Ohio University Marching 110

Last updated
The Ohio University Marching 110
The "Diamond Ohio" logo. The Ohio University Marching 110's "Diamond Ohio" logo.jpg
The "Diamond Ohio" logo.
NicknameThe 110, The Marching 110, The Most Exciting Band In The Land
School Ohio University
Location Athens, Ohio
Conference Mid-American Conference
Founded1923
DirectorRichard Suk
Associate DirectorsBlayne Weddington, Nate Wise
Assistant DirectorJustin McCrary
Members240
Fight song"Stand Up and Cheer!"
MottoBetter Than The Best Ever
Website https://www.ohio.edu/marching-110

Ohio University Marching 110 is the official marching band of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, founded in 1923. The nickname Marching 110 is a reference to the band's original number of members. The 2017 band consists of 240 members. It represents the university at various athletic functions and other events, including over 40 NFL halftime shows.

Contents

History

Early 1960 picture of the Ohio University Marching Band, during halftime in Peden Stadium. OU Marching Band.jpg
Early 1960 picture of the Ohio University Marching Band, during halftime in Peden Stadium.

In 1923, a student by the name of Homer Baird started the first marching band at Ohio University. In 1966, Gene Thrailkill joined the OU faculty as the director of bands at Ohio University. Thrailkill brought with him a new high-energy marching style and new uniform, both of which remain the staple of the Marching 110 today. Along with the style switch, Thrailkill also removed all women and majorettes from the band, keeping one Drum Major. In 1967, the band became known as the "100 Marching Men of Ohio," and the following year the 110 members of the band were coined the "110 Marching Men of Ohio," cementing their name as the Marching 110 seen today. In 1975, women were re-admitted to the Marching Band by Ronald Socciarelli, and remain so today. The Marching 110 also became the first collegiate marching band to perform in Carnegie Hall in 1976, marking one of their first prominent performances. In September 2007, the 110 was nominated as the best college marching band in the nation by CollegeSports-Fans.com and ranked as one of the "100 Things We Can't Wait To See This College Football Season" by Cinema News in August 2010. The Marching 110 also participated in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.

Directors

Gene Thrailkill

After arriving at Ohio University in 1966, Gene Thrailkill made changes to the Ohio University Marching Band. While there were some controversial changes having to do with membership, he ultimately hoped to increase the band's size from approximately 85 members. The following fall, 112 marchers were chosen to march in the new band. Other changes included new traditional uniforms and a new style for the band. With popular music of the day, hard-driving marching and a great "esprit-de-corps," the 110 Marching Men of Ohio began "The Most Exciting Band in the Land." Thrailkill was also the originator of the 110's "Diamond Ohio" formation at Ohio University. After The Ohio State University Marching Band used "Diamond Ohio", Thrailkill pushed for the "Diamond Ohio" formation to give the band its own trademark. Thrailkill was director of bands until 1971. Prior to his arrival to Ohio University in 1966, Thrailkill served as director of instrumental music for the New Lebanon Public Schools (Ohio). He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Music degree from Ohio University. In 2000 Coach Thrailkill retired as Regents Professor and Professor of Music at the University of Oklahoma, where he took over in 1971. He also served as director of University Bands and headed the extensive OU band program. The Marching 110 was honored to have Mr. Thrailkill speak and guest conduct the 110 at Homecoming 2001. Mr. Thrailkill attended the Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning practices of the Marching 110, as well as the new OUMB Society of Alumni & Friends Display Case dedication ceremony in Memorial Auditorium. Coach died in 2021. The 110 dedicated a show to him that season wearing running ribbons featuring a green and red stripe to mark his time serving both at Ohio University and the University of Oklahoma. The 110 also dedicated their 2022 homecoming show to him as well.

Thomas Lee

Dr. Lee came to Ohio University in 1971 to conduct the Marching 110. Lee was also the founder and conductor of the Ohio University Wind Ensemble and received a research grant to develop an innovative approach to teach conducting. In 1985, Lee became the director of the UCLA Wind Ensemble, which he has raised to a level of national prominence. [1]

Ronald P. Socciarelli

Professor Socciarelli was the director Marching 110 from 1972 to 1989. Under his direction, the Marching 110 as well as the wind ensemble toured extensively throughout the east and Midwest. The wind ensemble was selected to perform several times at the Ohio Music Educators Association conferences and at the national meeting of the College Band Director's National Association Convention and at the National Music Teacher's Association Conference in Washington, DC. Professor Socciarelli earned degrees from Ithaca College and the University of Michigan, and he is an active guest conductor and clinician. Presently, he holds the title of Professor Emeritus of Music, teaching the fall quarter of each year in the areas of conducting and literature. He retired to Aiken, South Carolina. In 1997, members of the Ohio University Marching 110 were honored to hear Professor Socciarelli at their annual band banquet. Then, in 2003, Socciarelli returned once again to conduct the Marching 110 and over 200 Alumni during the annual homecoming game during the celebration of Ohio University's Bicentennial, as well as speak at the annual Alumni Banquet.

