1. Texas A&M, Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band
Texas A&M’s Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band is unlike any other collegiate musical group. First off, it’s massive. According to the university, A&M’s band has more than 300 members. In fact, the school has dubbed it “the largest military marching band in the nation.” This is what separates the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, which got its start in 1894, from others around the country. It performs intricate military formations that seem to defy physics.
2. USC, Trojan Marching Band
The Trojan Marching Band (also known as the Spirit of Troy), which topped last year’s Fan Index top 10 list, is Hollywood’s college band. It’s performed in movies, with rock stars, and even alongside USC alum Will Ferrell.
Ohio State’s band is known for its signature script Ohio and dotting the “i,” but its spectacularly complex performances are anything but traditional. The Best Damn Band in the Land’s Michael Jackson halftime tribute show from 2013 has been viewed more than 11.6 million times.
The late, great former director W.J. Julian, who took the job in 1961, is the man who helped turn the Pride of the Southland into one of the best college bands in America. He developed the band’s famous circle drill and also introduced “Rocky Top,” which has become a beloved anthem.
5. Ohio University, Marching 110
OSU isn’t the only school in Ohio with a great band. OU’s Marching 110 is as decorated as Ohio State’s. In addition to putting on shows at Bobcats games, it’s played at dozens of big events across the country. This video of the Marching 110 playing “Gangnam Style” has been viewed more than 8.7 million times.
Penn State’s Blue Band formed in 1899, but initially wore brown until the early 1920s when blue uniforms were issued to high-ranking members. According to PSU, “This select group became known as the ‘Blue Band’ and represented Penn State as its official traveling band.”
What the Stanford band lacks in pageantry and, well, decorum, it makes up in sheer zaniness. There’s a long list of stunts it’s pulled. In 1987, Rolling Stone even published a story about the Stanford band.
Formed in 1896, the Michigan marching band has been putting on spectacular shows for more than a century. Check out this 2014 halftime show in which the band used colorful LED lights to create eye-popping effects.
How did the Million Dollar Band earn its moniker? Alabama alumnus W.C. “Champ” Pickens came up the name in the early 1920s. According to the school, after a loss to Georgia Tech, “an Atlanta sportswriter commented to Pickens, ‘You don’t have much of a team, what do you have at Alabama?’ Pickens replied, ‘A Million Dollar Band.'”
The Longhorn Band has performed at Super Bowls, played with Willie Nelson, marched in President George W. Bush’s Inaugural Parade, and put on a show for President Bill Clinton. Texas’ band also makes life harder on the Longhorns’ opponents by clanging cowbells during games.
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