Marching Band - History
History | Schedule |Members | Student Leaders | Gallery
 |
The University of Tennessee Marching Band of 1915 |
The University of Tennessee Marching Band, known as the "Pride of the Southland," has represented The University of Tennessee and the State of Tennessee since its initial organization following the Civil War. What began as an all-male band attached to the Military Department on the Knoxville campus has grown to a 300-member university marching band known worldwide for its outstanding musical performance and precision drill marching. It is also one of the oldest collegiate band programs in the country.
The University of Tennessee Band, first organized as a corps of cadets in 1869, varied in size. The band's instrumentation was primarily cornets, and was often headed by a cadet leader. In 1892, the band was reorganized under bandmaster Ernest H. Garratt. Two years later, Mr. Garratt was replaced by Charles P. Garratt. At the turn of the century, William A. Knabe took over leadership of the band, and held the position of bandmaster until his death in 1914. It was during this time that the first recorded appearance of the band at a football game was made. In 1902, the UT Band performed at the home game against Sewanee (UT 6 - Sewanee 0).
By 1917, the band, wearing WWI-style uniforms, had 30 members, and was under the leadership of William Crouch. In 1925, Crouch was replaced by Ernest W. Hall. During Hall's tenure, the band grew to over 80 members, though still an all-male band. The 1940's brought considerable change to the band. Walter Ryba was named the new director, and female majorettes marched with the band. The half-time shows became theme-oriented and included guest artists. Major Ryba, a prior member of the John Philip Sousa Band, served for two decades as UT's director. It was during this time that Ed Harris, sports reporter for the Knoxville Journal, dubbed the band as the "Pride of the Southland."
With Ryba's retirement at the end of 1960, a new era in the band's history began. For the next three decades, the band, under the direction of Dr. WJ Julian, grew in size, prestige, and reputation. The change was immediate. In his first season as director, Dr. Julian designed new uniforms for the band. These uniforms have remained a tradition at the University of Tennessee. The band was moved from the Military Department and placed under Music Education. By 1964, the band had grown to over 140 men and women. Under Dr. Julian, the band was revolutionized in style and appearance, and was known not only for its level of performance, but also as an inovator of the "circle-drill" and "flower-drill." In 1972, Dr. Julian introduced a new song to the fans at Neyland Stadium that immediately became the school's unofficial fight song - "Rocky Top!" Countless other traditions were established under Julian's leadership including the opening of the "T" for the football team at every pre-game ceremony.
In July of 1997, the "Pride of the Southland" began another chapter in its history with the naming of its ninth director, Dr. Gary Sousa. Under Dr. Sousa's leadership the "Pride" has continued to honor the rich traditions of the University of Tennessee, and has brought a new level of excitement and spirit to Neyland Stadium.
The "Pride of the Southland" has gained a national reputation for excellence due in part to its numerous television appearances in the last forty years. Besides representing the State of Tennessee in the last eleven consecutive Presidential inaugurations, the band has appeared at the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Citrus Bowl, Sun Bowl, Hall of Fame Bowl and at the 1998 National Championship Fiesta Bowl. In 2007, the "Pride of the Southland" marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.
When the University of Tennessee Marching Band takes the field, the fans, alumni, and student reactions indicate that it is not only the Pride of all Tennesseans, but truly the "Pride of the Southland!"