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MARQUETTE -- It happens every four years. The reunion of the N.M.U Marching Band and the N.M.U. Alumni Marching Band. Those from years past, pick up their instruments and take to the football field along with current marching band members for the half-time show.

The list of those who make up the Alumni Marching Band is impressive. There are business people, a state representative, parents, grandparents even great, great grandparents. There were nearly 60 alumni members joining the marching ban on Saturday. Among them, a mother and son

Charles Matthews is a junior and plays baritone. His mom Marsha, who was with the band 30 years ago, also plays the baritone.

Charles Matthews says, "I got into music because of my mom. I'm playing the baritone because of my mom and I came to Northern because both my parents were Northern graduates." His mom Marsha says, "Five years ago I said, Charles will be a junior and we could do this together. Here we are five years later and it's really cool."

Charles Matthews continues a long tradition of N.M.U. pride. His dad went to Northern, as did his mom. So did his grandfather, a 1961 graduate from Northern Michigan University's education department.

Then there are the in-laws, Nancy and Bill Cheney, they're also N.M.U. football fans. They haven't missed a Northern football game in decades. The Cheney's are from Gulliver.