Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band
Encyclopedia
The Arizona State Sun Devil Marching Band (ASUSDMB), also known as The Pride of the Southwest, is the athletic band of Arizona State University
in Tempe, Arizona
. The Sun Devil Marching Band motto is “Expect Great Things.” The acronym EGT is inscribed on a sign that hangs from the director’s podium towering over the band's practice field, and is a symbol of the high standards that band members strive to meet. The ASU Band program, which includes the Marching and Pep bands, the Wind Ensemble, and the Symphonic Band, is a part of the Katherine K. Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, School of Music. The band is currently under the direction of Director of Athletic Bands James G. Hudson, who took over the program in 2006. The Sun Devil Marching Band is a major ambassador for Arizona State University
and the state of Arizona
. Each year almost 500,000 people are entertained by the band, which plays at home football at Sun Devil Stadium
and as a pep band for basketball games at Wells Fargo Arena
, homecoming, bowl game parades, other community events in the Valley, across the country, and even abroad.
. Williams last appearance was during 1947 concert as then Sun Devil Marching Band director Felix E. McKernan honored her. The Bulldogs Marching Band return in 1929 under short tenure of the direction of John Paul Jones. In transition under the direction of Carl G. Hoyer in 1937 the band's first bowl appearance for the Tournament of Roses Parade where the band won second prize. Though that year Hoyer would leave after then Arizona governor, Benjamin Baker Moeur
, rejected his Arizona State Song for the state song of Arizona. During Dr. Robert G. Lyon five year tenure was the addition of new parade and marching formations as well as swing music. Under Felix E. McKernan direction saw the various changes taken place for the band and the school. In 1946, the school's, mascot was redesigned by former Disney illustrator, Bert Anthony, from the Bulldog to Sparky, the Sun Devil. McKernan made his marks in the band by composing the school's fight song Maroon & Gold, implementing script drill formations in pregame and halftime shows, holding auditions for instrumentation placing, offering scholarships to boost membership, recruiting high school band members, establishing Band Day, and formatting three weekly rehearsals. All of which laid the basis for band to grow rapidly. The band's growing reputation brought a lot of praise from directors across the nation such as Clarence Sawhill (1947–1952) of the USC Trojan Band
proclaimed the band as "The Best Marching Band in the Southwest." McKernan's predecessor, Harold C. Hines, as well added to McKernan's body of work by holding band camp a week before the Fall semester begins, additions to pregame pageantry, 1957 implementing fireworks, band's active role in Proposition 200 in 1958 for university status, and establishing the Alumni Band for Homecoming Games. August 1974 initiated a new period in the history of the Sun Devil Band program with the hiring of two new directors. The two men brought a new style of marching and philosophy to ASU's band program. When Dr. Richard E. "Doc" Strange (1974–1999) became Director of Bands in 1974, the directorship was expanded to include an assistant director. Dr. Robert C. "Coach" Fleming (1974–2002) became ASU's first Assistant Director of Bands; this position was ultimately elevated to Associate Director of Bands, and is now designated Director of Athletic Bands. The Marching Band gained national recognition by performing at the 1987 and 1997 Rose Bowl games and Tournament of Roses Parade
s. Also to the band's credit are performances at Arizona Cardinals
, San Francisco 49ers
, the then Los Angeles Raiders and Los Angeles Rams professional football games, Phoenix Suns
professional basketball games, Sea World
, Knott's Berry Farm
, Disneyland, Universal Studios
, SeaWorld San Diego
, on the deck of the Navy carrier USS Enterprise
, and the 1990 Coca-Cola Bowl in Tokyo, Japan. Of note during the San Francisco 49er gig fans were impressed by the Sun Devil Marching Band rendition of George Cory's I Left My Heart in San Francisco
the franchise insisted on the band making a 1963 recording and continued on using it at 49ers home games. On November 9, 1991 the Sun Devil Marching Band became the first Pac-10 marching band to receive the prestigious Sudler Trophy. This great honor is awarded annually to a college or university marching band that has demonstrated the highest musical standards and innovative marching routines and ideas. Recently, on February 3, 2008, the band was invited by the NFL, to be part of the pregame and halftime festivities of Super Bowl XLII
in Glendale
, Arizona
.