Ronald Socciarelli died on February 2, 2012, and shortly after his death, Ohio University adopted his quote "Better Than the Best Ever" as the official theme for the 2012 Homecoming Celebrations. On October 13, over 600 Marching 110 Alumni returned to Ohio University to pay tribute to "The Man." The largest Alumni band in the history of Ohio University took to the streets of Athens in a homecoming celebration that was undoubtedly Better Than the Best Ever. [1]

Sylvester Young

The Marching 110 was under Sylvester Young's direction from 1990 through 1996. The 1997 members of the Ohio University Marching 110 were also honored to hear Mr. Young speak at their annual band banquet. Mr. Young went on to be the director of the Florida A&M Marching 100 from 2013 through 2016. [1]

Richard Suk

Richard Suk is serving his twenty-sixth year as director of the Marching 110. He is also the conductor of the Symphonic Band and Varsity Band at Ohio University.

Instrumentation

The band marches clarinets, trumpets, mellophones, alto and tenor saxes, trombones and bass trombones, euphoniums, and sousaphones. The percussion section consists of eight snare drums, four timbales, four duo-tenor drums, four pitched bass drums, and four pitched cymbals.

Drum cadences

In parades, one of the high notes of 110's performance is their dance routines to drum cadences. The following are some of the current and former drum cadences used by the 110.

7 & 1/2, Out of it, Cherry, Funk, Jimbo, Tequila, Gym Shorts, No!, Uncertain, Herb (retired), Robbers, Your Mother, Two Bucks, Cheesecake (retired), Grabbit, and the newest cadence, GreenHouse.

Traditions

High Extended Chair-Step

In 1967, under the direction of Gene Thraikill, the band switched to a high-step style marching. This style consisted of the thigh raised 90 degrees to the ground and the calf extended to 45 degrees. With this new and unique technique, the band also added a slight twist in the upper body giving the players a "swinging" effect referred to as "swagger". Together, they formed what is the permanent marching style that the Marching 110 have continued to use today.

Here is an example from the 2011 season of "Diamond Ohio" 2011 DiamondOhio.JPG
Here is an example from the 2011 season of "Diamond Ohio"

Diamond Ohio

This now well-known set is performed by the Marching 110 during pre-game. It was originally introduced when Gene Thrailkill designed a pregame set modeled after the Ohio State University Marching Band to give the newly reformed Marching 110 a symbol. The capital "H" with an "I" in the middle surrounded by two triangle shapes pointing away from the center gives the appearance of spelling out Ohio on the field. [2]

Letterman Jackets

One of the most prominent traditions in the Marching 110 is the dawning of green letterman jackets. Since 1967, the jacket has retained its same design. They feature a double striped woven collar, wrists, and waistband in a white on green scheme. The jacket itself is dark green in color and has two pockets as well as white buttons. The insignia on the back is the block letter spelling of Ohio and the front features a patch in the shape of Ohio with "Ohio University Marching Band' on it. Band members post pins above the front patch from various prominent performances as well as any band Greek life they are involved in. Members consider the jackets sacred and any non-members of the band are not allowed to wear them.

Uniforms

In the fall of 1967, after Professor Gene Thrailkill took over the band, the uniforms went through a style update like most other aspects of the program. The main uniform was inspired by the University of Michigan Marching Band from the early 70's. The jackets were changed to black sleeves and collars, with a white chest, braids and shoulder nests. Across the chest 'OHIO' is printed in block letters on the diagonal in black, outlined by green. The uniform police-style hats have a white trim with a design around the sides on a black background. A green and white plume was added to show off more of the school colors. A black bibber with a white stripe down the leg was used to show off the band's great marching technique that is used. They are recognized for the white and green short half capes that they wear on the backs of their jackets. Lastly, shined black shoes with white spats were worn to better contrast with the green color of the turf grass used at the school's football field. [3]

Dance Breaks

The Marching 110 features at least one dance break per show. Designed by designated Dance Commanders, the whole band spends time learning moves to spice up their performance. Since 1967, the band has continued the tradition after Drum Major David Fowler created the first dance routine to a 110 standard "Ain't Been Good."

