Quinnipiac OTR: Eight Great College Marching Bands

Eight Great College Marching Bands

Posted by aquamarine 05/23/2008 09:02 AM
Category: Hotness Tags: Eight Great Rose Bowl, Super Bowl, Sudler Trophy, military, marching band

The military marching band of Texas A&M.

The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band of Northwestern State University.

The Golden Wave Band of Baylor University

1) Goin’ Band From Raiderland of Texas Tech University. This 450-member ensemble is the largest band in the NCAA. It won the 1999 Sudler Trophy for consistent excellence. They are led under the direction of Christopher Anderson.

2) Golden Wave Band of Baylor University. This is another band that has received high praises. Although the name is only 79 years old, the band itself has been an important part of the University for 100 years. Originally a 43-member band back in 1929, it now has over 135 members. They are led under the direction of Dr. Barry Kraus who is also the University’s Associate Director of Bands.

3) Fightin' Texas Aggie Band of Texas A&M. This band is the largest military marching band in the United States. There are about 350 cadets that are members of the band and they usually play before an audience of over 86,000 people. They won Sudler Trophy in 2001.

4) Marching Southerners of Jacksonville State University. This marching band consists of the color guard as well as the marching ballerinas to make their performance lively and memorable.

5) Spirit of Northwestern of Northwestern State University. Their marching band is only one of many including concert and jazz bands. Dances by the Demon Dazzlers, Purple Pizzazz and Twirlers help complement the music.

6) Redcoat Band of the University of Georgia. Over 100 years old, this military band has grown from just 20 members in 1905 to over 350 today. They are considered the heart of the Bulldog Spirit.

7) Michigan Marching Band of the University of Michigan. Under the direction of Scott Boerma, this band was the first Big Ten band to perform in a Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, California, as well as Super Bowl VII back in 1973.

8) Marching Royal Dukes of James Madison University. This 365-member band helped celebrate the first year of JMU football in 1972. Since then it has traveled all over the world, including Dublin, Ireland where they were the featured band for their New Year’s celebration in 2003 and 2006. They have also performed at the 2001 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. The Marching Royal Dukes was the recipient of the 1994 Sudler Trophy.

+ 120 comments

Anonymous says,

Jacksonville State is truly awesome and has been strong since the late 1950s. The Spirit drum corps (formerly from Atlanta) is a campus feature and aids the marching band in its development. Posted 05/24/2008 07:33 AMReply

Anonymous says,

You're either insane and/or stupid for not including OSU's band..The Best Damn Band In The Land (or TBDBITL for short).

comon now, you almost are losing all credibility without including them. Posted 05/24/2008 09:52 AMReply

Anonymous says,

The Southerners are GREAT! Mr. Boniford has and continues to do a wonderful job with this program. GO GAMECOCKS! Posted 05/24/2008 10:44 AMReply

Andy says,

They show the Grambling/Southern game solely for the bands. Posted 05/24/2008 8:51 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I have never seen a Marching Band as AMAZING as the Jasckonsonville State University Marching Southerners. IF you do not believe me, checm out their website and scroll down until you see a like to a live performance. They brought their band here to Memphis, TN last year and blew our football crowd away! Amazing BAND! Posted 05/27/2008 09:40 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Ken Bodiford has made the JSU program the top in the country from what I've seen......people go to the games just to see the band. Even schools like Georgia Tech and Miss. St. get calls to see if the JSU band is going to be performing. He has taken this program to a level that few can match. Posted 05/27/2008 09:52 AMReply

Anonymous says,

@ Anonymous:
oh yea, the southerners are truly the heart of all bands if i must say so myself. its an honor to be part of the band... Posted 05/27/2008 10:10 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Southerners > All Posted 05/27/2008 10:21 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Wow, after reading this article, I'm so proud to have been a part of the JSU Marching Southerners. Once a Southerner ALWAYS a Southerner!

Hats off to Mr. Bodiford, Mr. Gillespie, and Mr. Stovall! Posted 05/27/2008 10:38 AMReply

Anonymous says,

I never understood what the "big deal" was until I saw the JSU Marching Southerners step on the field...OMG, they are the best college marching band I have ever seen and I was a fan of the oposing team. When they march into a stadium, it is like Elvis entering the building! The level of excitement is incredible and well deserved! They are the BEST COLLEGE BAND I have seen!!!! Posted 05/27/2008 11:16 AMReply

Anonymous says,

The first time I saw the southerners was purely by chance and at a very early age. It made me want to be in band so badly that I couldn't stand it. My college band is good and all, but its nothing compared to the Southerners. All I can say is wow and great job. IMO their ranking is just a bit on the low side. Posted 05/27/2008 11:50 AMReply

Anonymous says,

they're ok. To me they are just another college marching band. They do play very load, just not always in tune. Posted 05/27/2008 1:43 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Yeah..
I'm not sure HOW you missed out on Ohio State.

