9.4. 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. Founded in 1869, the band has a long history of entertaining audiences with its high-energy performances. The typical hat, which is shaped like a bucket and has a plume on This band has been wowing audiences with its high-energy performances and unique style for over a century. There are many marching bands in the US that march on different When putting on a pregame, it's a good to have an important piece of American musicsignificantto your location. As the oldest marching band in the Big Ten conference and founded way back in 1870 as a ten member student band, theSpartan Marching Band has impressed crowds with its impressive performances and choreographic and musical precision ever since. Purdue University "All-American" Marching Band Purdue Marching Band The University of Michigan Marching Band. I believe they have 225 members in the band that all have Here is the deal. No extra fluff. Read on to learn about them! Clarion. The Michigan State "Spartan Marching Band" may be better known for their march to the stadium, called the "Series," or for theirdrum line, but they can put on a good pregame too. Hawkeye Marching Band is one of the top college marching bands. This is one of my favorite pregames because everything is geared towards school pride and the football game itself. Southern University and A&M College have a band that may be the most famous thing about the Louisiana school. The band is presently under the direction of Eric Allen and was in 1999 the recipient of the Sudler Trophy as the outstanding marching band of that year. I hope this helped a little bit. 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. Marching bands come in many sizes. These includeUSA Today, NCAA, ESPN, andTime. OSUs band is set at 225 members (33 of them being alternates) and the instrumentation is entirely brass and percussion. Consider your mind blown at the sight of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band . Yes, I'm talking about the Wisconsin Marching Band, notStanford's. From their intricate formations to their rousing renditions of fight songs, these ensembles add excitement and pageantry to any sporting event. The Athletic Band is also open to any interested students, whereas the Marching Band is audition-only. Florida A&M University The Marching "100" 2. Florida A&M University The Marching "100" 2. The Bruin Marching Band has also appeared in over 25 films. Additionally, the band won the Sudler Trophy in 1987. The programs here are listed alphabetically by school, so there are no arbitrary distinctions between rankings. A shako. The band has also offered its talents for Walt Disney Productions and was featured, in 1988 and 1991, at the Bands of America Grand National Championships. With his and other coaches success, the Million Dollar Band has appeared in the halftime show of more than 50 postseason bowl games. You might not expect to find one of the best college marching bands in the country in a small town in Ohio, but thats exactly where youll find the Ohio University Marching 110. Fight Songs: On Iowa, Iowa Fight Song, and Roll Along Iowa. Members practice 20 maybe even 30 hours aweek, and not only perform at games, but also compete in national competitions. Outside of the game itself, the band is probably the biggest part of the pageantry that goes on at a college football game, so it should come as no surprise were counting down the 15 best bands in college football. The University of Alabama "Million Dollar Band" is so good that they just walk onto the field with swagger. Known for its elaborate and highly technical programs, in 1988, the Spartan Marching Band was awarded the Sudler Trophy as the top intercollegiate marching band in the United States. 3. Also known as The Best Damn Band in the Land, the OSU Marching Band has been delighting audiences with its visuals and sound for over a century. When most schools need something sung, they go to the choir to get it done. The Michigan Marching Band holds Ohio States band as a rival every bit as much as the football teams do. I think this is a great example of where you don't have to do anything special to get the crowd going. And their passion for music and proud tradition is evident in every performance. In 2008 the band traveled to Ireland to march and perform in the Dublin St. Patricks Day Parade. With a stellar drumline, classic formations, and a rousing song repertoire, Michigan's marching band is a tough act to follow. The Block P, started in 1907, is now a signature move of the band, performed at every football game. In 2004 the Auburn University Marching Band decided they needed to put a little more pep in their pregame. The band has played every Trojans home and road game since 1987 and is known as Hollywoods Band due to the large amount of appearances the band has made with celebrities. Procrastination: Why Wait Others that I know of that probably fit in the top ten are Arizona State and. Many of these bands have opportunities for students who aren't music majors, so even if you're studying chemistry, engineering, or fine art, you are welcome to audition for these great bands. University of Southern California's Trojan Marching Band (TMB) 1. The band is headedby five drum majors, and accompanied by a dance team known as the Prancing J-settes. The 250-member band is composed of brass, winds, and percussion. program (Rookie Auburn Tiger). Established in 1867, that band now boasts around 375 members. Florida A&M University- The Marching 100 Grambling State University- Tiger Marching Band Jackson State University- Sonic Boom of the South Norfolk State University- Spartan Legion North Carolina A&T State University Blue and Gold Marching Machine South Carolina State University- The Marching 101 Tuskegee University- The Marching Crimson Pipers Outside of the game itself, the band is probably the biggest part of the pageantry that goes on at a college football game, so it should come as no surprise were counting down the 15 best bands in college football. One of the highlights of being a member of the band is getting to perform in front of thousands of fans at Kinnick Stadium. The band is best known for leading the USC faithful in rallying behind the Trojan football team and other USC athletic events. Of course the pregame is clean and polished from start to finish, but more crowd participation would make this pregame a grand slam. TheRedcoat Bandof the University of Georgia has been marching and performing for well over a hundred years. US college marching bands have been around for well over 100 years. USC, Trojan Marching Band Ezra Shaw-Getty Images Being in a college marching band isn't usually glamorous. The style which resembles a "three The Blue Band has been a Penn State tradition for over a century, and their performances are an integral part of game days at Beaver Stadium. 