Tradition | Future Schedules
Trojan Marching Band
The Trojan Marching Band--known as "The Spirit of Troy" -- is perhaps the most dynamic and innovative collegiate band in the nation. Named among the eight best marching bands in the country by USA Today, the band is one of the most visible public relations tools of the University.
Established in 1880, the band has played for 10 Presidents (including Ronald Reagan, just prior to his 1984 inauguration), and has appeared in five movies (including "Hello Dolly"), plus numerous commercials and television shows (including the 1978 Academy Awards). The band even recorded the title track of the rock group Fleetwood Mac's popular 1979 album, "Tusk," and has produced several records of its own music (featuring the well-known "Conquest" and "Fight On").
Among the many famous musicians who have played in the band was Herb Alpert of the Tijuana Brass (he was in the cornet section). And among the various guest artists who have appeared with the band were Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Chuck Mangione, Leonard Bernstein, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, and John Wayne.
The band marches upwards of 80 miles a year while traveling across the land supporting almost every USC athletic team. A typical football halftime show by the band (with precision drills, special musical charts and dance routines) takes more than 4,000 work hours to prepare. The band also frequently appears at many professional sporting events throughout Southern California. Approximately 11 percent of its members are music majors, with almost every school and department represented among the balance.
Now 270-plus members strong, the Trojan Marching Band has tripled in size since Dr. Arthur C. Bartner became its director in 1969 (he is assisted by arranger Tony Fox). A graduate of Michigan, Bartner brought with him a creative approach and the unique, contemporary "drive-it" style of marching. Nationally-renowned, Bartner directed the 800-member 1984 Olympic All-American College Marching Band (125 bandsmen were from USC) which played in the opening and closing ceremonies at the Games. Interestingly, it was the second time a Trojan musical group was involved with the Olympics, as the USC band formed the 10th Olympic Braid in the 1932 Los Angeles Games.
Bartner is also Director of Bands for the Japan Bowl in Tokyo and directs the All-American College Marching Band at Disneyland. In the summer of 1986, he and 40 band members were part of the ceremonies of Liberty Weekend at the refurbished Statue of Liberty. In the spring of 1988, he brought the band to Australia to perform at festivities for that country's bicentennial and at World Expo 88.
The Trojan Marching Band is complemented by the USC Silks (tall flags), plus the famous USC Song Leaders and Yell Leaders.
