Top 10 College Marching Bands in the United States
With a growing band of 480+ members, as of 2016, it has been considered the largest college band in America. I mean, they even have a backup marching band for their marching band. This group incorporates technology as well as a rock band to blow away the crowd at every game.
Just look up any of their videos on YouTube and see why it has been dubbed "The Baddest Band in the Land" and Number One on this list.
This band is phenomenal! I've never seen any band like this one. Their size alone is mind-boggling as you watch them do their formations. If you are lucky enough to see them in person, you will be blown away!
The fact of the matter is this: when you look up a list of top college marching bands, it isn't a question of whether Ohio State is on the list. It's how high up on the list they will be placed. This band might not be the best playing, nor the best marching, but they are by far the best at both in the country.
Most college marching bands will move for one or two songs in their show, then plant and play for the rest. The only time this band plants and plays is if they want to give their drum major some sunlight. The shows are as intricate as they are impressive. Just watch the way this band carries itself on game day. They know they are the best.
They should definitely be #1. I remember first seeing them at a Kickoff Classic when I was a little kid, and I instantly loved them. Not only do they sound great, but their marching is amazing. The routines they do are incredible.
Known for their military-like precision, the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band (Wo!) is the only band to be played on sports television during halftime. To join this corps, you have to be trained in basic military marching, among other things.
Tie with Ohio State, but this is a real MARCHING band! Precision, uniforms, tradition. I'm not a fan of walking or corps-type strollers.
The loudest band on this list, you will not struggle at any point in time to hear them on the field, in the stands, or in a parade. This band is one of the hardest working in the country, and it shows in their performances. When you are from Mardi Gras Central, you know that a party must be given at every performance.
Loud and very hardworking. The best.
Jacksonville stands out with its jaw-dropping halftime shows. It is one of the few bands that does not use traditional marching tubas or sousaphones. This doesn't hinder their performances, as their shows are among those that you have to stay seated for. Their 2016 show was considered the best college show of the year (until number one came around).
Should now be one of the largest, if not the largest, with 556 members marching this year!
Dubbed the loudest band in the HBCU world, you know it's showtime when they step on the field. I mean, take a thousand of them, as that is one of their famed moves. Their music can bring together anyone and everyone from the past, present, and future.
Tremendous sound, fantastic tradition, and being the first to many traditions. They are able to play entertaining music while being complex and marching at such a high caliber.
Tradition, sound, degree of difficulty in their performances. They have a high standard and strive to measure up each time they perform.
Rocky Top is amazing, but why do they rank in the top three if they are listed at number nine?
How could one leave out the oldest band in America from a Top Marching Band list? While not at the top, this band is like a senior citizen who can still skate better than most pros. As the oldest college band in America, it shows in their performances. Packed with tradition in everything they do, it's no wonder marching bands have stayed around for so long.
A pre-game show is all that's needed to get into this band. Or just go to visit a well-noted tradition, the Trumpets under the Dome.
The oldest and best band this far down! What a shame.
The Newcomers
They have some of the best stand songs and music that they play! They also have a very powerful and excellent band! Shoutout to my friend Austin, who plays trumpet as a Marching Chief!
Excellent sound from top to bottom. Leadership has been excellent for 40+ years and continues to excel. You'll want to follow THE Spartan Marching Band the entire day of a game, beginning with the traditional 'March to the Stadium' and then the awe-dropping 'kick-step' into Spartan Stadium. Check them out on YouTube.
Strong history of tradition, innovation, and excellence. The Kickstep, original chair step, The Series, home of patterns in motion, amazing award-winning drumline, traditional a cappella singing of the MSU Shadows alma mater, Big 10, supportive alumni, alumni band - this is an outstanding band! Give Sparty some love!
I cannot believe that this band is not ranked any higher. They are amazing.
Magnificent, contemporary show. Pink even thanked the Pride for using her music in their show and making it sound so good!
Lower on the list, but certainly not forgotten, is the Blue and Gold Marching Machine from NC A&T University. This band has slightly declined in performance level but is still known for its ability to switch up marching styles and perform amazing percussion tricks during most shows.
Their range is almost insane, especially considering their size.
Plays classics, marches, and popular music with real musicianship. Balanced instruments, unlike Ohio State and USC, which are heavily weighted toward brass. Cal Band marches and performs moving formations, unlike bands that call themselves marching bands but actually mostly stand around and play loudly.
Unique band! They do a little bit of everything, but their energy at games is especially good. Houseparty and Pregame are consistent classics, but this band isn't afraid to try new things!