Field Commander

The Marching 110 makes use of a non-traditional Field Commander. Their main job is the maintenance of "esprit de corps" of the members as well as teaching the unique marching style. Each year, a fourth or fifth year member is picked after a round of interviews. The Marching 110 has not had a traditional drum major since 1967 and the departure of David Fowler.

Other Traditions

Prominent performances

In addition to their annual Ohio Theatre Performance in Columbus, Ohio, the 110 has also performed for the following:

The Lawlers

In Emeriti Park on Ohio University’s campus, there is a stone carving of Diamond Ohio and a plaque that reads "In Memoriam 10-13-99, Jud & Frank Lawler, Marching 110 Alumni".

Jud and Frank Lawler were both members of the Marching 110. On October 13, 1999, the brothers were struck by a semi on their way home to see a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert. Tragically, they would both die from the accident. In the days following, both the Marching 110 and Graham High School Band performed at their funeral, playing some of the brothers' favorite songs. It’s reported that around 1,800 people attended their visiting hours.  They were dedicated members who had a combined total of 13 years with the Marching 110.

In the present years, the band can often be heard playing "Salvation is Created" (referred to by members as Salvation) in memory of Jud and Frank Lawler. Originally, it was introduced as a warmup but following their death, it was dedicated to the brothers. When played, any alumni and current members of the Marching 110 in the area remove their hats and sunglasses and stand in silence, paying homage to the brothers. In 2019, the Marching 110 dedicated their homecoming half-time show to the brothers which included songs by the pair's favorite bands.

Present

Today, the band continues to honor its long held traditions of over 5 decades. They continue to perform at every home game and make music for students and fans alike to enjoy.

Going viral

On October 1, 2011 the Marching 110 performed "The Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO as the dance chart to conclude its halftime show. A video of the performance was uploaded to YouTube.com, and within days had accumulated more than 1 million views. The video earned the Marching 110 worldwide recognition and was featured on many prominent websites including ESPN and CNN.com. To date, the video has reached almost 12 million views. [4]

On September 22, 2012, the Marching 110 again went viral with the Korean singer PSY's hit "Gangnam Style". The video was taken down by someone who hacked the YouTube account and deleted the video. It was re-uploaded a few days later with the views set back to 0. To date, the video has been viewed more than 8,800,000 times. Featured on Good Morning America and through several other prominent media outlets, the Marching 110 has gained considerable recognition in a year when Ohio Athletics are at their best in a generation. [5]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UCLA Bruin Marching Band</span> Marching band of University of California, Los Angeles

The Solid Gold Sound of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band represents the university at major athletic and extracurricular events. During the fall marching season, this 250-member band performs at the Rose Bowl for UCLA Bruin home football games. Pregame shows by the band aim to build crowd energy and enthusiasm with traditional UCLA songs like "Strike Up the Band for UCLA", "Bruin Warriors", and "The Mighty Bruins". Throughout the game, the band performs custom-arranged rock and pop songs, as well as the traditional fight songs and cheers of the university. The UCLA Varsity Band appears at basketball games and other athletic contests in Pauley Pavilion. In 2018, the Bruin Marching Band was featured on the Muse album "Simulation Theory" performing the Super Deluxe version of the song "Pressure."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of California Marching Band</span> Marching band at the University of California, Berkley

The University of California Marching Band, usually shortened to Cal Band, is the marching band for the University of California, Berkeley. While it is administered under the auspices of the university, the Cal Band is student-run and represents Cal at sporting events and social gatherings. The name of the band is "The University of California Band" by the constitution, but is typically called "The University of California Marching Band" or "The Cal Band". When the band marches out of Memorial Stadium's North Tunnel for football pre-games, it is referred to as "The Pacesetter of College Marching Bands, the Pride of California".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Princeton University Band</span>

The Princeton University Band serves as the marching band and pep band of Princeton University. Like most other Ivy League bands, it is a scramble band. To members and fans, it is often known as the PUB or simply The Band. Many alumni refer to it as the Tiger Band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marching Chiefs</span> Marching band of Florida State University

The Florida State University Marching Chiefs is the official marching band of Florida State University. The band has served in this capacity since the 1940s and continues to perform at all home football games as well as several away games each year. There are 420+ members, or Chiefs, as members are sometimes known, in the band who hail from almost every academic department within the university.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band</span>

The Spartan Marching Band (SMB) is the marching band of Michigan State University. The band has over 300 members and was founded in 1870. Notable music educator Leonard Falcone directed the band from 1927 through 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marching Knights</span> Marching band of the University of Central Florida

The Marching Knights are the official marching band of The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, USA. The Marching Knights are the largest and the most visible student organization at the University of Central Florida. They are known for their high-energy performances and unique drill designs. Their musical selections are also notable for including a variety of genres.