TBDBITL Posted 05/27/2008 1:43 PMReply

Anonymous says,

The Southerners do a great balance of musicality, dynamics, and entertainment. They grab the attention of their audience.

Anyone who has gone to a JSU home game knows that the attendance swells at halftime and people leave afterward. Literally, people come just for halftime. The concession stands are more empty during halftime than the rest of the football game. Posted 05/27/2008 5:32 PMReply

Anonymous says,

There is no comparison between TBDBITL and The Southerners. The Southerners would simply blow them away, musicaly and visually. The OSU band is a shadow of it's former self as is The Million Dollar Band from UofAlabama. Those 2 bands have resorted to stock arrangements and electrical instruments to impress their fans. The Southerners just go out there and play, play loud, and contrary to the other poster, in tune. The music selections The Southerners directors choose is one of the elements that set them apart. And their Tubas are absolutely unreal. They march a real horn instead of a sousaphone, and in my mind, that is one of the things that sets them apart from anyone else. The other is the Ballerinas and color guard... simply untouchable. Posted 05/27/2008 5:45 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Plus, that JSU Drumline is the SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT! Posted 05/27/2008 11:19 PMReply

Andy says,

Apparently JSU's band also comments in unison. Posted 05/28/2008 11:52 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Agreed... they do reply in unison... it's another thing that sets them apart... they are a great FAMILY. Other bands go out and play at FOOTBALL games... JSU just simply PERFORMS on any field. Not as much "rah rah" in the stands... they save it for the field. No flip charts, no electronics, no hype... just the real deal top to bottom. Posted 05/28/2008 8:45 PMReply

Anonymous says,

@ Anonymous:
As a JSU retired "Southerner"
.....all I need to stay is...... "Blow Southerners!! and Whup Troy!!"
they will understand Posted 05/30/2008 10:40 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Obviously, NSU is the best on the list...awesome sound along with great marching coordination. Certainly better than most 'bigger' schools that get more recognition. Posted 05/30/2008 3:16 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Marching Southerners are the best! What a fantastic family of musicians! When you see Southerners @ a halftime, they're not there to support the team... they ARE the team! BLOW SOUTHERNERS!!! Posted 05/30/2008 11:06 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Spirit of Northwestern is AWESOME! And NSU is a school of only 9,000...the band is over 300 members strong. Go Demons!@ Anonymous: Posted 05/31/2008 08:30 AMReply

Anonymous says,

I was totally amazed and pleased to see the "Spirit o Northwestern" on this list. That is a list that i son't think I would have put together, although i would have also added NSU to it. So I wonder, what was the the criteria for the bands on this list to have/attain to make such list??

DT, it was was so obvious which post is yours... haha :)

FORK EM!
DC Posted 05/31/2008 11:29 AMReply

Anonymous says,

I was especially stoked to see that LSU was NOT on this list. Someone needs to post this on their website or something. :)

Fork Em! Posted 05/31/2008 11:42 AMReply

Anonymous says,

BLOW SOUTHERNERS! Posted 05/31/2008 2:39 PMReply

Anonymous says,

um i know this article is topically about college marching bands, but there are actually a few freelance punk rock (for lack of a better term) marching bands in the noise scene surrounding my local area in Providence, RI. Anyone ever hear of What Cheer Brigade? Posted 06/01/2008 10:04 AMReply

Anonymous says,

There are many great college marching bands in the US. I am biased in saying that the Jacksonville State University "Marching Southerners" is truly one of the best college marching bands in the country. They us Conn 20J's. This is the true sound of the Southerners. You can't match it with a Sousaphone. Southerners is a family. We all met two years ago for the 50th Anniversary of the Marching Southerners. over 1300 current and alumni members met on the field and performed together. It was a memorable experience. If you have seen them then you know what I am talking about. It has been that way since Dr. John Finley started the band and it continued during the Dr. David L. Walters years. It continues now in the Bodiford era. Click on www.marchingsoutherners.org and listen for yourself. You will not be disappointed. Posted 06/01/2008 1:27 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Who decided A&M over Texas and TCU has a Marching band that puts Baylor to shamne! Posted 06/02/2008 06:30 AMReply

Anonymous says,

How could you include the Fightin' Aggie Band and Baylor's Golden Wave and NOT include the Longhorn Band? The Aggie band and the Baylor band are both fine groups but IMHO neither can touch the Longhorn Band.

