UCO Marching Band in Hawaii Five-O Theme Song Contest

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Hawaii Five-O returned to television Monday night. The updated remake of the hit 1970s show aired at 9 p.m. on NEWS 9.

The show's iconic theme song has also been updated. To celebrate the show and its famous theme music, CBS is holding the Marching Band Mania contest. College bands across the country have submitted their versions of the Hawaii Five-O theme song.

The University of Central Oklahoma's Stampede of Sound is one of the competitors. They entered in hopes of helping the student scholarship fund.

"We've had cutbacks ever single year but we make do with what we have. We need scholarship money for our students who are so deserving," said Associate Director of Bands David Hanan.

Most of the students in the band are not music majors but participate because of a love of music.

"Mr. Hanan always tells us. He says play as if you are playing the most beautiful note you've ever played. I feel that way," said sophomore Aaron Argo.

Many of the members have multiple jobs. Drum Major Rachel Richardson is juggling five jobs to make ends meet.

"It's just really hard. It's hard to keep up with all the jobs and school and practice, and homework. Keeping it together is hard," Richardson said.

That's why entering the competition is not about the opportunity to get on Hawaii Five-0, but about gaining better opportunities. If they get enough votes to win, they'll receive $25,000. That money will go directly to student scholarships.

Hanan said UCO's marching band is smaller in numbers and in funding compared to other schools, but not in passion.

"Our video is not as slick as some other videos because I watched them all, but our kids are passionate about great performance," said Hanan.

Other universities have huge production committees.

"We have one person in the photo canopy level that does video of the band. That's what we got. But, we've got heart," added Hanan.

Vote online for your favorite performance.