. With "The Bubble" the band has the opportunity to avoid the Arizona dry heat during the day when the Bubble is not occupied by the football team. Camp is also held at Gammage Auditorium
for indoor rehearsals and gatherings. This camp involves extensive marching and playing exercises designed to introduce new members to the Sun Devil Marching Band style and "warm-up" old members. The pre-game show, the first half-time show, and much of the season's show music (at a minimum) is rehearsed during this camp. Other camp activities involve instrument, uniform, and music checkout, part placement auditions, and get-acquainted orientation social functions. Traditionally the Sousaphone players have a custom of welcoming their new members known as "Tuba Baptism" in Cady Fountain on Cady Mall. During this initiation the new members are call out one by one to receive their nickname. Through the course of the season they are to figure out the origin of their nickname and if not solved is later revealed at the end of the season. Additionally, incoming Freshmen and new members of the band, or "Blue Chippers", are expected to learn and perform "Maroon and Gold" and the ASU Alma Mater on the last evening of the camp.
. After warming up on the steps of Wells Fargo Arena
the band performs standstill Pregame and Halftime show excerpts. The band then marches around parking lot 59 en route to the North Gate in preparation of Pregame. During this trek through lot 59, a couple can be seen chucking bags of peanuts at members of the band to consume later in the stands. This couple, Dave and Jenni Ryon know affectionally by the band as the "Peanut People" have continued this tradition since 1981 at all home games. Pregame starts with the battery entering the field from the Northeast Entrance performing their drum cadence
, "Big Game." Towards the end of the cadence the rest of the band then storms on to the field into formation performing Pregame Fanfare, Maroon & Gold. In the past, the band - including sousaphones, would run out from the South Endzone tunnel in what was called the "Trot". God Bless the USA
, National Anthem
, and Arizona State University Alma Mater make up the core of pregame music with variations made for presentations and special events. After the pregame show, the band performs "Go Go Devils" also known as The Al Davis Fight Song, while forming a "Pitchfork" at the South Endzone for the Sun Devil players to go through during football team's introduction. The band then exits the field and makes their way to Section 19, which is reserved for band to perform stand tunes to support the football team and rile up the student section and fans. The band then returns to the field at Halftime for a performance. For a season, the band performs up to 4 to 5 Halftime shows depending on how many home games are scheduled. During the third quarter, a selected group of band members known as the traveling band plays for many seating areas within the stadium for an up close experience for fans to enjoy. This group can be seen sprinting through concession areas between stops at seating areas.
known as the Budweiser Song when they received sponsorship from the local Anheuser-Busch distributor. Since then the campus and stadium have gone dry and the song has fallen out of favor. The alumni band still plays the song in recognition of the past.
. The alumni band then sits at the Northwest corner of Sun Devil Stadium
to perform stand tunes from years past.
won the first Dr. Robert "Coach" Fleming Outstanding Band Award in honor of the Sun Devil Marching Band's eleventh band director.
sponsors awards to Outstanding Freshmen, Outstanding Senior, and Outstanding All Around members of the Sun Devil Marching Band.
, California
for either the USC
or UCLA
games. The band continues to travel bi-annually to Tucson
, Arizona
to play against rival University of Arizona
. They also follow the football team to any bowl game that they get invited to if funding is available.
. The bowl payout for 2006 was $300,000 in addition the Pac-10 conference paid $389,000 (total $689,000) to offset expenses for the university. However, the university spent $824,000 total on the trip, losing $135,000 on the trip. In contrast the 1999 & 2000 Aloha Bowl paid $750,000 with no conference contribution, but with a higher ticket guarantee and only lost $70,000 on each trip. The bowl after decided to drop the Pac-10 Conference deal and made a current deal with Conference USA.
at the clip. In the middle of the sunburst is a mirror which represents the illumination of not only the sun, but also the bright personality a Sun Devil reflects. The arms of the jacket are black, with white gauntlets fastened with suns, and white gloves using Velcro. A cape with the ASU lettering is added to the ensemble as a throwback to capes worn by the band in years past. The pants are purely black, rising to about chest level with the aid of suspenders. Black Viper marching shoes are used paired with equally black socks.
. The bottom bass drum in the battery section is known as the "thumper" for count offs for the band during march around the stadium, parades, and entering the field for halftime shows.
.
Brass
Woodwinds
and Majestic Percussion
, Pro-Mark Drumsticks, Remo
, and Avedis Zildjian Company
. In the past outside of marching season the drum line has branched out to other spectrums of percussion world such as forming ASU PASIC Drumline in 1995 with Percussive Arts Society International Convention
being held locally and hosted by Dr. J.B. Smith, Professor of Music and the Coordinator of Percussion Studies in the School of Music at Arizona State University
, at Phoenix Civic Plaza in Phoenix, Arizona
. With the recent sensation of indoor percussion has had few lines part take in it. Initially with the 1998 ASU Spring Line and with the addition of the pit during the 2006 marching season the staff formed the 2007 ASU Winter Drumline. Competing locally in the Winter Guard Arizona circuit as well as nationally in Winter Guard International Percussion Regionals
in Phoenix
and Las Vegas
in order to qualify in Winter Guard International Percussion World Championship
in Dayton, Ohio
. The winter line though has been on hold due to constraints since its inaugural line in 2007.
