Derek Philips this season. Phillips collapsed in the heat during last Saturday’s Iowa win over Northern Illinois and later died.
The band’s official social media accounts say:
- For the remainder of the 2026 season, the leader position of the H1 squad will remain empty.
- Kinnick Stadium will observe a moment of silence for Phillips prior to kickoff this Saturday after the ROTC presentation of colors, and prior to the National Anthem.
- During halftime, the band will perform the halftime show Phillips helped prepare for last Saturday before the performance was canceled: 50 Years of The Muppet Show. The drill has been altered so the band will spell out Phillips’ name during “Rainbow Connection” at the end.
- HMB students and staff will wear black ribbons pinned to their jackets and shirts in memory of Phillips.
A GoFund Me page for Phillips has been set up here.