USC Trojan Marching Band

The USC Trojan Marching Band, nicknamed The Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe (TGMBITHOTU), represents the University of Southern California (USC) at many events. These events include sports games, music recordings, and special public appearances.

The band is very special because it is the only college band to have two platinum records. It has performed with many famous musicians, such as AJR, John Williams, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Radiohead, Beyoncé, Doc Severinsen, George Clinton, Fleetwood Mac, The Three Tenors, John Dolmayan, Shavo Odadjian, Odesza, and The Offspring. The band has also performed for five U.S. presidents, at the Summer Olympics, and on the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and the season 7 finale of American Idol.

A part of the band has played at every USC football game, both home and away, since 1987. The band also takes an international trip at least every other year. The Trojan Shrine, a famous symbol of USC often called "Tommy Trojan", was almost named "The Spirit of Troy".

History

The Trojan Marching Band, known as The Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe, first performed in November 1918 in New York City. They played at the end of World War I, leading a parade for returning soldiers. In 1922, the university's fight song, "Fight On", was created and became a tradition for the band.

Over the years, the band has traveled around the world and performed at many important events. They have played at Olympic Games, Super Bowls, and World Expos. They even performed with famous musicians and at famous places like the Great Wall of China. In 2019, the band made history by choosing its first female drum major.

Ties to the entertainment industry

The Spirit of Troy, the USC Trojan Marching Band, has appeared in many movies and TV shows. Some of these include Amazon Women on the Moon, America's Funniest Home Videos, America's Got Talent, The Croods, and Forrest Gump, among others.

The band has also performed at major award shows like the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards. It has shared the stage with famous performers such as Radiohead, Beyoncé Knowles, and Hugh Jackman. The band has been part of special events like the opening of _ESPN's West Coast SportsCenter and even helped with a fun prank on the TV show House. It has also played at famous music festivals like Coachella. For over 20 years, the band has helped perform at the Hollywood Bowl's "Tchaikovsky Spectacular" with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

People

Directors

The USC Trojan Marching Band has had many directors over the years. Some of the directors include J. Paul Elliott, Harold Roberts, Clarence Sawhill, William A. Schaefer, Gary Garner, Ronald Broadwell, Arthur C. Bartner, and Jacob Vogel.

Notable members

Many famous people have been part of the band. Notable members include Erik Aadahl, Herb Alpert, Michael Ausiello, Charlie Bisharat, Harry Blackstone, Jr., Ken Dye, Larry Harmon, Damon Intrabartolo, Jessy J, Richard M. Sherman, Ernie Smith, Tommy Walker, and Mark Watters.