1 Ohio State University Marching Band 408 votes College: The Ohio State University Founded: 1878 2 Purdue All-American Marching Band 145 votes College: Purdue University Founded: 1886 3 Sonic Boom of the South 241 votes College: Jackson State University Founded: 1940s 4 Marching Chiefs 132 votes College : Florida State University Founded: 1939 5 Composed of winds, brass, full drumline, and the nine Dancing Dolls, this band is highly energetic and marches complicated drill patterns with a polish and flair. Ohio State University Marching Band 1. The Allen Eagle Escadrille is a high school marching band from Texas. Another great SEC pregame where crowd participation is a must. Texas A& M Aggie Band. Ohio State (The Best Damn Band in the Land): I really wanted to put Michigan State, here, but the Buckeyes are just so consistently good that it's tough to put anybody else in the top spot.. With the long-standing success of Sooner football, the Pride has been center stage to the nation dozens of times. Longhorn Bands famous Big Bertha drum made its debut in 1955 and has been a major part of their performances ever since. With only about 30% of the band members being music majors, any students who play an instrument are welcome to audition for the world-renowned group. The modern football fan gets treated to elaborate halftime performances with highly stylized choreographed routines that sometimes even trump the actual game. Ed.d Programs A College Football Game does not start at kick-off, it starts at sunrise on game day. The different styles of marching band hats have different names. In the same year, the band received the honor of being one of six collegiate bands to selected to participate in ESPNs Battle of the Bands. The Tiger Band performs for all home football games as well as full-band away games and bowl games. Arkansas at Pine Bluff Name: The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South Members: Nearly 300 Location: Pine Bluff, Arkansas Best Halftime Show: Arkansas at Pine Bluff Halftime Show 2019 That said since A&M does not offer any music degrees, its band has no music majors in it. Some of the most notable features are the use of Cowbells, Big Bertha (the biggest marching drum in the world! Purdue University All-American Marching Band, 10. That all said, I think you will rarely go wrong with college band if you go to an NCAA-D1 school. The UCLA band has made numerous international appearances including Tokyos Mirage Bowl and holds the honor of winning the 1993 Sudler Trophy. Students are required to audition for the band, both in music and in marching, and then, once admitted, must enroll in the marching band course for credit. Im Dan and I run this website. Fun tidbit: The Blue Band's twirler is called "Blue Sapphire." 3. As a result, the Marching 110 has become a source of school pride for Ohio University students and alumni. ), 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. I wouldlike to rank them higher, but the pregame lacks some "Rah-Rah" factor. Sousa is possibly the greatest cosigner they could ever imagine, after all, he is known as the "American March King.". And, in 2013, the 483 member band marched in the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade. Michigan: An autumn afternoon in Ann Arbor is not complete without a performance by this thumping, powerful outfit. As one of the oldest marching bands, the Pride has a hallowed tradition and has been at the center of marching band evolution over the past 150 years. For over one hundred years the band has performed for Michigan football fans, establishing a long tradition of marching band excellence in Ann Arbor. It is comprised entirely of students from the schools military group, The Corps of Cadets, and is the largest Military Band in the world. TheBadger Bandhas been a fixture for Wisconsin football in rallying school spirit. Newtown. In addition to marching for the university, the Sonic Boom has played for several NFL teams. With a whopping 22% of the entire 2022 Top HBCU Bands poll on its own, we celebrate Prairie View A&M University's (PVAMU) The Marching Storm Band for the true force of nature that it is. The Hawkeye Marching Band is one of the only bands that sings its alma mater before gamesin four-part harmony. As one of the most visible and recognizable bands in the country, the Trojan Marching Band plays an important role in promoting USCs image and spirit. Purdue University is home to one of the most iconic marching bands in the country: the All-American Marching Band. Which is the best marching band in college? The bands most famous routine is the Floating Lion Drill where they spell out LIONS across the field. Because it is a military band, its marches are exclusively traditional. The Human Jukebox is one of the only marching bands in the world with a partnership with an athletic clothing company. With its unique jazzy fight song and the energy and precision of band performance and execution, theMarching Royal Dukes of James Madison University is considered by many to be Virginias Finest and Americas Favorite Collegiate Marching Band. By John Gentile. Whether at a football game or during a parade, these bands always put on a show. Like the other bands in this ranking, the primary job of the Marching Illini is performing at football home games to foster school spirit. The Marching Hundred Marching Band was founded in 1896. The band the many formations that characterize the Texas ensemble. The band has appeared multiple times on television and has marched in several NFL games. Mechanicsburg. The "Goin' Band From Raider Land" can, in any given year, have over 400 members. 