Million Dollar Band (marching band)

Million Dollar Band
School The University of Alabama
Location Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Conference SEC
Founded 1912
Director Dr. Kenneth Ozzello
Assistant director Randall Coleman
Neal Flum
Steve Simpson
Members 400 (2015)
Fight song "Yea Alabama"
Uniform Crimson and white jackets
Crimson pants
Crimson shakos with white plumes
Website Official MDB site

The Million Dollar Band is the official name for the marching band for The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa. The entire band performs at all home games, while varying in size for away games or games in neutral sites. The band is the most televised college band in history. In 2003, the band was awarded the Sudler Trophy, an honor which is given to the top bands in the United States.

History

The band always performs prior to each home football game.

The band was formed in 1912 with just 14 members under director Dr. Gustav Wittig. Four years later, in 1917, the band became a military band and was student-led until 1927. The band earned its name during a football game between Alabama and Georgia Tech, a game which the Yellow Jackets won 33–7. The band struggled for funds, having to solicit money from local merchants, to travel to games off campus. An Alabama alumnus, W. C. Pickens, was asked "[...] what do you have at Alabama?" by an Atlanta-based sportswriter. Pickens replied only, "A million dollar band."[1][2]

In 1936, Colonel Carleton K. Butler took over the band and led it to national prominence among collegiate marching bands.[2] He remained director for the next 33 years until Mr. Earl Dunn took charge in 1969.[2] After a two-year stint at the Capstone, Dr. James Ferguson was named director, where he remained until 1983.[2] Legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant often voiced his support for the band during his tenure, giving them partial credit during victories.[3] Dr. Kenneth Ozzello has been in charge of the band since 2002, taking over for Ms. Kathryn B. Scott.[2] One year after he was named director, the band won the prestigious Sudler Trophy, awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.[4]

Directors

Name Years[2]
Dr. Gustav Wittig 1912–1917
N/A (Student-led) 1917–1927
Captain H. H. Turner 1927–1934
Colonel Carleton K. Butler 1935–1968
Mr. Earl Dunn 1969–1971
Dr. James Ferguson 1971–1983
Ms. Kathryn B. Scott 1984–2002
Dr. Kenneth Ozzello 2003–present

Traditions

The band performing a "Booming Big Bama Spell Out" before a football game
Drum majors perform a toss at midfield before a game

Songs

Appearances

The MDB performs side-by-side with the Clemson marching band prior to the 2008 Chick-fil-A College Kickoff.

References

  1. ↑ "Million Dollar band". University of Alabama. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "History and Facts". University of Alabama. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  3. ↑ Clem Gryska (2007-10-01). Tradition: Million Dollar Band. CBS Sports. Event occurs at 01:14. We played well, very fortunate. And our band was just terrific. They helped us win the ball game.
  4. ↑ "Dr. Kenneth Ozzello". University of Alabama. 2010-12-26.
  5. ↑ "Students Miss "Basket Case"". November 17, 2006.
  6. ↑ "Song Returns to Fourth Quarter". November 8, 2007.
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