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Eight Great College Marching Bands
By aquamarine (Chief Contributor) Tags: Eight Great Rose Bowl, Super Bowl, Sudler Trophy, military, marching band
Created: 05/23/2008
09:02 AM
09:02 AM
Standing in the shadow of every great college sports team is the school marching band. Here's a list of the eight best drum-banging, trumpet-playing bands in the country!
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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.
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 AM
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.
comon now, you almost are losing all credibility without including them.
Posted 05/24/2008 09:52 AM
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 AM
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 AM
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 AM
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...
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 AM
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!
Hats off to Mr. Bodiford, Mr. Gillespie, and Mr. Stovall!
Posted 05/27/2008 10:38 AM
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 AM
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 AM
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 PM
Anonymous says,
Yeah..
I'm not sure HOW you missed out on Ohio State.
TBDBITL
I'm not sure HOW you missed out on Ohio State.
TBDBITL
Posted 05/27/2008 1:43 PM
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.
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 PM
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 PM
Anonymous says,
Plus, that JSU Drumline is the SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!
Posted 05/27/2008 11:19 PM
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 PM
Anonymous says,
@ Anonymous:
As a JSU retired "Southerner"
.....all I need to stay is...... "Blow Southerners!! and Whup Troy!!"
they will understand
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 AM
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 PM
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 PM
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 AM
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
DT, it was was so obvious which post is yours... haha :)
FORK EM!
DC
Posted 05/31/2008 11:29 AM
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!
Fork Em!
Posted 05/31/2008 11:42 AM
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 AM
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 PM
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 AM
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.
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 AM
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 AM
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 AM
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.
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 PM
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 PM
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 PM
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!
Fork'em Demons!
Posted 06/03/2008 07:42 AM
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.
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 PM
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 PM
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 PM
Anonymous says,
BLOW SOUTHERNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys are awesome!
Posted 06/07/2008 05:58 AM
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 AM
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 PM
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 AM
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!!!!
FORK 'EM DEMONS!!!!
Posted 06/08/2008 6:05 PM
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 PM
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 PM
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 PM
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 PM
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 PM
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 PM
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).
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 AM
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 AM
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 PM
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 PM
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.
Sic 'Em.
Posted 06/25/2008 9:18 PM
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!
• 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 PM
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 PM
Anonymous says,
Posted 06/30/2008 12:18 PM
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 PM
Anonymous says,
@ Anonymous: This is a list of college marching bands, not high school.
Posted 07/09/2008 7:58 PM
Anonymous says,
GO JSU MARCHING SOUTHERNERS!
So proud to be an alum!
So proud to be an alum!
Posted 07/16/2008 02:53 AM
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 PM
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 PM
Anonymous says,
Go Tech! I'm gonna miss Goin' Band this fall. And thanks to whoever put this together.
-Band 2 Fireater
-Band 2 Fireater
Posted 07/21/2008 9:45 PM
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 PM
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' :]
FORK EM' :]
Posted 08/07/2008 11:38 AM
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 PM
Anonymous says,
Your list has no credibility without OSUMB-TBDBITL.
Posted 08/24/2008 11:28 PM
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 PM
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 PM
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