The band traces its history to 1557 during the battle of St. Quentin. The band was founded in 1900 and has been an integral part of UT tradition ever since. The Blue Band has marched in the Rose Parade in Pasadena and has appeared on the screen in the TV movie Something for Joey (1977) and the 1993 filmRudy. Jackson States Sonic Boom of the South is well known for its high energy performances. If the videos aren't there then I didn't see it. Currently boasting 400 members and under the direction of John Pasquale, the band is widely considered one of the premier collegiate bands in the United States. University of Texas Longhorn Band. The Michigan band was the first band to appear at Yankee Stadium and the Rose Bowl in the same season and was the first Big Ten band to perform at the Super Bowl. Joe Robbins/Getty Images . 1. Here is the deal. The "Goin' Band From Raider Land" can, in any given year, have over 400 members. The band's Script Ohio is considered by many to be the most memorable tradition in college band history. The band also frequently travels to other parts of the country to perform at parades and other events. For one, the bandeven if its just a small unitplays at every single football game. What I really like about the "Georgia Redcoat Marching Band" pregame is the reading of the "Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation" and how the crowd becomes quiet (or as quiet as possible) to listen. Plus, they're going to hear "Fight-on" played a million times during the game anyways, so why blow it during the pregame. The Marching Hundred Marching Band was founded in 1896. I believe the Largest Music Of all the pregames in college football, the Ohio State has by far the most basic show: ramp entrance, one fight song down the field, the other team's fight song up the field, the "Script Ohio," the team entrance and the National Anthem. Formed in 1888, the Trojan Marching Band is the oldest marching band in USC history. What are the top 10 largest college marching band. The programs here are listed alphabetically by school, so there are no arbitrary distinctions between rankings. However, the quality of musical sounds and the outstanding drill precision the band employs along with its long and hallowed tradition makes the Marching Illini an exceptional college marching band. The band has made several appearances on TV including Wheel of Fortune and the Ed Sullivan Show. The Marching 110 have played a variety of major gigs including President Bill Clintons Inauguration and over 40 NFL halftime shows. Outside of performing at Aggies games, the band has also been at many presidential and Texas governor inauguration parades. The Royal Artillery Band is Great Britain's oldest military marching band. The band is split into pep bands, taking turns playing at all home gamesboth in the stands, and during halftimeaway games, and several special events on- and off-campus. Famous for their Script Ohio routine, the Ohio State Marching Band provides must see game day entertainment. I used only videos I could find on Youtube. ", The Band of the Fighting Irish gets to play the "Notre Dame Victory March.". The band also has opportunities you dont get outside of southern Calithings like playing at the Grammys and the Oscars, appearing at the Summer Olympics and performing with a diverse array of artists, including Beyonc, Fleetwood Mac, John Williams, Michael Jackson, and Radiohead. The "Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band performs an amazing pregame packed-full of old school formations similar to those found in marching band film from the 1950's. Several media outlets and publications have recognized the outstanding quality of the Human Jukebox. University of Southern California's Trojan Marching Band (TMB) 1. The Pride of Minnesota is the top band not only on campus but in the country. In addition,to live performances, the Sonic Boom was filmed for EA Sports NCAA 2005 video game. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The typical hat, which is shaped like a bucket and has a plume on The 382 member band is presently directed by Jay Gephart, who continues to build upon and develop the Purdue marching band tradition at football games and other sporting events as well as parades and exhibitions throughout the U.S. and internationally. The band continues long-standing music and march traditions such as the 5th Quarter, The Band Banquet, Band Day, and On Wisconsin Finale, among others. The Redcoats perform at all home football games as well as some road games. Students are either placed in the main block or the reserve block, determined after an audition at the summer band camp. Today, the Pride of the Southland Band is best known for its elaborate halftime shows, which feature intricate formations and dazzling pyrotechnics. The Ohio State University Marching Band is one of the most iconic and beloved college marching bands in the country. The band also has international acclaim, having performed at athletic events in Australia, Japan, and Brazilsomething not all marching bands on this list can boast. The band has also been on the forefront of technology breakthroughs having been the first college band to release a CD in 1986 and the first to have a website in 1994. Editorial Score. The University of Nebraska "Cornhusker Marching Band" offers lots ofopportunitiesto clap-along, but not many to sing-along. The All-American Marching Band made its debut a year before the Purdue football team and is the largest band in the Big Ten with 389 members. Please feel free to comment on my results. The band performances reach back to its founding principles and bring them forward in musical and marching performances designed to delight, impress, and entertain audiences of all ages. After an Alabama loss in the 1920s, a sportswriter asked a former player what Alabama had going for. When putting on a pregame, it's a good to have an important piece of American musicsignificantto your location. The Trojan Marching Band is best known for its unique style of low brass playing and its signature Trojan fanfare. Made up of woodwinds, brass, percussion, and "The Redsteppers" dance line, the band performs at all football home games (IU is a member of the Big Ten Conference), a few away games, and several other special events on and off campus. The band has performed for presidents and was ranked by the NCAA as the number 2 band in the country. 