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. Under the direction of John Pasquale, the Michigan Marching Band has come a long way since it first consisted of 22 musicians in 1896. Under the direction of Dr. Timothy Rhea, the band is known for its military precision. Ohio States band isnt informally the Best Damn Band in the Land for no reason. Just typeTennesseepregame into Youtube and see what you get. And while the band always marches at halftime in that game and many away games, the group has also notched multiple national television appearances and recorded more than a dozen full-length albums since 1972. The "Pride of the Sunshine" doesn't march onto the field, they chomp their way on to it. The band was declared a Landmark of American Music by the National Music Council in 1976. Sometimes I had to watch two or three from the same school to get a sense of the entire pregame. The band marched in the 2007 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in celebration of the state of Oklahomas one-hundredth anniversary. There are 260 people in the Hawkeye Marching Band. 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. Power Ranking the Top 25 College Marching Band Pregame Shows | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report Home > College Football Power Ranking the Top 25 College. Seriously, who wouldnt want a full field of musicians playing songs and cheering for you? Best Online Degrees There are only two marching bands in college football that get serenaded by the crowd with "Go State" as they enter the field. 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. It could be true that the "Pride of Minnesota" marching band is, more or less, holding a pregame show for themselves rather than for their team. . Others have hundreds! Band members keep track of how many times they play Boomer Sooner, the schools fight song, each football season, and the number is often in the 900s. TheSpirit of Troy marching band sums up and channels the USC spirit. If youre looking for a little pre-game entertainment, be sure to check out these incredible college marching bands! 5. The University of Tennessee Pride of the Southland Band is one of the most iconic and revered college marching bands in the country. When putting together this list I was looking for "Game Time" and lots of "Rah-Rah" and Michigan can do it all with one formation and one song; and everyone in the stands goes nutz. I don't understand why Ohio State needs an announcer because Buckeye fans know this pregame step by step, Ohio State has been performing it the same way since the late 1950's. I used only videos I could find on Youtube. The entire performance is dedicated to promoting state and national pride. The Ohio State University Marching Band is a truly world-class organization, and its passion for music and performance is evident in everything they do. The Marching Illini of the University of Illinois is one of the oldest collegiate marching bands in the country. Southern University and A&M College have a band that may be the most famous thing about the Louisiana school. The marching band was founded in 1881 to provide music for the State University of Iowa Battalion. The band has released 13 albums since 1967 and is famous for its wild antics. Originally named after the number of members of the band, today the 110 stands for the 100 percent effort the band puts into every performance. Once the band signals you to sing along, you're on your feet until the team takes the field. Some Marching Bands do it much better than others, while some of the best college marchingbandsin the country miss the markcompletely. It took some time for me weave my way through all the videos out there, but I think I did a good job. The band, now comprising over three hundred members, in addition to playing and marching at MSU home games, has maintained a tradition of taking its show on the road. They have a strong fan base and were recently named one of the top bands in the country by USA Today. The band has been a staple of Purdue athletics for over a century, and their performances are always a highlight of any game day. #4. 1 2. And like famous bands rocking the airwaves, there are also college marching bands whove gained fame. Home Rankings Online Schools How-to Scholarships 10 Advantages to Earning College Credit In High School Students are required to audition for the band and are encouraged to attend the Spend the Night with the Corps event, to learn about the band. The band has toured Ireland and Continental Europe and was the recipient of the Sudler Trophy in 1996. Michigan States bands are not as large. into a frenzy. 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. Colleges with Opportunities for Music Non-Majors, Great Summer Music Programs for High School Students, Georgian Court University GPA, SAT and ACT Data, Illinois Wesleyan University GPA, SAT and ACT Data, Moore College of Art and Design Admissions, Top Middle Atlantic Colleges and Universities, opportunities for students who aren't music majors. Under its current director, Michael Leckrone, these traditions continue rousing delight and verve. 