Auburn University Marching Band

Last updated
Auburn University Marching Band
Auburn Tigers logo.svg
School Auburn University
Location Auburn, Alabama
Conference SEC
Founded1897
DirectorDr. Corey Spurlin
Assistant DirectorDr. Nikki Gross
Members380 (instruments and auxiliary)
Rehearsal spaceGoodwin Music Building
Practice fieldJ.W. and Nell Birchfield Practice Field
Fight song"War Eagle", "Glory to 'Ole Auburn"

The Auburn University Marching Band (AUMB) is the marching band of Auburn University and the 2004 recipient of the Sudler Intercollegiate Marching Band Trophy. [1] With 380 members, the band traces its origins to 1897 when M. Thomas Fullan proposed to then-president Dr. William Broun that the drum corps accompanying cadet drills be replaced with a full instrumental band.

Contents

On January 7, 2024, the Auburn University Marching Band achieved a significant milestone by winning the first-ever Metallica Marching Band Competition. They secured victories in both the Collegiate Division 1 category and the Fan Favorite category. The competition, which was organized by the heavy metal band Metallica, challenged marching bands at both high school and collegiate levels to create performances incorporating Metallica's music. The Auburn University Marching Band distinguished themselves among the competitors, which included bands from various universities such as Fresno State University, Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Texas at Austin, and Western Illinois University.

The Auburn Marching Band's victory brought them $85,000 in musical equipment, courtesy of Metallica and its sponsors. This competition was a significant event in the marching band community, with over 450 schools participating and showcasing their unique and impressive performances​​​​. [2] [3]

The Auburn University Marching Band performs pre-game and halftime shows at all Auburn Tigers football home games and travels to most away games. The full band travels to the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry game against Georgia when it is held in Athens, and the Iron Bowl against Alabama when it is held in Tuscaloosa. (A smaller pep band composed of AUMB members supports the Auburn Tigers at all away games the full band does not attend.) The band has marched in three presidential inaugural parades; those of Presidents Harry S. Truman (1949), George H. W. Bush (1989), and George W. Bush (2005). It is the only band in the SEC that does not have a nickname. Former Auburn University President Dr. Harry Philpott said the following about the band:

"Some other institutions need to give descriptive names to their bands in order to praise them. The quality of the music, the precision of its drills, and the fine image that it portrays have made it unnecessary for us to say more than, 'This is the Auburn University Band.'" [4]

History

The original Auburn Band in 1897 1897 Auburn band.jpg
The original Auburn Band in 1897

Leadership

Staff

Directly overseeing the AUMB is the marching band director, who is also the associate director of bands. He leads all full-band rehearsals and performances. While many of the duties are delegated to his GTAs or student leaders, it is his responsibility to ensure the success of the band as a whole. Dr. Corey Spurlin was hired in 2007 as the marching band director upon the promotion of Dr. Rick Good. Spurlin received his undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Alabama and his doctorate from Louisiana State University in Conducting. [8] [9]

The marching band director also has an assistant, who assumes the duties of the director in his absence. Dr. Nikki Gross was hired in 2015 as the assistant director of athletic bands. [10]

Overseeing all the Auburn Bands is the director of bands. In 2007, Dr. Rick Good was promoted to the director of bands position. Good spent 13 years as the marching band director and associate professor of low brass. He took the position upon the retirement of the previous director of bands, Dr. Johnnie Vinson. [11] [12]

In March 2022, the AUMB welcomed Ashley Evans as the auxiliaries coordinator. In this role, she oversees the Danceline, Flagline, and Majorettes, collectively known as the Tiger Eyes. Ashley Evans is not only an alumnus of the band but also served as a standout performer during her tenure. She was a majorette at Auburn from 2012 to 2016 and led as the captain of the Majorettes in her junior and senior years. Her experience and leadership in these positions have equipped her with a deep understanding of the program, making her an ideal choice for guiding the Tiger Eyes. [13]

Organization

Winds and percussion

Currently, the instrumentation of the AUMB is as follows:

Tiger Eyes

The Tiger Eyes are the visual ensemble of the Auburn University Marching Band. The Tiger Eyes nickname given in 2005. The Tiger Eyes are composed of three lines - flags, majorettes, and dancers - that perform complementary choreography. Tiger Eyes are selected by individual auditions, [14] The band added a flag corps in the fall of 1985.

R.A.T. program

The Auburn University Marching Band has a freshman orientation program, more commonly referred to as the R.A.T. Program. [15] Nowadays, R.A.T. is used as an acronym for "Rookie Auburn Tiger" and is a term of endearment. This is only used by the marching band and Auburn football team.

In 1987 a new tradition began, the annual Auburn Alumni Band [16] reunion. Every year since then a band of alumni has joined the AUMB on the field at halftime during one home football game. This game is often the homecoming game, but not always. This annual event normally attracts over 300 alumni band members from many previous years, resulting in over 600 members of the combined bands on the field for halftime. This show has been a favorite among band members since its inception, and continues to be a fond highlight of each football season. The alumni band has also taken up the challenge to support the fund raising efforts for the new band facility currently under development.

