Supporting a Legacy Organization with Scalable Digital & Media Systems
Overview
The Indiana University Marching Hundred is one of the most recognized collegiate marching bands in the country, representing Indiana University Bloomington at athletic events and national appearances.
With more than 200 student musicians, a passionate alumni base, and a dedicated fan community, the Marching Hundred needed a digital presence capable of serving multiple audiences — from current members and recruits to alumni and supporters.
Funnychord partnered with the Marching Hundred in an ongoing capacity to modernize, maintain, and expand its digital and media ecosystem — strengthening communication, storytelling, and operational efficiency.
The Challenge
As a large, legacy organization, the Marching Hundred faced several key challenges:
- A website infrastructure that needed modernization
- Multiple audience types requiring distinct information pathways
- Ongoing content updates tied to a seasonal performance schedule
- Growing email communication needs for members, fans, and alumni
- A desire to preserve and celebrate the organization’s rich history
The goal was to create systems that supported both day-to-day operations and long-term storytelling.
Our Approach
Website Transition & Ongoing Development
We led the transition of the official website to WordPress, creating a more flexible and manageable platform.
Key improvements included:
- Modernized structure and responsive design
- Clear navigation pathways for recruits, members, alumni, and fans
- Scalable content templates for performances, announcements, and events
- Improved internal workflows for updates and seasonal changes
The result was a more sustainable system that supports both the organization’s administrative needs and its public-facing presence.
Content Strategy & Copywriting
Beyond technical updates, we supported the refinement of messaging across the site. This included clarifying recruitment messaging, highlighting performance excellence and traditions, improving event descriptions and call-to-action clarity, and ensuring consistent tone across public-facing content.
The objective was to balance tradition and energy — honoring the band’s legacy while speaking to future members and modern audiences.
Email Newsletter & Campaign Management
Communication is central to an organization of this scale. We developed and managed:
- A fan-facing email newsletter
- Targeted email campaigns to members and supporters
- Structured communication templates for consistency
- Strategic content planning tied to performance seasons
These systems improved engagement with alumni and supporters while creating reliable communication flows for internal members.
Videography & Historical Media Production
In addition to digital infrastructure, Funnychord supported key storytelling initiatives through video production. This included videography and editing for special features including production of a presentation incorporating historical footage for the 2007 Sudler Award.
These projects helped preserve and celebrate the band’s legacy while creating professional, shareable content that reinforced its national reputation.
The Outcome
Through ongoing partnership and system development, the Indiana University Marching Hundred now benefitted from:
- A modern, flexible WordPress platform
- Clearer communication pathways for multiple audiences
- Structured, reliable email engagement
- High-quality video and media assets supporting legacy and outreach
- Sustainable digital systems for a large, seasonal organization
By combining technical infrastructure with storytelling and content strategy, Funnychord helped ensure the Marching Hundred’s digital presence reflects the excellence of its performances.
Scope of Work
- Website transition to WordPress
- Ongoing development and maintenance
- UX improvements and content structuring
- Copywriting and content refinement
- Fan email newsletter development and management
- Member and supporter email campaigns
- Videography and editing (including Sudler Award presentation/history feature)
- Podcast production and editing
2007 Sudler Award Presentation Video Project
Video commissioned and narrated by David C. Woodley, Director of the Marching Hundred and Big Red Basketball Band from 1993 - 2019. Historical Footage provided by Indiana University. Video footage of the Marching Hundred from 2005 - 2007 and editing by Funnychord for the 2007 Sudler Award Presentation.
