Auburn University Marching Band - History

History

  • The band was formed in 1897 under the first director, M. Thomas Fullan.
  • In 1906 Albert L. Thomas became band director.
  • P.R. Bidez became the third band director in 1916.
  • In 1917, under Bidez, the band went to Europe along with allied forces as the 16th Infantry Regimental Band (The 16th Infantry Regiment was part of the larger 1st Expeditionary Force, which paraded through Paris, France on July 4, 1917).
  • In 1945 Auburn's music department was formed.
  • Female majorettes were added in 1946.
  • The band performed at Harry Truman's inauguration parade in 1949.
  • Women began playing instruments in the band in 1950.
  • David A. Herbert became the fourth band director in 1951.
  • Burton R. Leidner became band director in 1955.
  • In 1955 "War Eagle" replaced the Auburn Victory March as Auburn's fight song.
  • Dr. Wilbur "Bodie" Hinton became Band Director in 1956.
  • Dr. Bill Walls became Band Director in 1969. (Director of Bands beginning 1985.)
  • Dr. Johnnie B. Vinson took over as Director of Bands in 1991.
  • The band was awarded the Sudler Trophy in 2004 for continued excellence in marching. This award can only be given to a band once.
  • Dr. Rick Good became Director of Bands in 2007 after serving as Marching Band director, and continues in this position today.
  • Dr. Corey Spurlin was hired in 2007 as Marching Band Director.
  • In 2008, the Auburn University Marching Band made its first overseas appearance, marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.
  • The 2009 edition of the AUMB was the largest in the program's history with 380 members. The full band made appearances at all home games and trips to Knoxville, Tennessee and Athens, Georgia. A smaller pep band represented the band at all other away games.
  • The 2010 AUMB once again had 380 members, and performed at all home games, while taking the entire band to Ole Miss, Alabama, the 2010 SEC Championship Game in Atlanta, Georgia, and the 2011 BCS National Championship Game in Glendale, Arizona. A smaller pep band represented the band at all other away games. The band also moved to a new practice field, and kicked off its new building campaign entitled "Onto Vict'ry, Strike Up the Band."

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