And BTW, since when is the Redcoat band from UGA a "military" band? I saw them many years ago at the Independence Bowl where they absolutely blew the University of Arkansas band "off the field". But they were most definitely NOT military. Posted 06/02/2008 07:19 AMReply

Anonymous says,

The Longhorn band is large and strong, but I'm sorry to say that I agree with the list. Longhorns probably are 9th or 10th, but they're not in the top 8, sorry. Insanely glad that tech got 1st though, they deserve it. Go Goin' Band! Posted 06/02/2008 10:59 AMReply

Anonymous says,

The aggie band is a joke. In my day some of those guys didn't even have a mouthpiece in their horns. No dynamics. Lousy playing. The biggest "aggie joke" of all. Yeah, they can march ok, but what military band can't. If they're on the list, I have no respect for it. And TTech ain't much better. Bigger isn't always better, and in their case that is especially true. But at least they can play the music ok. Posted 06/02/2008 11:51 AMReply

Anonymous says,

And Baylor looks like Baylor High School to me. Posted 06/02/2008 11:54 AMReply

Anonymous says,

As a Northwestern State(La.) alum I am very proud to see my alma mater on this list...even as subjective as it is. We've been putting on bada$$ halftime shows for the past 20 yrs...much deserved and long over due recognition.

I saw the Northwestern State(La.) vs. Baylor football game a couple years ago and the "Spirit of Northwestern" flat our embarassed the Golden Wave...the GWB spelled out Baylor...spelled out Bears...spelled out Sic'Em and then left the field. Weeks after the game the director of bands at NSU was still recieving emails from Baylor alums say that the "SON" was one of the best bands that had ever visited Baylor...right up there with TTU and UT. Posted 06/02/2008 1:24 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Blow Southerners! Posted 06/02/2008 8:06 PMReply

Anonymous says,

As an NSU Demon band alum, I am glad to see them on this list. Long overdue praise, as the school has put great bands on the field for a long time. I have seen many of the best bands around, so I know that there are a lot of other bands that have arguments to be on this list. Univ of Texas & Ohio State are among them. At the top level rating the bands is really splitting hairs. Deciding between them may just depend on which performance you see. Posted 06/02/2008 8:38 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I loved how the Texas band exactly copied Michigan's 06 rose bowl show in 07. Creativity on the low end. I think their biggest pro is they don't even have to move people around on the field there are so many. Posted 06/02/2008 10:07 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Most in the regional area have known for YEARS that the "Spirit of Northwestern" is one of the finest marching bands in the country....it is great to see such such recognition on a larger scale!

Fork'em Demons! Posted 06/03/2008 07:42 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Most "big football" schools lack when it comes to band. This includes TBDBITL... their tradition is awesome, but otherwise it doesn't compare to some of the lower division schools on and off of this list. The Southerners, for instance, get amazing standing ovations from the OPPOSING crowd before the song is even over. Traditions usually only pull applause from the fans of the same team, and even then, playing it on the loudspeaker/jumbotron would likely get a similar response.

Other similar "tradition"-based bands that are (surprisingly) not on the list bore the crowds during halftime. I've been to those games... people around me saying that "the old director was better" and "I wish they'd play something more upbeat". A band's ability to entertain is evident by the number of people in line for food during halftime. Posted 06/03/2008 9:26 PMReply

Anonymous says,

How about UCF? Posted 06/04/2008 3:51 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Glad Northwestern State is getting Top 5 recognition, they absolutely deserve it. I agree with the top 2, Tech and Baylor are outstanding. Especially Baylor. Oklahoma's band was by far the best in the country back until the turn of the decade but they have since dropped off (had a director change I think). But the Top 5 is just stacked. Tech, Baylor, A&M, J'ville and Northwestern State. You won't find any better than those right there. Well compiled list. Posted 06/05/2008 3:05 PMReply

aquamarine says,

@ Anonymous: Thank you. Posted 06/06/2008 07:05 AMReply

Anonymous says,

As a huge football fan, I have seen 6 maybe 7 of the 8 marching bands live. And again I say, I am a huge football fan, not marching band fan, so from a strictly entertainment factor, there is NO other college marching band that comes anywhere close to entertaining the audience like the Southerners. I needed a soda, but after hearing the beginning of their show, I returned to the stands. I could not believe how GREAT they sounded. Our fans did not sit down until our band, (which will remain nameless...poor guys) went on the field. The Southerners blew us away! AMAZING!! Posted 06/06/2008 1:02 PMReply

Anonymous says,

BLOW SOUTHERNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys are awesome! Posted 06/07/2008 05:58 AMReply

Anonymous says,

As a current member of the SON, I am proud to see MY band in the top 8 (top 5, actually, but who's counting). When I got to NSU the band was regionally known but on a scale like this we would have been another podunk college band from a small town in Louisiana. It is truly amazing to see what KR has done in his short tenure teaching at NSU(Old Man...). I have never been more proud to wear the purple and white. FORK 'EM!!!!!! Posted 06/07/2008 09:00 AMReply

Anonymous says,

BLOW SOUTHERNERS!
BTTW!
oh and
WHUP TROY! Posted 06/07/2008 5:31 PMReply

Anonymous says,

The Marching Southerners are the best marching band I have ever seen. What they do out there is more than just perform for the crowd, the create an experience and a memorable event for all those watching and involved in the music. The Southerners create music that people have said truly changed their lives. I know it changed mine... Posted 06/07/2008 9:45 PMReply