10 Mind-Blowing College Marching Band Cover Songs. Jackson State Universitys marching band, dubbed by members of the band in 1971 as theSonic Boom of the South, performs a wide variety of styles in a wide range of venues. Across the country, these ensembles are known for their impressive productions and spirited performances. You can start by learning to read music. As the official band of USC, the Trojan Marching Band represents the university at a variety of events, both on and off campus. While A&M started as a military college, it gradually shifted to a more traditional university, which began attracting more students. Fall evokes thoughts of Saturday college football, frenzied fans, and rousing renditions of the university fight song by the marching band. The Texas Aggie Band is a 400+ member military marching band - the largest of its kind. Named for the original number of band members, the Marching 110 now includes over 240 members. The national exposure and international appeal of Fighting Irish football, the band performs to the world. But Founded in 1885, the band was one of the first intercollegiate travel ensembles, performing in different since 1915. The band has also performed at a number of high-profile events. Purdue is known for its singular twirling line-up: the Silver Twins, the Girl in Black, and the Golden Girl. These twirlers are highly-sought after positions and are often considered the bands ambassadors. University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band. The University of Oklahoma does a lot of things well. Purdue University "All-American" Marching Band. Additionally, the band is known as Hollywoods Band of Choice and has over 300 members. The marching band is a staple of American college life. Under the direction of Gregory Drane, the band performs at all Penn State home football games as well as other sporting events. In addition to university and national events the band performed in Hong Kong in 2010 as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, and in 2014 the band marched in the Dublin St. Patricks Day Parade. 10 of the Best College Marching Bands. ago 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. 9. As far as Buckeye Nation is concerned, without the Ohio State marching band pregame, there will be no football game. The Michigan Marching Band is composed of woodwind, brass, and percussion, with a full color guard. Outside of performing at Aggies games, the band has also been at many presidential and Texas governor inauguration parades. The Fightin Texas Aggie Band is the largest military band in the nation with over 400 members and is famous for winning the Sudler Award in 2001. The group started 13 years after the end of the Civil War as part of the ROTC program. "Top College Marching Band Programs." 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 Miami University Marching Band (MUMB), directed by Dr. Members of the MUMB come from every division and almost every major at the university. The band also frequently travels to other parts of the country to perform at parades and other events. 5 Pride of Bixby, Bixby HS - Bixby, OK. 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. All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. The Royal Artillery Band is Great Britain's oldest military marching band. The University of Texas Longhorn Band is one of the most iconic college marching bands in the country. Here are 25 bands that put on must-see shows that elevate attending these schools game from a should go to a MUST GO!. With over 350 members, the Pride of the Southland Band is one of the largest college marching bands in the country. The University of Alabamas football team has more national championships than anybody. It is Texas, so there is a lot of crowd participation. Auburn University Marching Band: R.A.T. As with most pregames created post-9/11, there is a lot of "God Bless America" involved, but the band's entrance, crowd participation and overall energy level make this pregame very intense. Established in 1925 and boasting over 400 performers, the Goin Band from Raiderland is both the oldest and largest student organization on the Texas Tech campus. These are the best of the best. Not as many, perhaps, are aware of the universitys outstandingMillion Dollar Band that is every bit as much a Crimson Tide tradition as Alabama football. Computer Engineering Degree Joe Robbins/Getty Images . Winner of the 2002 Sudler Trophy for the outstanding collegiate marching band, the Spirit of Troy has been recognized byHuffington Post. Emerging from a tunnel near the fifty yard line, the MichiganMarchingBand hops onto the field, forms the letter "M," then marches from west to east blasting "Hail to the Victors" while all one hundred thousand plus in attendance sing along. Finally, the Huffington Post named the band as one of the "Top Ten College Marching Bands in the United States" in 2012. 1 of 10. top, is called a Shako. https://www.thoughtco.com/top-college-marching-band-programs-788278 (accessed March 4, 2023). And the feather on top is called a plume. As a result, students in the band have the opportunity to experience different cultures and traditions while representing their school. The game-day experience is not only full of anticipation, but thepageantry surrounding itthe pep-rallies, the tailgating and the music. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Known for their precision and spirit, the Longhorn Band performs at all home football games and represents the university at various events around the world. The Marching 110 have played a variety of major gigs including President Bill Clintons Inauguration and over 40 NFL halftime shows. The Aggie Band is one of the most tradition-rich and unique marching bands in America. The Marching Blue Band has played at every major bowl game and had their photo appear in Vogue and W magazines in 2005. Thatdealtmore with how much fan interaction, types of music played and tradition involved with the pregame. The band has appeared at 40 bowl games and has been the subject of several national and international news and magazine articles. The Redcoats perform at all home football games as well as some road games. Ohio State University Marching Band 1. James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes 5. With a few modern additions, this pregame is a total throw back. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhusker Marching Band was founded in 1879 and is known as one of the oldest and best-known collegiate marching bands in the U.S. Because of the successful Husker college football program, this band is one of the more traveled bands in the country, having performed at all of the The West Virginia University "Mountaineer Marching Band" has Copeland's "Simple Gifts of anAppalachianSpring" to play with. University of Oklahoma Pride of Oklahoma I know of that probably fit in the top ten are Arizona State and Would you like to join a marching band one day? The band has represented Tennessee at 12 straight Presidential Inaugurations and has played at numerous bowl games.