The 10 Best College Marching Bands ⋆ College Magazine

This post is sponsored by The NAMM Foundation.

As you join the swarm of fans heading to the football stadium, you notice the distinct sound of brass and percussion in the background. Preceding the team, the school’s marching band makes their way to the field with flashy instruments, top-notch routines and catchy songs. We come for the game, but we stay at halftime for the band. The ultimate bands practice 30 hours a week and perform nationwide throughout the year. Beeline to band camp this summer and high-step with one of these stellar collegiate marching bands.

Get notified for the 2025 NAMM Anaheim Convention Center in California on their website! The events are from January 21-25 and the exhibits are January 23-25.

10. All-American Marching Band—Purdue University

Purdue’s 1995 Sudler Trophy winner earns its “All-American” title with the band’s pre-game performance, “I Am An American” and the National Anthem. During this patriotic tribute, the booming voice of the Purdue marching band reads off a freedom tribute as they march to the tune of “America the Beautiful.” The band strikes formation as the shield from the United States coat of arms. Both the American flag and Indiana’s state flag stand proudly on the field.

Besides this display of patriotism, Purdue claims to have “The World’s Largest Bass Drum.” And nothing is more entertaining than watching the Big Bass Drum Crew frantically push the enormous drum across the field.

9. The University of Wisconsin Marching Band—UW–Madison

As Badgers step into Camp Randall before a football game, they see tubas and the drumline marching slowly with the one-of-a-kind University of Wisconsin-Madison high-step. Out of nowhere, the rest of the band runs onto the field with fast-paced footwork and a continuation of high knees as they dart around the field. While the band plays during the pre-show, halftime and breaks, they devote a whole 15 minutes after the game for the Fifth Quarter show.

“Sometimes I think it’s more fun than the game because you get to dance around with friends while the band plays all the favorite songs,” UW–Madison senior Katherine Lasocki said.

Win or lose, the band stirs up the student spirit with songs such as “Tequila,” “Roll Out the Barrel” and the school’s time-honored “Varsity.”

8. Marching Royal Dukes—James Madison University

In Harrisburg, Virginia, a hidden gem at James Madison University wows the audience with loud and rich sounds of brass, percussion and woodwinds. With around 450 band members, JMU has the largest collegiate marching band in the nation.

To join the Marching Royal Dukes, band camp seals students’ fates as they complete auditions based on music and marching fundamentals like basic formations and posture. Mastering these formations are critical because as soon as the drumline sounds the Dukes sprint onto the field in excitement for the pre-game show. Even with the rowdiest college students in the stands, the Marching Royal Dukes maintain their perfectly straight-line movements and melodic tone instrumentals.

7. Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band—Stanford University

Sometimes called the “World’s Largest Rock and Roll Band,” the number constantly changes because members choose their own commitment level. They can play every single performance or just once a semester. The Stanford Dollies, a group of five, dances along with the band during every performance too.

“I have never felt pressure to conform to anyone’s standards in band, and that in itself is a beautiful thing,” said Stanford junior and former Dollies member Claudia Aber.

And the band kicks it old school with classic rock songs like “All Right Now” by Free and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen.

“The band wears random, fun clothing and ‘rocks out’ not only by jamming along to the songs, but by incorporating choreography into every song.”

Musical humor, frantic scrambling around the field and, of course, the dancing Stanford tree mascots keeps spirits high at every game.

6. Human Jukebox—Southern University

As soon as Adele released “Hello,” the world exploded and the jam took over every radio station. Human Jukebox, from Southern University, only fueled that obsession with its cover of the top hit.

Watch the band “Nae Nae” as you jump to your feet with around 230 students who joyously dance to the beat during performances.

The unique “Jaguar Rock” marching style uses high-steps and precise drills bringing them to five Super Bowls and to the Louisiana Superdome to perform during the first New Orleans Saints home game after Hurricane Katrina. The Dancing Dolls dance in unison with the band and even boogied with Madonna during Super Bowl XLVI and Beyoncé in Lemonade’s visual album. Talk about an impressive rap sheet.

If you’re a college music student, make sure to get notified of the 2025 NAMM Anaheim Convention Center in California on their website! The events are from January 21-25 and the exhibits are January 23-25.

5. Michigan Marching Band—University of Michigan

When Queen B herself introduces a marching band, you know spectators kill their phone battery sending as many Snapchats as possible. The University of Michigan Marching Band’s one-time Beyoncé performance included big hits like “Crazy in Love” and “Single Ladies.” As soon as lights in the Big House go down, the largest crowd in the history of college football illuminates the field with cell phone lights and excited cheers.

A team of students and staff start designing extensive shows, like the Beyoncé one, in January. The Block M formation still remains flawlessly iconic (like B herself) for the marching band, even with its showy halftime numbers.

This long-standing marching band set the standard for other bands across the nation after winning critical fame as the first Sudler Trophy winner in 1982.

“You spend so much time trying to make the program better, and then suddenly you take a step back and realize it has made you better,” University of Michigan senior and drum major McKenna Thayer said.