Anonymous says,

My favorite part about this post is the Buckeye bitching. TBDBITL is soo fu,cking lame. The most entertaining thing about them is their name. Which by the way, my 2nd grade brother could have made up if he was allowed to swear. He's really fu,cking creative. Posted 06/08/2008 10:33 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Ummmm well I have also seen Baylor...twice actually. I'm pretty sure that my high school band could kick their assses all over that stadium, they should be in the bottom eight, not the top. Also as a current member of the Spirit Of Northwestern im glad to see us on the list. You know its a great band when the opposing team gives you a standing O
FORK 'EM DEMONS!!!! Posted 06/08/2008 6:05 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I too am a JSU Southerner alum and Proud of It. I attended JSU only because I wanted to be in the band's Rifle Line. What a thrill!! It did change my life incredibly, in a positive direction. The best memories of my life! Posted 06/09/2008 1:59 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Anyone who has sean, been a member of, or know someone who marched Southerners knows what an incredible family it is. I had the privilege of being a member of the Marching Southerners from 1985-91. I missed 86 due to an auto accident. I can honestly say it was the best time of my entire life. The music we shared. The fans we made cheer. The emotional outpour that we evoked with every note. It is something that you know because you are apart of something more than just a college band. Blow Southerners, Whup Troy, Go Gamecocks. Posted 06/10/2008 2:11 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Hampton University Band is incredible. Posted 06/16/2008 12:20 PMReply

Anonymous says,

As A Northwestern State University alumni I am very proud of the GREAT job Mr. Brent, Mr. Green, Mr. Richardson and Ms. Ladell are doing and have been doing for years. I always knew that one day all of the hard work put into the program would pay off. Keep up the good work and I can not wait to see a outstanding half time show this year! Go Demons GO!!!! Posted 06/18/2008 3:25 PMReply

Anonymous says,

UT who?? Posted 06/19/2008 2:56 PMReply

Anonymous says,

@ Anonymous: and who would you put over TTech ? Posted 06/19/2008 5:49 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Haha, I totally agree with this list! I'm now proud to say that I'm the President of the largest & #1 Band on this list! Thanks to the person who created this! Posted 06/20/2008 6:17 PMReply

Anonymous says,

TUCK FEXAS. The Standin' Band from Park and Bark Land is all they are. Any 1A HS can and WILL march more sets then they can. Posted 06/20/2008 6:57 PMReply

Anonymous says,

As a Memember of the awesome James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes, none of these bands have anything on us. We're marching the Macy's thanksgiving parade again and invited to perform in Greece the next summer. We're the real BDBITL Posted 06/20/2008 8:49 PMReply

Anonymous says,

@ Anonymous: Obviously you're not a band director yet...otherwise you would know how the process works. The Macy's parades and Rose parades are nice and fun, and something to "pump your chest" about...as well as the trips over seas. But every band in the nation gets the flyers to attend those things...if you can raise the money you can participate.

Also, you've probably never even seen a single one of the other bands in person so you have no credibility...except that you're a homer(someone who never looks at anything objectively and always votes your team #1). Posted 06/21/2008 08:22 AMReply

Anonymous says,

i am in tech band...glad to see we are number one! Posted 06/22/2008 11:16 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I say any band on this list should be glad that they even made it....all you guys that are arguing are just a bunch of sour sallies... Posted 06/23/2008 11:41 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Proud to be a DEMON...FORK THEM!! Posted 06/23/2008 11:41 AMReply

Anonymous says,

My son is in the Tech band. They are AWESOME! Also have seen the JMU band perform many times and they are really good too -- but you just cannot beat a marching band from Texas, ask any band director! Posted 06/23/2008 1:36 PMReply

Anonymous says,

i say that nsu is the most awesome ever...but then again i will start playing with that band this fall!!!yay i cant wait!!!!! Posted 06/25/2008 1:47 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Baylor might not be fantastic when it comes down to marching fundamentals, but we sure as hell know how to have fun with what we're doing. And our home crowd sure as hell likes it. :-)

Sic 'Em. Posted 06/25/2008 9:18 PMReply

Anonymous says,

As a member of the Goin' Band from Raiderland, a kid growing up in the 5A marching scene in Texas, and someone who has seen A LOT of bands march live; I would like to say this about the Texas collate bands:

� A&M: they are a very good military band. They are good at what they do, but they are not comparable to a corps style band. Its like comparing apples and oranges...they are both fruit/bands but different types.
� UT (Texas): really good sound and music ability...no marching skill. March, stop, play...repeat.
� Baylor: the yellow mob...a fun band with a good music school. They are probably the highest caliber Texas college band because of their small size and good music school.
� Tech: the biggest band in the college nation. They can march corps, college, and military styles; all with decent ease. I'm amazed at how fast we can learn shows...but i'm also amazed at how long it takes us to do anything. Even though we are "#1", we are a band with problems too. (as any band has)

no band is perfect. But it is an honor to be ranked high. As part of the Goin' Band and one of the top bands of the nation...I have some of the best travel (and worst, TCU) experiences ever. It really isn't about who's band is better, it is really about the band family, community support, and the memories.