19. Liz Wager wrote and edited college admissions articles on ThoughtCo for three years. Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer Now, this is not about selecting one school over another, but rather a list of the 15 best college marching bands of all time. Some notable characteristics of the band are its T formation, Rocky Top and Circle Drills. The order of this list changes dyanimcally based on who likes what -- so make your voice heard by voting for your favorite . Ed.d Programs More recently, the Marching Royal Dukes drum line was featured in Keith Urbans Love, Pain & the whole crazy World Tour in 2007 and 2008. 1. Rhyeland (Author) On game days the band performs a Concert on the Steps with such traditional songs as Trumpets in the Dome.. Some of the most notable features are the use of Cowbells, Big Bertha (the biggest marching drum in the world! In 2017, theMillion Dollar Bandparticipated at the Bands of America Grand Nationals in Indianapolis. Elements of the bands halftime shows and game-day traditions date back to the 1920s, but the band took its current form in 1952. The Marching Blue Band has played at every major bowl game and had their photo appear in Vogue and W magazines in 2005. #4. A College Football Game does not start at kick-off, it starts at sunrise on game day. Since 1887 the Fighting Irish marching band has played for every home football game as well as numerous road games, rallies, and bowls. Prospective band members at Ohio University should consider audition for an opportunity to march and play in the Marching 110! Every year, thousands of fans flock to Athens, Ohio to watch the Marching 110 perform at home football games. Glockenspiel & Wood Blocks. Stanford University Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band 4. The Ohio State University Marching Band The Ohio State University Marching Band is known as The Best Damn Band in the Land (TBDBITL) for a good reason, their incredible halftime shows. Dating back to 1904, the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band fields upwards of 300 band and auxiliary members for halftime shows, and like most other college bands, smaller contingents play at other sporting events like basketball games. Additionally, the band won the Sudler Trophy in 1986. 10. Ohio States band isnt informally the Best Damn Band in the Land for no reason. #1 James Madison University with around 475 members. They are important to every marching band, although the wood blocks are more of an experimental instrument than the glockenspiel. These marching band programs from around the country are known for their impressive shows, marching technique, and musicianship. We ranked the top 10 marching bands with the most badass traditions. The Band of the Fighting Irish has toured around the world having played everywhere from Brazil to China. TheSpirit of Troy marching band sums up and channels the USC spirit. The Ohio State University Marching Band is the largest all brass band in the world (and percussion) Many bands use a glide step, also known as the roll step. Marching Royal DukesJames Madison University In Harrisburg, Virginia, a hidden gem at James Madison University wows the audience with loud and rich sounds of brass, percussion and woodwinds. "The Pride of Oklahoma," Oklahoma ), Script Texas, and Block T. Founded in 1894, theFightin Texas Aggie Bandis a 300+member military marching band, making it the biggest such band in the country. By 1929, membership had grown to about 100, and today, the band boasts about 400 members. Since the state of Texas is renowned for its high school music programs, A&M began getting an influx of intensely talented players in the 1970s and on. After the National Anthem and salute to the opposing school, the band then performs a series of songs and formations to usher in "Game Time." Neil Armstrong was a member of the band, and the band was the first band to play the opposing teams fight songs at games. There isnothing more "Game Time" then that. In 2006 the Redcoats toured and performed in China. 9. The group has also traveled to Ireland several times to march in the Dublin St. Patricks Day Parade. Across the country, these ensembles are known for their impressive productions and spirited performances. You wont hear them play a Beatles song, but John Philip Sousas marches are another story. Another great SEC pregame where crowd participation is a must. The Illini, at present directed by Barry L. Houser, is drill focused and somewhat conservative in comparison to other marching bands. And their passion for music and proud tradition is evident in every performance. Quality Score 9. They play football well, produce some spectacular quarterbacks, and they have a shin-kicking marching band. The Marching Illini consists of around 350 members, (including the drumline and guard) with a portion of that group playing the pre-game and half-time shows at home football games. The national exposure and international appeal of Fighting Irish football, the band performs to the world. Purdue University All-American Marching Band, 10. They have performed in several films, TV shows, and live events, including the Superbowl, the Grammys, and the Oscars. The University of Southern Californias band, also known as the Spirit of Troy and the Hollywood Band, does a lot of things most other bands dont or cant. One of the oldest collegiate marching bands in the country, the Pride of the Southland was founded in 1869. The Wisconsin Marching Band can be considered more like rock-stars than band geeks. 