2010–2011 board of directors:

Directors:

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auburn High School (Alabama)</span> Public school in Auburn, Alabama, United States

Auburn High School is a public high school in Auburn, Alabama. It is the only high school in the Auburn City School District. Auburn High offers technical, academic, and International Baccalaureate programs, as well as joint enrollment with Southern Union State Community College and Auburn University. Auburn High School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Marching Southerners</span> Marching band of Jacksonville State University in Alabama

The Marching Southerners is the marching band of Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Composed of students from all over the country, the Southerners and Marching Ballerinas perform for thousands each season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Band</span> Marching band of Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania State University Marching Blue Band, known generally as the Blue Band, is the marching band of Pennsylvania State University. Founded in 1899, it is the largest recognized student organization at the University Park campus of Penn State, with over 300 active student members. The primary function of the Blue Band is to support the school's football team, performing for all home football games at Beaver Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Texas Longhorn Band</span> College marching band in Austin, Texas

The University of Texas Longhorn Band (LHB), also known as the Showband of the Southwest, is the marching band of The University of Texas at Austin. The Longhorn Band was founded in 1900 by distinguished professor of chemistry, Dr. Eugene P. Schoch. The band is currently under the direction of Dr. Cliff Croomes. The band performs at all in-state football games, for various Texas Longhorn Athletics teams, and at special pep rallies and parades throughout the year. The band includes about 375 students, all of whom must register for a year-round course offered by the Butler School of Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michigan Marching Band</span> Student band at the University of Michigan

The Michigan Marching Band is the official marching band of the University of Michigan. The band performs at all Michigan Wolverines football home games, select away games, and numerous concerts, pep rallies, and parades. A student musical ensemble, the MMB evolved from the original Michigan Band of twenty-two players in 1896 to today's band of over 400 members.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sun Devil Marching Band</span> Marching band of Arizona State University

The Sun Devil Marching Band (SDMB), also known as The Pride of the Southwest, is the athletic band of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devil Marching Band motto is “Expect Great Things.” The acronym EGT is inscribed on a sign that hangs from the director's podium towering over the band's practice field, and is a symbol of the high standards that band members strive to meet. The ASU Band program, which includes the Marching, Pep, and Dixieland bands, is a part of the Sun Devil Athletics department. The band is currently under the direction of Director of Athletic Bands James G. "The Hammer" Hudson, who took over the program in 2006. The Sun Devil Marching Band is a major ambassador for Arizona State University and the state of Arizona. Each year almost 500,000 people are entertained by the band, which plays at home football at Sun Devil Stadium and as a pep band for basketball games at Wells Fargo Arena, homecoming, bowl game parades, other community events in the Valley, across the country, and even abroad.

The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, known as "The Pride", is the student marching band for the University of Oklahoma Sooners.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Pride of the Sunshine</span> Marching band at University of Florida

The University of Florida Fightin' Gator Marching Band, also known as The Pride of the Sunshine, is the official marching band for the University of Florida. The current era of the band is also referred to as The Sound of the Gator Nation. They perform at every Florida Gators home football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and also at various other events such as pep rallies, parades, and the annual Orange and Blue spring scrimmage game. A full band usually travels to two away games a year while at other games a small/medium-sized pep band will attend. Members of the Gator Band, as well as other University of Florida students, are encouraged to join other ensembles such as concert band, jazz band, basketball band, and volleyball band. The twirlers for the Gator Band are referred to as the Gatorettes and the color guard is called the Florida Visual Ensemble.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marching Pride of North Alabama</span> Marching band of the University of North Alabama

The Marching Pride of North Alabama, is the official marching band of the University of North Alabama. The band, which is the largest organization on campus, performs at all North Alabama Lions football home games, as well as local parades and high school competition exhibitions across the state.

The University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band, or Pitt Band, is the college marching band at the University of Pittsburgh. The band numbers over 300 students consisting of instrumentalists, a majorette squad known as the Golden Girls, a color guard, and the drumline. The band was founded in 1911 and has won numerous awards over the years. All members of the band must pass an audition in order to join. The band is currently housed in Trees Hall; however, in 2020, the Pitt Athletic Department announced its "Victory Heights" initiative, part of the campus master plan which includes a new marching band facility slated to open in spring 2027.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oregon State University Marching Band</span> College marching band in Corvallis, Oregon

Oregon State University Marching Band, ("OSUMB"), is the marching band of Oregon State University, known as the "Spirit and Sound of OSU." The band was established in 1891. It is one of the oldest bands in the Pac-12 and the primary athletic band at Oregon State. In addition to the Oregon State University Marching Band, other athletic bands include Basketball Band, Rhythm & Beavs, Rhythm & Beavs: Travel Band, the Away Game Pep Band, Alumni Band, Gymnastics Band, and Bar Band. All band members are required to participate in marching band before they may be eligible to participate in any of the other athletic bands Oregon State offers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marching Mizzou</span> Marching band for the University of Missouri