Battery
Front Ensemble
held in Dayton, Ohio
.
and traveled annually to San Jose, California
for the Women's Pac-10 tournament before it was moved to coincide with the Men's Pac-10 tournament in Los Angeles
, California
. They also follow the teams to any NCAA and NIT
tournaments they qualify for.
Combo that specializes in Early Jazz, Ragtime
, and Swing Music, focusing primarily on the music of Louis Armstrong
, Bix Biederbecke, King Oliver, and Freddie Keppard
. The Dixie Devils can be seen outside around Sun Devil Stadium at all Sun Devil home football games, select basketball and baseball games and are available for all functions, Commercial or Private. Sparky's Sliders is an all Trombone Dixie Band that can be seen inside Wells Fargo Arena for Devil's Lair tailgating entertaining fans before games.
. Pursuant with purposes of Kappa Kappa Psi
, the Beta Omicron chapter works to serve the ASU Bands by "assisting the Director of Bands in developing the leadership and enthusiasm that is required of his/her band." Goals are to provide the band not only with organized and concentrated service activities, but to give our membership valid and wholesome experiences in organization, leadership, and social contacts.
The honorary nature of membership is based on the premise that “it is an honor to be selected to serve” the band, its department of music, its sponsoring institution, and the cause of band music in the nation's colleges and universities.
The ASU Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi was founded on November 12, 1949. Since that time, Beta Omicron has been awarded the Founder's Trophy twice (1985 and 2003), the F. Lee Bowling Participation Award once (1993), recognized as a "Top Chapter" 11 times, and served as a host site for the National Convention twice (1993 and 2009). Beta Omicron has also hosted the Western District Convention once (1989) and the Western District Leadership Conference twice (1999 and 2008).
Of special note, the ASU Bands were originally served by 2 fraternities: the Beta Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi for male bandsmen and the Sigma Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
(ΤΒΣ) for female bandsmen. In 1978, ASU was the first university in the country to merge these brother fraternities into a coed chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, with the female members of TBΣ being formally initiated into Kappa Kappa Psi.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
in Tempe, Arizona
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, with the Census Bureau reporting a 2010 population of 161,719. The city is named after the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix; it is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Scottsdale...
. The Sun Devil Marching Band motto is “Expect Great Things.” The acronym EGT is inscribed on a sign that hangs from the director’s podium towering over the band's practice field, and is a symbol of the high standards that band members strive to meet. The ASU Band program, which includes the Marching and Pep bands, the Wind Ensemble, and the Symphonic Band, is a part of the Katherine K. Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, School of Music. The band is currently under the direction of Director of Athletic Bands James G. Hudson, who took over the program in 2006. The Sun Devil Marching Band is a major ambassador for Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
and the state of Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. Each year almost 500,000 people are entertained by the band, which plays at home football at Sun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium is an outdoor football stadium, located on the campus of Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona, United States. The stadium's current seating capacity is 71,706 and the playing surface is natural grass...
and as a pep band for basketball games at Wells Fargo Arena
Wells Fargo Arena (Tempe)
Wells Fargo Arena is a 10,754-seat multi-purpose arena at 634 E Veterans Way in Tempe, Arizona, USA, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona.Constructed in the spring of 1974 as the as the Arizona State University Activity Center and at the cost of $8 million, the facility also plays host to graduation...
, homecoming, bowl game parades, other community events in the Valley, across the country, and even abroad.
Sun Devil Marching Band History
On September 20, 1915, the Arizona Board of Education accepted and ratified the creation of the Tempe Bulldogs Marching Band under Mrs. Lillian Williams (1915–1917). Under her guidance she furnished on her own the bands instruments, uniforms, and repertoire of standard classical music. The Bulldogs Marching Band though would be discontinued due to World War IWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. Williams last appearance was during 1947 concert as then Sun Devil Marching Band director Felix E. McKernan honored her. The Bulldogs Marching Band return in 1929 under short tenure of the direction of John Paul Jones. In transition under the direction of Carl G. Hoyer in 1937 the band's first bowl appearance for the Tournament of Roses Parade where the band won second prize. Though that year Hoyer would leave after then Arizona governor, Benjamin Baker Moeur
Benjamin Baker Moeur
Benjamin Baker Moeur was the fourth Governor of Arizona, one of the United States of America.Born in Decherd, Tennessee, Moeur was a doctor before running for public office...
