OU band leader enjoying final year

(Miami-AP) -- The Sooners' undefeated season and Orange Bowl appearance are proving a suitable send-off for O-U's long-time band leader. <br><br>Gene Thrailkill has served as director of University

Tuesday, January 2nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Miami-AP) -- The Sooners' undefeated season and Orange Bowl appearance are proving a suitable send-off for O-U's long-time band leader.

Gene Thrailkill has served as director of University of Oklahoma bands for 30 years, but this year will be his last. He has decided to retire.

Thrailkill has been to several Orange Bowls with the team throughout the years, but says this one is special because of the football team's resurgence.

He says the football season has been tremendous for the morale of the 292-member band.

But the band isn't just playing at the game. On their way home, bandmembers will tour Cape Kennedy, Florida. Then it's on to Orlando and Disney World. And then on to New Orleans to spend a day in the French Quarter.