Go Tech! Posted 06/28/2008 6:48 PMReply

Anonymous says,

@ Anonymous: You obviously haven't even listened to or seen the OSU band, as they have zero electronic instruments. They also have their own <a href="http://tbdbitl.osu.edu/?action=a053">arrangers on staff</a> for their music. So, always check your facts before making statements, lest you be revealed to not know what you're talking about. Posted 06/30/2008 12:15 PMReply

Anonymous says,

@ Anonymous: And I apparently forgot how to use html..... :P

http://tbdbitl.osu.edu/?action=a053 Posted 06/30/2008 12:18 PMReply

Anonymous says,

orange high school has been around since 1903 and has had a marching band since about 1912 Posted 07/09/2008 7:49 PMReply

Anonymous says,

@ Anonymous: This is a list of college marching bands, not high school. Posted 07/09/2008 7:58 PMReply

Anonymous says,

GO JSU MARCHING SOUTHERNERS!
So proud to be an alum! Posted 07/16/2008 02:53 AMReply

Anonymous says,

BLOW SOUTHERNERS!!!! The guard rocks!!! The weapon line has always been and will remain amazing! The guard, hands down, would blow away any other college field guard. Posted 07/17/2008 11:17 PMReply

Anonymous says,

it's all about Nsu! the best soundin band in the land no questions asked. i am proud to be a member!! get like us!!!! Posted 07/18/2008 10:35 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Go Tech! I'm gonna miss Goin' Band this fall. And thanks to whoever put this together.

-Band 2 Fireater Posted 07/21/2008 9:45 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I have to say the list has a definite SWC slant. ANybody ever heard or seen the Ohio University Marching 110 ? Should be toward the top of the list Posted 08/04/2008 10:11 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I think that the "SON" is by far the best band on the list!I don't think that Baylor should even be on the list...well, maybe number eight but not number two!

FORK EM' :] Posted 08/07/2008 11:38 AMReply

Anonymous says,

So like many others have said on here, the "SON Demon Band" is the best. I should know, I'm in it. I have heard alot of college bands, and none come even close, well except for jacksonville. but baylor?? come on ppl wtf. #2? seriously? their band director and alumni will prolly agree that they shouldnt even be this high on the list. They're just sad. Posted 08/24/2008 10:24 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Your list has no credibility without OSUMB-TBDBITL. Posted 08/24/2008 11:28 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I've seen five of the bands on your list. Not sure how you can rank them above the OSUMB. Have you seen TBDBITL? I'll bet not. Posted 08/26/2008 4:09 PMReply

Anonymous says,

There is something missing from this article. What are the criteria for ranking these bands? I just see a random list of bands and where they have been and what the band is made up of. I want to know how well they can march 8 to 5, keep formations together and clear, what percentage of the band can actually play and march, and how effective they are in performing music dynamically on the field as well on in concert. I have seen many of these lists and that is all they are. Lists. So until someone provides hard reasons for why certain bands are better take this article with a grain of salt and cheer for your favorite band. Posted 09/02/2008 7:07 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Have any of you seen The Ohio University Marching 110! One of the best college bands in the nation. They are always entertaining and have a high step marching style that is very impressive. check them out on youtube. you will agree Posted 09/10/2008 11:04 AMReply

Anonymous says,

The Ohio U Marching 110 has to be near the top. Posted 09/11/2008 10:55 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Ohio U would be at the top when thinking of bands that are marching like it is still 1964. Posted 09/19/2008 2:02 PMReply

Anonymous says,

JSU Marching Southerners is made of mostly scholarship people and we have to actually try out to make the line. If you are on scholarship and you don't makre the line, you loose your scholarship. We march drum corp so there's no allot of 8 to 5 on the actual field anymore. But you can beat your bottom dollar we did, can, and will march and play anybody's but off in a competition of college bands. We play concert music on the field. Very difficult concert music. NO FLIP folders. If you are in college and you can't memorize music, you need to drop out of college! Posted 09/21/2008 8:45 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Now that JMU has arguably the largest college marching band in the U.S (pushing close to 500), I'd have to say they hold their own. The sound they put out is absolutely outstanding. For the first time, I actually heard the woodwinds in a marching band. That's serious talent. Posted 09/27/2008 01:44 AMReply

Anonymous says,

I wanted to see what all the hype was about this JSU Marching Band so I went to youtube. I have to say that they were as good as a high school band at best. People need to realize what music and marching really is. If you want some real bands check out the DCI. These guys are trying to be the movie "drumline," which was a horrible movie. Posted 09/28/2008 12:33 AMReply

