The Best Damn Band In The Land

The Ohio State University Marching Band is, today, much more diverse than during its humble beginnings as a 12 piece, all male ROTC band. The group has undergone many changes over the decades. Women were first admitted to the band in 1973, and have held every position from drum major to i-dotter. Our members come from all walks of life, and major in everything from Anthropology to Zoology.

Even though music majors make up a only a small percentage of the band's numbers, our musical standards are very high. Everyone goes through a rigorous tryout procedure including marching, playing, both together - new candidates and returning veterans alike. Men and women are held to the same demanding physical standards, whether playing trumpet or tuba. These high standards are kept up throughout the season with weekly music checks, uniform inspections, and challenges.

Since 1976, the band's membership has held steady at 225 marching members. The band's instrumentation is unique among college bands, patterned after the traditional British military brass band. The 192-piece block band consists of the following instrumentation:

In addition, each of the 16 rows has two alternates with the exception of one additional alternate in one of the percussion rows (one alternate each on quints/tenors, cymbals, and bass drum) to bring the total to 33 alternates.

Alternates have two very important roles in the band. With no front groups or auxiliary units in the band, the alternates and 14 student staff are often called upon to handle props or other extra equipment to add extra pizzazz to the shows. Also, alternates keep the regular marching members on their toes by challenging for regular positions each week. The week before each marching performance, challenges - 20 minute repeats of tryouts - are held. Each alternate can, and indeed is expected to challenge a regular marching member for that position in the next performance. This ensures that all 225 members are striving for the highest level of excellence in their marching and playing so that they may be among the 192 to take the field in front of 105,000 cheering fans in Ohio Stadium the next week.

Although the OSUMB has been honored around the country for its excellence, including being awarded the Sudler Trophy, our highest honor comes from our devoted fans. Buckeye faithful come from near and far to see and hear "The Pride of the Buckeyes." Each fall, thousands thrill to our strains in the Horseshoe, in St. John Arena, and in stadiums and concert halls around the state and country. The band's performances have been cheered at many bowl games, including the Citrus Bowl, Holiday Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl and the Rose Bowl. The OSUMB also performs frequently for NFL contests in Cleveland and Cincinnati. Additionally, each summer the band joins in concert the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at their summer Picnic With The Pops finale.

Take a look at our schedule to find out where you can next catch TBDBITL in performance.

The class number for the OSU Marching Band, Autumn Quarter 2009 is 16495 and it is course Music 205.01. Please see the University Registrar's Website to register.