The Penn State Blue Band will march its way into Eisenhower Auditorium Friday to perform its repertoire in Bandorama.

At 8 p.m., the Blue Band will perform fight songs, the Penn State alma mater, and other various selections in concert, Blue Band drum major Matt Sabo (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) said.

O. Richard Bundy, the Blue Band's director, said the band will literally march down the aisles and onto the stage for the indoor concert.

He added that the Blue Sapphire and the majorettes will also perform, regardless of the inside setting.

In addition, Bundy said the Symphonic Band will play selections before the Blue Band performs.

"At football games, people like that we're there, but we're not the main focus of attention," Sabo said, "so it's nice to have a concert for just us."

Bundy said although the Blue Band is an integral part of football games, the band acknowledges that it's secondary to the actual game.

"It's great for the students to do a show where they are the focus," Bundy said.

Sabo said the band will play the music it has played throughout the entire season, and he will be conducting a few pieces.

"I'm excited because it's my first Bandorama as the drum major," he said. "We don't get to do this very often, and the people who come are really enthusiastic."

Sabo said playing in Eisenhower presents many differences from playing in the stands and on the field.

"In the auditorium, since it's closed in and designed for concerts, we have to listen to things like how loud we are playing and how balanced we are," Sabo said. "On the field, you tend to focus more on styles of playing."

Bundy added that playing in Eisenhower takes a different kind of preparation.

"Without having to deal with marching and the elements, we hope the quality of our playing is higher," he said.

Sabo, who has played the clarinet in the Blue Band since his freshman year, said new responsibilities come with his position as the drum major.

Leading the band in stretching, conducting during halftime and at other gigs are some of his duties, he said.

"And, of course, I do those two flips," he said.

As far as conducting the group in Eisenhower, with all eyes of the audience on him and not football, Sabo said he is excited.

"I think I'm going to enjoy conducting in the auditorium," he said. "It's a little more of a focused environment on the Blue Band."

Blue Sapphire PJ Maierhofer (junior-advertising/public relations) said Bandorama provides an opportunity for people to actually hear how talented the instrumentalists of the Blue Band really are.

As a performer, she said she is forced to adjust to various different circumstances like lighting, temperature and the floor texture.

"Part of my job is to accommodate myself," she said. "Sometimes the lighting and the stage are a little bit scary."

However, Maierhofer said Bandorama provides a way for her to reflect back on the season.

"It is a conglomeration of our entire season," she said. "Each song gives me a different thought of a different game or atmosphere and where we were when we were performing. So, it's like a scrapbook for me."

Maierhofer added that the Blue Band is extremely respected at Penn State, but students don't always recognize the effort and time put into performances.

"If you ever stop, listen and watch the passion in their faces," Maierhofer said. "There's a lot to be taken away from that."

Bundy added Bandorama provides a great school spirit event where students can support their fellow students.

Bundy said he remembers his youngest son telling him after a past Bandorama performance, "Dad, I had the most Penn State spirit I'd ever had before."

He said students will definitely "come away with added Penn State pride."