Marching Mizzou, M2, or The Big 'M' of the Midwest is the performing marching band for the University of Missouri, founded in 1885 as a college military band. Originally consisting of only 12 members, it is now the largest student organization on the MU campus, drawing students from nearly every major. Marching Mizzou performs at all home football games of the Missouri Tigers football team, in addition to other university events; and expanded Mini Mizzou travels to two away games per season, while the entire band regularly follows the team to conference championship games and bowl games. Marching Mizzou's signature drill "Flip Tigers" has been a well-known tradition of its pre-game show since 1960. It is instructed by University of Missouri School of Music faculty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Million Dollar Band (marching band)</span> Marching band of the University of Alabama

The Million Dollar Band is the official marching band of the University of Alabama. Founded in 1912, the Million Dollar Band is the largest student organization at the University of Alabama. The band performs during pregame and halftime of every home and neutral-site Alabama football game; it also supplies at least a pep band to every away football game, as well as home men's basketball, women's basketball, women's gymnastics, and volleyball games. In 2003, the band was awarded the Sudler Trophy, recognizing it as one of the top college bands in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Marching Band</span> Marching band of the Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Marching Band is the official marching band of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Founded in 1908 by a group of 14 students, the Georgia Tech Band is one of the school's oldest student organizations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carolina Band</span> Marching band of the University of South Carolina

The Carolina Band, or the Mighty Sound of the Southeast, is the official marching band of the University of South Carolina. This 400-member marching band performs at all South Carolina Gamecocks football home games played at Williams-Brice Stadium, as well as neutral site games, bowl games, all games against Clemson, where both the Carolina Band and Clemson's Tiger Band both perform at half time regardless of which school is hosting on a given year.

Auburn University has several notable traditions, many related to its varsity teams, the Auburn Tigers.

The Mountaineer Marching Band, known as The Pride of West Virginia, is the marching band of West Virginia University located in Morgantown, West Virginia. The band was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy by the John Philip Sousa Foundation in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Carolina University Pride of the Mountains Marching Band</span> College marching band in Cullowhee, North Carolina

The Pride of the Mountains is the marching band of Western Carolina University. The band performs pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows at all Catamount Football home games and provides exhibition performances throughout the Carolinas. Unlike most college marching bands, the Pride of the Mountains designs, creates, and performs one perfected halftime show other than doing different performances every week.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band</span> College marching band in Louisville, Kentucky

The University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band is the official marching band of the University of Louisville (UofL) in Louisville, Kentucky. It is considered a Music Ambassador for UofL. The CMB performs at all home football games at Cardinal Stadium, all postseason bowl games, and select away football games. It also plays at the annual Spring Scrimmage Game which pits the Cardinal Offense against the Cardinal Defense.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue and Gold Marching Machine</span> Marching band of North Carolina A&T State University

The Blue and Gold Marching Machine is the official marching band of North Carolina A&T State University. The Blue and Gold Marching Machine performs pre-game and halftime shows at all North Carolina A&T Aggies football home games and travels to most away games.

References

  1. "Marching band: Encyclopedia II - Marching band - The Sudler Trophy". Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-07-27.
  2. Baker | 01.08.24, Trent. "Auburn University wins Metallica marching band competition | Alabama…". 1819 News. Retrieved 2024-01-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. Blabbermouth (2024-01-08). "METALLICA Announces Winners Of 'For Whom The Band Tolls!' Marching Band Competition". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  4. "The Auburn University Bands Online » History". Auburn University Bands. Archived from the original on 5 March 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  5. "Auburn marching band history".
  6. "Spurlin to join Auburn University bands". The Auburn Plainsman. Retrieved 2007-07-27.[ permanent dead link ]
  7. "New, former marching band directors prep for biggest year ever". Opelika-Auburn News. Retrieved 2007-07-27.
  8. "The Auburn University Bands Online » Dr. Corey Spurlin". Auburn University Bands. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  9. "LSU Band Dept. Staff". LSU Department of Bands. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
  10. "Dr. Nikki Gross". www.auburn.edu. Retrieved 2018-01-06.
  11. "The Auburn University Bands Online » Dr. Rick Good". Auburn University Bands. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  12. "Macy's Great American Marching Band". Macy's Great American Marching Band. Archived from the original on 29 August 2007. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
  13. "Instructors - Tiger Eyes Visual Ensemble - Marching Band - Ensembles - Auburn University Bands". band.auburn.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  14. "The Auburn University Bands Online » the AUMB Tiger Eyes". Archived from the original on 2008-03-25. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  15. "Auburn "rats" on a Sunday afternoon". Auburn University Libraries. 1917. Retrieved 2007-07-22.
  16. Auburn Alumni Band