<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. As 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">Ohio State University Marching Band</span> American university marching brass band

The Ohio State University Marching Band (OSUMB) is a university marching band named for and a part of The Ohio State University. The band nicknamed The Best Damn Band in the Land (TBDBITL), performs at football games and other events during the fall semester. It is one of the few collegiate all-brass and percussion bands in the country, and sometimes deemed the largest of its type in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marching Illini</span> Marching band of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Marching Illini is the marching band of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Marching Illini is an organization which annually includes approximately 400 students enrolled in the University of Illinois, and Parkland College. It was founded in 1867 and primarily performs at Illini football games as well as other events around campus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band</span> College marching band in Amherst, Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band (UMMB) is the marching band for the University of Massachusetts Amherst known for its drum corps style and nationally renowned percussion section. The Minuteman Band is also known for its use of dance routines, vocalists, electronics, and overall showmanship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George N. Parks</span> American conductor

George N. Parks was the director of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band at University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1977 until 2010. He also led the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy, a summer workshop program for high school drum majors that he founded in 1978.

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

The University of Minnesota Marching Band is the marching band of the University of Minnesota and the flagship university band for the state of Minnesota. The Pride of Minnesota serves as an ambassador for the university, representing the school at major events both on and off campus. The band performs before, during, and after all home Golden Gopher football games and bowl games, occasional away games, local parades, numerous pepfests, exhibition performances, as well as a series of indoor concerts toward the end of the regular football season. Members of the band, along with non-member students, also participate in smaller athletic pep bands that perform at other major sporting events, including men's hockey, men's basketball, women's hockey, women's basketball, and women's volleyball.

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

The Iowa State University Cyclone Football 'Varsity' Marching Band (ISUCF'V'MB) is the marching band of Iowa State University. Also known as the Cyclone Marching Band (CMB), it is nicknamed the "Pride of Iowa State", the "Best of the Midwest", and the "Varsity Band". The band performs in support of the Iowa State Cyclones football team at all home games and at some away games versus Big 12 Conference rivals. The band plays at high school band festivals, indoor concerts, and post-season bowl games.

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

The Oregon Marching Band (OMB) is the marching band of the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, United States. With over 250 members, it is the largest student organization on campus, and its members come from nearly every department and major at the university. The marching band serves as the foundation for the larger Oregon Athletic Bands organization that includes the Oregon Basketball Band, Winter Drumline, and the Green and Yellow Garter Bands.

<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">Tulane University Marching Band</span> College marching band in New Orleans

The Tulane University Marching Band (TUMB) is the marching band of Tulane University. It performs at every Tulane Green Wave football home game in Yulman Stadium, bowl games, and some away games. It is also marches in New Orleans Mardi Gras parades each year, having appeared in Le Krewe d'Etat, the Krewe of Thoth, the Krewe of Bacchus, and the Krewe of Rex, among others.

The Marching Salukis is the official marching band of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Composed of men and women, the band performs at all SIU football home games and marches in parades for SIU homecoming, the Du Quoin State Fair and Carbondale Lights Fantastic. The band has also performed in halftime programs for the Chicago Bears, St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Rams, as well as presidential addresses in Carbondale by Bill Clinton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Falcon Marching Band</span> Marching band of Bowling Green State University

The Falcon Marching Band, known also as the FMB, is the marching band of Bowling Green State University. It features a symphonic sound and chair step marching. Under the direction of Jonathan “Jon” Waters, marching band is the largest student organization on campus. The band performs at all home football games, which are hosted in Doyt Perry Stadium as well as other various university functions.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Hollow, Betty (2003). Ohio University, 1804–2004: The Spirit of a Singular Place. Athens, Ohio: Ohio University Press. pp. 125–135.
  2. ↑ Brozak, George (2004). Diamond Ohio, A History of the Ohio University Bands. Ashland, Ohio: Bookmasters, Inc. pp. 34–36.
  3. ↑ Jones, Paula. "2009/2010 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Bandfest Photos". Group Photos, Inc. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
  4. ↑ "Ohio University band gets its 'Party Rock' on - Page 2 - ESPN".
  5. ↑ "Gangnam Style Dance in US Sports: Watch Ohio University Marching Band Perform the K-Pop Hit (VIDEO) - I Sports Times". www.isportstimes.com. Archived from the original on 2012-09-26.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.