Anonymous says,

The Purdue 'All American' Marching Band is the Best Damn band in the land. Dotting the "i"?!? Whats so cool about that?
The Purdue Band has so much tradition, and a strong band, even though we don't have a school of music. There is not ONE music major in our band.
We have one the Sudler trophy and have traveled all over the world. Just this summer, Purdue was invited to and performed in Beijing, China for the Pre Olympic festivities. The greatest experience of my life. We have the World's Largest Drum, Bertha (our almost 80 year, 75 pound tuba, and the World's largest symbols.)
We also have a strong history with tradition. One of our Band's alumni was the first man to walk on the moon (he played baritone, I think you all know who I am talking about.)
We were the first band EVER to break formations and form a letter or picture on the marching field. We have been performing at the Indianapolis 500 for close to a century now!
The Purdue 'All American' Marching Band IS, the Best Damn Band in the land. Posted 09/28/2008 3:48 PMReply

Anonymous says,

\@ Anonymous: Funny how you think your Purdue band should be considered so great when you can't even differentiate between "one" and "won." Posted 09/29/2008 12:59 AMReply

Anonymous says,

So now a band's greatness depends on whether its members can use homonyms in the correct sense? That, sir, was a blatant logical fallacy. Posted 10/05/2008 4:57 PMReply

Anonymous says,

@ Anonymous: ohio state's athletic band has preformed at the Indianapolis 500 any time they want. All the do is tell them the year before. No big prestige. Posted 10/07/2008 12:03 PMReply

Anonymous says,

The Texas Tech Goin' Band from Raiderland is correctly placed at the top of the list. I have personally seen and heard most every band mentioned in this post and while some of the groups mentioned can occasionally produce a really notable performance, the Texas Tech Marching Band consistently delivers and has for 75 years. From director D.O. Wiley to Dean Killion, Keith Bearden, and currently Christopher Anderson, the Goin' Band has never faltered. Finally, after years of trying, Texas Tech has the opportunity to field a football team worthly of its world class marching band. Posted 10/11/2008 11:54 PMReply

Anonymous says,

If the poster from 9/28 looked for JSU and saw a band that looked like the movie Drumline, then they had to be watching Jackson State, not Jacksonville State. JSU Marching Southerners are about as far away from that movie as you can get. Their entire show this season is from Russian composers and is incredible. Posted 10/20/2008 6:23 PMReply

Anonymous says,

AS ANYONE REALLY EVEN SEEN THESE BAND LATELY ESPECIALLY THE MMB (MICHIGAN MARCHING BAND) MAYBE WE SHOULD PAY A LITTLE MORE ATTENTION TO THE BAND AND NO THE FOOTBALL TEAM! SPARTAN MARCHING BAND SHOULD DEF. BE UP THERE IN THE TOP EIGHT AS WELL AS THE OHIO STATE MARCHING BAND! THESE TWO BAND HAVE MORE TRADITION THAN ALL EIGHT OF THOSE BANDS COMBINED! Posted 12/06/2008 12:52 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I'd have to agree with the person above me. The OSUMB is the best college marching band in the country, and the Spartan Marching Band from MSU is not far behind. Michigan's band is not what they once were. I watched them growing up and have seen them every year for the last five years. They are deteriorating. Their 8-to-5 is terrible. Just not what they used to be.

Also, I don't get the fascination with all of these dancing bands. Sure it's entertaining to a degree, but most of the time, the musicality and actual marching ability of these types of groups are just terrible. The OU 110 is a perfect example of this. So is the Wisconsin Band, even though they aren't a dancing band necessarily. The groups sound absolutely TERRIBLE. Dancing bands sacrifice tone, musicality, and precision marching to be entertaining. What fans and members of these types of bands don't realize is that a group that can execute precision marching as well as play with exceptional musicality can be SO much more entertaining to watch. SMB's squad-style marching, as well as the OSUMB's traditions of Ramp and Script Ohio showcase this.

Just my two cents.

Oh, and also, to reconfirm, TBDBITL does not use electronic instruments, and they do have an entire staff of arrangers, including Jim Swearingen, Ted McDaniel and Lisa Galvin. TBDBITL does not play stock arrangements. I donâ��t see that ever happening. The band is made up of 225 brass players and marching percussionists. Where will you ever find a stock arrangement for that type of ensemble? Posted 12/16/2008 7:19 PMReply

Anonymous says,

In response to "And BTW, since when is the Redcoat band from UGA a "military" band? I saw them many years ago at the Independence Bowl where they absolutely blew the University of Arkansas band "off the field". But they were most definitely NOT military"... The UGA Redcoat Marching Band did start out as a military band in 1905, but over time the band stopped being such. For more info... http://bands.music.uga.edu/redcoats/. Posted 12/17/2008 11:53 PMReply