2 The Pride of Broken Arrow - Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. . Online Degrees by State, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 20 Accredited Online Schools - No Application Fees, 30 Cheap Online Doctorate (Ph.D.) Degrees. Why? In 2011 the Band of the Fighting Irish won the Sudler Trophy. Highlighted Features. 4 Jenison HS Marching Band - Jenison, Michigan. Founded in 1869, the band has a long history of entertaining audiences with its high-energy performances. The band is best known for leading the USC faithful in rallying behind the Trojan football team and other USC athletic events. In 2008, the band won first place in an ESPN band exhibition. Program wikipedia.org Auburn welcomes its new members with a program called the R.A.T. Top 10 College Marching Bands in the United States The Top Ten 1 Western Carolina Pride of the Mountains Mind boggling production. In 2007, the band traveled to Dublin to play and march in the St. Patricks Day Parade. The game-day experience is not only full of anticipation, but thepageantry surrounding itthe pep-rallies, the tailgating and the music. HBCU school bands take on a revered, mythical status. Not every college sends the band to play at every road game. Also known as the Spirit of Troy, this world-renowned band has performed at Super Bowls, Olympics, and Presidential Inaugurations. The band gives an annual indoor concert and has appeared at halftime of Chicago Bears games. The band has performed for several U.S. presidents, played in five Rose Bowls, two Worlds Fairs. The Minuteman Marching Band played at the 1981, 1985, and 2001 Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies and won the Sudler Trophy in 1998. Here are ten of the best marching bands in the country! Founded at the end of the nineteenth century with only six members, the Blue Band now comprises over 300 student members and is considered across the nation as one of its top marching bands. The Allen Eagle Escadrille is a high school marching band from Texas. The Pride of Oklahoma has come a long way since their humble beginnings as a pep band in the early 1900s and today is one of the premier marching bands in the country having performed at numerous Bowl Games over the years. As a result, the Marching 110 has become a source of school pride for Ohio University students and alumni. Council Rock North High School Marching Band. have to audition every week to be able to play in the game. While small compared to most of the bands on this list, the 180 member Screaming Eagles have played at numerous events including the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Japan Bowl in Yokohama. Longhorn Bands famous Big Bertha drum made its debut in 1955 and has been a major part of their performances ever since. The University of Alabamas football team has more national championships than anybody. ThoughtCo. Now under the direction of Joshua Gall, the 375-member band continues to perform in the traditional Longhorn style. 1 Division I band, while Winston-Salem State was tops in the Division II rankings. When the Marching Band hits the field, it's game time. The Pride of the Southland Band is presently under the direction of Donald Ryder. Coaching legend Bear Bryant often credited the band with helping the Crimson Tide win football games. The Blue Band rocks it's way into Beaver Stadium serenaded with a raucous chant of "Let's Go State," setting the tone for what opposing teams can expect. Did your band make the cut? What Is A Music Director And How Do You Become One? Established in 1867, that band now boasts around 375 members. Some Marching Bands do it much better than others, while some of the best college marchingbandsin the country miss the markcompletely. With a membership of about 160, the GSU Tiger Marching Band isnt the largest on the list, but its a formidable unit worthy of being on this list. Joining forces with Starter, the band now sells Human Jukeboxbranded apparel on a national scale. Theyve also played on TV several times including the Motown 30th Anniversary and 34th NAACP Image Awards. And the feather on top is called a plume. University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band, The Differences Between a Cover and a Remake in Music. I like the simplicity of their pregame, but not much for the crowd to participate with. Under the direction of Scott Rikkers and receiving support from the Yamaha Corporation, Vick Firth, and Zildjian Cymbals, the Marching Royal Dukes set the standard for marching bands and will likely continue to do so for many years to come. In 2005, the Blue Band was awarded the Sudler Trophy as the top band in the country for that year. They also were the first in the Big Ten to receive the Sudler Trophy, which they did in 1983. Formed in 1880, the band is now over 300 members and is the largest pep groups on the USC campus. A couple of the bands performances have gone viral on YouTube: Party Rock Anthem and Gangnam Style. It is also packed full off Texas-ness. They currently perform at over 350 engagements year, including (in recent years) international travel. US college marching bands have been around for well over 100 years. As the largest military marching band in the country, the Aggie Band plays a central role in many of Texas A&Ms time-honored traditions.