4. Longhorn Band—University of Texas

The largest marching drum in the world, “Sweetheart of the Longhorn Band,” aka Big Bertha, has stunned crowds since 1955. Through the use of the taps stride, the “Show Band of the Southwest” gets into some uniquely Texan formations such as the longhorn, “Texas” spelled out in cursive and the outline of the state.

Social Media Manager of the Longhorn Band and UT junior David Parella said the band is like a family. “Texas has about 50,000 people students on campus, and I can walk around campus any day going class to class and in five minutes I’ll see two or three faces I recognize just from band.”

With an alumni band over 3,000 strong, the band’s legacy continues to grow in numbers and in sound.

3. The Marching 110—Ohio University

The Marching 110 originally used the name to represent the number of members in the band, but now it represents the amount of effort expected of its members. As a way to help new members transition to college life, the band requires a two-hour study hall each week.

No wonder this band keeps going viral with performances of top hits like “What Does the Fox Say?,” “Gangnam Style” and “Party Rock Anthem.”

Apart from the well-known songs, the band dances and sometimes even disarms their instruments to rock-out to the beat, earning them title of the “Most Exciting Band in the Land.”

2. Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band—Texas A&M University

Consider your mind blown at the sight of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band’s signature crisscross formation. The band moves precisely as four different sides come to the middle of the field in a massive “X” formation. According to MyAggieNation, a drill-charting software, the drills are impossible because the movements require multiple people in the same place at the same time. #MindBlown.

Besides the mind-boggling military marching formations, the 2001 Sudler Trophy winning band stands out for its size. To join their ranks, the band requires high school and marching band experience along with a music audition and a sight-reading test. But with 400 students, they easily earn the title of largest military marching band in the nation. Everything’s bigger in Texas.

1. The Ohio State Marching Band—The Ohio State University

The Ohio State Marching Band, aka “The Best Damn Band in the Land (TBDBITL),” consistently wows crowds with intricate and impressive performances. The “Michael Jackson Tribute” has more views on YouTube than the number of people living in Ohio. The band members used their Jackson Five-esque teamwork to transform into the legendary King of Pop, complete with a white glove and iconic hat, as they moonwalked across the field to “Billie Jean.”

“TBDBITL is a huge family. I don’t know another group of people who support each other daily, not only on the field, but off the field,” OSU Marching Band alumna Larisa Grants said. TBDBITL practices 20 to 30 hours a week, and every week all 225 members compete for a spot to march because only 192 members get to perform on Saturdays. Where else could you see band formations like Superman saving a building from falling, Harry Potter flying on a broomstick or a T-Rex stomping across the field? Only The Best Damn Band in the Land can pull them off.

If you’re passionate about playing music and you’re ready to take the next step toward a career in music, then get notified of the 2025 NAMM Anaheim Convention Center in California on their website! The events are from January 21-25 and the exhibits are January 23-25. As a GenNext attendee, you have access to carefully curated sessions developed by the College Music Society as well as an all-access pass to the largest music products trade show in the world!

More of the Best College Marching Bands

It’s hard to limit our list top marching bands to 10 when there are so many that deserve recognition. So here are more of the best college marching bands for your listening pleasure!

Written by Arpan Josan

11. The Marching Chiefs – Florida State University

Kicking off at number 11 we have “The Marching Chiefs”, who were labeled “the band that never lost a halftime” by Sports Illustrated. Their marching band performances carry them to stages such as the International Trade Fair in Damascus and the World Football League in London.

The Marching Chiefs’ traditional and contemporary styles keep you glued to every second of the action, and they show off their skills with their iconic FSU fight song and the FSU war chant.

This amazing band has averaged 400+ members since the 1980s from almost all of the academic departments. As the crowds cheer them on on game day, it leaves FSU fans with a sense of pride to hear them play.

12. Trojan Marching Band – The University of Southern California

The USC Trojan Marching Band is also known as the Spirit of Troy and the “Best Band in College Football”, according to USA Today. This marching band already piques the interest of many with their drum major conducting the band with, you guessed it, a sword.

That’s not the only thing that has got people turning their heads though as their impressive resume has them known as “Hollywood’s Band.” From being slimed on the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in Los Angeles to being in Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR Prom concert film, it’s no wonder why they’re branded as “The greatest marching band in the history of the universe, ever!”.

If this hasn’t got your jaw dropping already, then their performance of their fight song, “Fight On”, will be sure to leave you speechless as the trumpets and drums get your heart racing.

13. Marching Blue Band – Penn State University

The Marching Blue Band can bring students and staff together with their performances of their fight song “Fight On, State.” As soon as the first notes play out, the stadium becomes filled with applause and cheers.

With their acceptance of 290–315 students, students who want to return the following year have to re-audition. The Marching Blue Band are no strangers to being on television screens either, appearing on “Something for Joey” and the film “Rudy.” Their performances also earned them the Sudler Trophy.

14. Pride of the Southland Marching Band – University of Tennessee

The Pride of the Southland Marching Band holds the name of one of the oldest marching bands, being founded in 1869. Their fight song, “Down the Field” fills the stadium with pride as they cheer on their team.