Anonymous says,

All you people are stupid..How could you notinclude the Marching 100 in any of this.They are the best band in the land.They were awarded the Sudler Award and they are the most wanted band in the land. Look for them to be at the Inaguration speech as well.This site sucks ass. We speaking of any type or kind of band, please include the 100.Thank you. Posted 12/18/2008 03:18 AMReply

Anonymous says,

The marching 100 is just another band that sacrifices music and marching technique to dance. And let's be honest, the Sudler trophy doesn't mean anything, and I'm in a band that's won it. I wish it did, but the fact that it can't be reawarded negates it's prestige. Three other excellent bands won the Sudler before FAMU. FAMU, Grambling, Howard, Hampton, Delaware State, University of Delaware and Ohio State have all been selected to march in the inaugural parade this year. Posted 12/21/2008 8:26 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Don't search "JSU" on YouTube or you will end up with Jackson State, a traditionally black University.

Search "Marching Southerners" or "Jacksonville State"

Then leave feedback. Posted 01/07/2009 10:26 PMReply

Anonymous says,

South Carolina State Marching 101 is the best in the south-east......no one else Posted 01/12/2009 7:08 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Since a lot of you seem to be from Texas, I thought I might ask you all what you think of the TCU band. I'm a senior in high school and am sort of planning on going there. As a marching band aficionado (trombone) I'm just a little curious. Posted 01/19/2009 12:07 AMReply

Anonymous says,

South Carolina State Marching 101?

ROFL!

I guess they are decent if you like the traditionally black style of bands.

Comparing them to bands like The Marching Southerners is akin to comparing the Soul Train dancers to the Bol'shoy Ballet. Posted 01/19/2009 8:42 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Personally, I like bands that can display some actual marching skill - as in drum corps style. Any big band can sound good with hundreds of college-age players, it is another thing to actually march fast tempos, dress rapidly changing forms, and perform visually high velocity shows. Not many college bands perform at this level. Posted 01/22/2009 11:57 PMReply

Anonymous says,

@ Anonymous: @ Anonymous:

People have their own style preferences, but being objective, I agree that there is no comparison between Jacksonville and OSU. It's just reality that OSU has a huge reputation, 55,000 students to draw from, and one of the smaller bands out there, so they are VERY competitive bunch. Anyone who can walk and carry an instrument gets to play at JSU. Not at OSU. They are FAR ahead of these silly Southerners in terms of marching and music. Posted 01/27/2009 10:57 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I do not believe you really understand what being a member of ther Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners is if you say that anyone who can walk or carry an instrument can be in the Marching Southerners. That is just a statement of Ignorance. I made my decision to attend JSU only after I saw the Marching Southerners. It was that one time that made me who I am today. I have performed in front of hundreds of thousands of people in my lifetime and have seen the OSU band up close and personal around three years ago,. Yes they are a good marching band but to compare them to JSU is apples and oranges. Do not make ignorant comments unless you can back it up, If you are saying this only because you are a member or alumni then you need to find a clue. I know that there are many good marching bands in the US. They do what they do for a reason but to just say things that you have no proof of. So of the best musicians in the Southeast have gone to JSU. There bands are rated superior at many marching and concert band festivals in the South. JSU give you a quality msuci education and provides you with the opportunity to perfome in the one of the best college marching bands in the US. Bar None. See them live and I dare you to not see that they are as good or better than somebands that you say are the greatest. Posted 02/14/2009 10:25 PMReply

Anonymous says,

http://www.marchingsoutherners.org/media/

I think this link speaks for itself.

The music is listed in chronological order, head towards the bottom to hear most recent years. Keep in mind, these are live performances that are recorded with the Southerners marching full out shows.
BLOW SOUTHERNERS! Posted 02/25/2009 3:41 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I've seen virtually all of the top bands, live and in person. JSU is NOT even a good band. Some people may LIKE JSU's dancing style. That's fine. But they aren't GOOD. In fact, MANY high school bands PLAY better than JSU! In any major conference, they would be at rock bottom! There is NO comparison between any of the truly great bands and JSU. Weak music school, small student body from which to draw, lack of competition for marching spots (truly, they accept anyone who can walk and carry an instrument), etc. Their intonation is off the charts bad. Just close your eyes and LISTEN! Horrendous! Posted 02/26/2009 12:46 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Again just for clarification. If you go to youtube and type in "jsu" you will most likely pull up JACKSON state university's marching band, NOT JACKSONVILLE state university's marching band the MARCHING SOUTHERNERS. There is a huge difference between the two bands. The Southerners are a fantastic band that most definitely deserves to be on this list. Posted 02/26/2009 01:26 AMReply

Anonymous says,

the southerners don't dance..... Posted 03/05/2009 02:04 AMReply

Anonymous says,

@ Anonymous: You must have seen Jackson State not Jacksonville State University. Big Difference there! Posted 03/20/2009 6:59 PMReply

Anonymous says,

This list will tell the truth

www.collegesports-fans.com/articles/marching-bands-2007.html Posted 03/21/2009 09:26 AMReply

Anonymous says,

I would rate JSU the second best band in the state of Alabama, behind Auburn, though it is like comparing apples to oranges. Auburn is more a traditional band. Pregame is a BIG deal, and something that JSU does not focus on at all. But both Auburn and JSU make us realize that a million dollars doesn't go as far as it used to. Bama has fallen a long, long way since the days of Colonel Butler, Catherine Scott whatever her name is now, and Gerald Welker.

