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.