bernard
THEE Realist
Without college marching bands, so much of the game-day atmosphere across the country would be incomplete. They set the rhythm for pregame excitement, halftime entertainment, and unforgettable traditions.
These 10 college marching bands, nominated by an expert panel and voted by USA TODAY readers as the best in the U.S., stand out for their musical excellence, visual flair, and ability to energize crowds.
www.usatoday.com
These 10 college marching bands, nominated by an expert panel and voted by USA TODAY readers as the best in the U.S., stand out for their musical excellence, visual flair, and ability to energize crowds.
No. 10: Missouri State Pride Marching Band
There are more than 300 members of the MSU PRIDE Bands. They cover just about every kind of music you can ask for at different events involving the Bears and outside the realm of school. There is the Pride Marching Band, and three concert bands, the University-Community Band, and Bear Mania basketball pep bands. This school has something for everyone, especially if you want to get into the music scene at sports events and other big activities.No. 9: Southern
This may be the best nickname in all of college sports. The Southern University marching band is known as the "Human Jukebox." The name conjures up all sorts of images, and the band's musicians more than live up to the title. The "Human Jukebox" combines great music with incredible presence. The shows are worth the price of admission alone.No. 8: Ohio State
You don't earn the title "The Best Damn Band in the Land" without being excellent, or going beyond what anyone has seen. The Ohio State Marching Band features all brass and percussion, which the school proudly boasts is the largest of this type in the world. And if you wonder what it takes to dot the "i" the Buckeyes make it clear: a sousaphone player must be at least a fourth-year band member.No. 7: Penn State Blue Band
Happy Valley boasts the Blue Band, which has played for more than 100 years. Talk about a high bar. In 2008, PBS did a documentary following eight freshmen as they tried to make the Blue Band. It sounds like the competition is as rugged as it can be when trying to find a starting spot on the Nittany Lions football team.
10 best college marching bands in the US
From halftime spectacles to iconic fight songs, these college marching bands set the standard for game-day entertainment.