What Cory Spurlin is doing at AU is incredible, and Rick Good is doing a fabulous job in his new job. Posted 03/23/2009 03:03 AMReply

Anonymous says,

.... auburn? have ya'll heard/seen yourselves? Posted 03/24/2009 03:21 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Auburn won the 2004 Sudler Trophy for a reason. They are a VERY good band, with very solid musical and marching fundamentals and a long and storied tradition spanning much more than a century.

Auburn has one of the best pregames in the country, hands down.

Auburn is one of the top tier SEC bands (LSU, Georgia, and Alabama would be the other top tier groups) and I think Auburn can hold their own with any of the other groups and with any of those listed here.

Don't believe me? Just go to youtube. Posted 04/18/2009 12:54 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Uhhh, can someone tell me exactly WHY the hell isn't Florida A&M's Marching 100 on this list. However, to all the Jax State Marching Southerners members, alum, and fans, I'm not gonna knock you guys. You are so awesome, if it were not for y'all, Paul Snow Memorial Stadium wouldn't be so paceked on gameday. Same thing goes to the J.M.U. Marching Royal Dukes. Anyways, I don't wanna be "that guy", but two or three of these bands can NEVER hold a candle to F.A.M.U.! And please do not give me that crap about the 100 being the best only in the Black College category. You may call it "shukin' and jivin' up and down the field", I call it "decades of tradition, showmanship, and school spirit". Seriously, stack the 100 up against one of those overrated bands like Texas A&M's Fightin' Texas Aggie Band and see which band can really put fans on their feet. Posted 04/25/2009 3:08 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I agree, but they actually don't march tubas; they march 20Js. Posted 05/28/2009 10:48 PMReply

Anonymous says,

A 20j is a concert TUBA... You mean they don't march sousaphones..... Posted 05/30/2009 3:19 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I must agree, Auburn has a wonderful band. I don't see why Texas Tech was number 1. There are plenty of bands that are better than them. Posted 07/03/2009 3:13 PMReply

Anonymous says,

To the poster who made the comment about Auburn winning the Sudler Trophy.

It has become my opinion that as soon as Arkansas won the Sudler Trophy a few years ago that the whole selection process has just become a "good ole boy" type award. It has come to the point to where it is just being passed to all of the big schools first, then it will eventually trickle down to the smaller FBS conferences like CUSA, WAC, etc.

Having seen a few of these bands I can say without a doubt that of the bands on the list who have never won the trophy that Jacksonville State and Northwestern State should have won the thing years ago, but because they are not big schools probably will never receive the credit they deserve. Kudos to JMU, UMass and FAMU for winning the thing based on their band and not the size of their school and clout of their conference. Posted 07/19/2009 4:01 PMReply

Anonymous says,

I just watched the Marching Southerners on youtube (and yes, I typed Marching Southerners in the search bar, not JSU). I graduated from a 3A high school in Texas, and I'm pretty sure we could hold our own against the Marching Southerners. Sure the band was good, but after reading all of these comments about the band, I was expecting to be blown away. I listened to 6 different shows, and none of them impressed me that much. If you want to see real marching band, come to Texas. Everybody knows that Texas, in both high school and college, has the best overall music program in the country. I have an uncle who is a band director in California and he has told me time and time again that it doesn't get better then marching band in Texas. I'm not trying to insult the Marching Southerners, I'm just saying that all of these Jacksonville alumni and current band memebers need to take a step back and really listen to the music with unbiased ears.

Overall, this list seems pretty good to me. Goin' Band is a fantastic band, and I've had the pleasure to see them live a few times. For a band that big, they are suprisingly clean. Unfortunately, the drill isn't always the best. I think the Fightin' Aggie Band is incredibly overrated. Sure, their drill is clean, but the music they play is not difficult at all. Their volume isn't that great, and they have almost no dynamics. If it weren't for their drill, this band would be a joke.

These are the only two bands on this list that I've gotten to see live, but I went and watched a bunch of youtube clips for all the bands on this list that I havent seen, and I liked what I saw. We all know that the band is the main attraction, and there just happens to be football before and after the show :) Posted 08/05/2009 5:17 PMReply

Anonymous says,

What about TCU's Band? I heard they got some recognition nationally. Posted 08/20/2009 11:31 PMReply

Anonymous says,

University of Tennessee's band is amazing! They blew Auburn's band off the field this year. LSU's band is the best in the SEC West. Tennessee in the SEC East. Posted 10/20/2009 01:39 AMReply