Their achievements do not go unseen by the country as they have performed in every presidential inauguration except for one since 1953. And with the band being associated with the military department, it’s no wonder why they kept their military-style uniforms. With more than 300 members, The Pride of the Southland Marching Band will always amaze you both in grandeur and talent.

15. The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band – University of Oklahoma

“The Pride of Oklahoma” definitely earns its name as its performers have an average of a 3.0 GPA. Their fight song “Boomer Sooner” will surely leave an impact on you. As the drums and cymbals start the song, you can’t help but be filled with excitement. The trumpets kick in as they move from side to side to enhance the performance.

Their skills are nothing to scoff at as you can see from their 2007 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performance. You might also recognize them for their viral cover of “Thriller” by Michael Jackson in the 2007 Texas A&M game. Gathering students from 84 different academic backgrounds, every student will be welcome to join the band if they’re ready for the challenge!

16. Ocean of Soul – Texas Southern University

Texas’s Southern University’s very own marching band “Ocean of Soul”, not only has a beautiful name but sound as well. As the trumpets blare on to their fight song “Tiger Fight Song”, you’ll be left feeling more energetic than ever.

Performing with high-class acts such as Jennifer Holiday, Ben Vereen, and Janet Jackson, it’s no wonder they’re always lively. Ocean of Soul brings life to its name with each performance. It’s no wonder that they have shown their skills to crowds at Houston Oilers/Houston Texans, Houston Rockets, and Houston’s Annual Thanksgiving Parades.

17. Band of the Fighting Irish – University of Notre Dame

With students from all over America, as well as students from other countries. The University of Notre Dame’s marching band history begins in 1845 which makes it the oldest marching band in the country. Their performance of their fight song “Notre Dame Victory March” will make you understand why the Indiana Music Educators Association labeled them the “Landmark of American Music”.

Not only do they perform at football games, they also have international recognition. The Band of the Fighting Irish have shown off their musical abilities at the Sydney Opera House, the Beijing Concert Hall, and the Mozarteum in Salzburg. This college marching band is sure to leave you with a memorable time.

18. Hawkeye Marching Band – University of Iowa

The University of Iowa proudly presents its largest musical ensemble: the Hawkeye Marching Band. Their bright yellow uniforms aren’t the only thing that’ll grab your attention. Their fight songs “On Iowa”, “Iowa Fight Song”, and “Roll Along Iowa” are truly unforgettable.

This college marching band also has an interesting past of only performing for military events but are now performing for more outside events, bringing new and old fans together with their talent.

19. The Pride of Arizona – University of Arizona

With their spectacular drumline, color guards, pom line, and twirling team, it’s no wonder why the University of Arizona holds its marching band in such high regard. Their high-energy performance of their fight song “Bear Down, Arizona” and “Fight! Wildcats! Fight!”, leaves you wanting to hear more.

They are no stranger to success as they have gone viral from their performance at the 66th Annual University of Arizona Band Day. This landed them compliments from the four members of the rock band, No Doubt. From their achievements on the field, it’s no head-scratcher why they were awarded the 34th recipient of the Sudler Trophy.

20. Oregon Marching Band – University of Oregon

Whenever you see a green and yellow uniform, that’s probably the Oregon Marching Band. Once you hear the first few notes of their fight song “Mighty Oregon”, you’re sure to be a fan. One thing that I can say without a doubt is that their performance of “Gangnam Style” will leave you smiling.

In addition to performing for their home football team, selected away games, and bowl games, they’re known to host high school marching band competitions.

Not only does their local audience get to hear them, but they’re known across the country. Some of their recent performances include the Holiday Bowl in San Diego and the National Championship Game in Dallas.

21. Sonic Boom of the South – Jackson State University

Jackson State proudly presents its very own Sonic Boom of the South. You might recognize them from their iconic performance at the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show with Usher. The marching band also made a feature on ABC’s “Good Morning America” during JSU’s homecoming week. Once you hear the more than 500 members perform their fight song “Tiger Run-On”, you’ll be immediately hooked by their skills.

Their accomplishments don’t end there though. They have performed at halftime for the New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Atlanta Falcons. The band has also graced television screens on Motown’s 30th Anniversary and the 34th NAACP Image Awards.

22. Million Dollar Band – The University of Alabama

This Million Dollar Band has carved a name for themselves due to their performances at their home games and performing in the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Alabama’s marching band ignited the audience’s energy with their fight song “Yea Alabama”.

Their success has led to numerous bowl games as well as President Harry S. Truman’s inauguration in 1949. When the Million Dollar Band sets their hearts on a goal, you know they’ll achieve it. That’s why they won the Sudler Award in 2003 and have performed in the November 2017 Bands of America Grand Nationals in Indianapolis.

23. Marching 100 – Florida A&M

Even though they are called the “Marching 100”, the Florida A&M band has over 400 members. They’ve performed at the Summer Olympics and the inaugural parades for Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

Wanna know something else? The Marching 100 was the official United States representative in the Bicentennial Celebration of the French Revolution in 1989 France.

Lover of fashion? Well, the Marching 100 was the opening act at the 2022 Paris Fashion Week for Louis Vuitton. If this hasn’t already convinced you that this band goes above and beyond, then once you hear their fight song, you’re sure to change your mind.