, rejected his Arizona State Song for the state song of Arizona. During Dr. Robert G. Lyon five year tenure was the addition of new parade and marching formations as well as swing music. Under Felix E. McKernan direction saw the various changes taken place for the band and the school. In 1946, the school's, mascot was redesigned by former Disney illustrator, Bert Anthony, from the Bulldog to Sparky, the Sun Devil. McKernan made his marks in the band by composing the school's fight song Maroon & Gold, implementing script drill formations in pregame and halftime shows, holding auditions for instrumentation placing, offering scholarships to boost membership, recruiting high school band members, establishing Band Day, and formatting three weekly rehearsals. All of which laid the basis for band to grow rapidly. The band's growing reputation brought a lot of praise from directors across the nation such as Clarence Sawhill (1947–1952) of the USC Trojan Band
Spirit of Troy
The Spirit of Troy, also known as the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band , self-described as "The Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe," represents USC at various collegiate sports, broadcast, popular music recording, and national public appearance functions.The...
proclaimed the band as "The Best Marching Band in the Southwest." McKernan's predecessor, Harold C. Hines, as well added to McKernan's body of work by holding band camp a week before the Fall semester begins, additions to pregame pageantry, 1957 implementing fireworks, band's active role in Proposition 200 in 1958 for university status, and establishing the Alumni Band for Homecoming Games. August 1974 initiated a new period in the history of the Sun Devil Band program with the hiring of two new directors. The two men brought a new style of marching and philosophy to ASU's band program. When Dr. Richard E. "Doc" Strange (1974–1999) became Director of Bands in 1974, the directorship was expanded to include an assistant director. Dr. Robert C. "Coach" Fleming (1974–2002) became ASU's first Assistant Director of Bands; this position was ultimately elevated to Associate Director of Bands, and is now designated Director of Athletic Bands. The Marching Band gained national recognition by performing at the 1987 and 1997 Rose Bowl games and Tournament of Roses Parade
Tournament of Roses Parade
The Tournament of Roses Parade, better known as the Rose Parade, is "America's New Year Celebration", a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and a college football game on New Year's Day , produced by the non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.The annual...
s. Also to the band's credit are performances at Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
, the then Los Angeles Raiders and Los Angeles Rams professional football games, Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
professional basketball games, Sea World
Sea World
Sea World is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, and theme park located on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It includes rides, animal exhibits and other attractions, and promotes conservation through education and through the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. The...
, Knott's Berry Farm
Knott's Berry Farm
Knott's Berry Farm is a theme park in Buena Park, California, now owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, and a line of jams, jellies, preserves, and other specialty food, now part of The J. M. Smucker Company based in Placentia, California....
, Disneyland, Universal Studios
Universal Studios
Universal Pictures , a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, is one of the six major movie studios....
, SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego is an animal theme park, oceanarium, and marine mammal park, located in San Diego, California, United States. The park is owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a division of The Blackstone Group....
, on the deck of the Navy carrier USS Enterprise
USS Enterprise
USS Enterprise may refer to the following vessels:-United States of America:In watercraft, the prefix "USS" or "U.S.S." is applied to ships commissioned by and for the United States Navy. Private citizens also use the name unofficially...
, and the 1990 Coca-Cola Bowl in Tokyo, Japan. Of note during the San Francisco 49er gig fans were impressed by the Sun Devil Marching Band rendition of George Cory's I Left My Heart in San Francisco
I Left My Heart in San Francisco
"I Left My Heart in San Francisco" is a popular song, written in 1954 by George Cory and Douglass Cross, and best known as the signature song of Tony Bennett...
the franchise insisted on the band making a 1963 recording and continued on using it at 49ers home games. On November 9, 1991 the Sun Devil Marching Band became the first Pac-10 marching band to receive the prestigious Sudler Trophy. This great honor is awarded annually to a college or university marching band that has demonstrated the highest musical standards and innovative marching routines and ideas. Recently, on February 3, 2008, the band was invited by the NFL, to be part of the pregame and halftime festivities of Super Bowl XLII
Super Bowl XLII
Super Bowl XLII was an American football game on February 3, 2008 that featured the National Football Conference champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference champion New England Patriots to decide the National Football League champion for the 2007 season...
in Glendale
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
.
Directors
- Lillian Williams, 1915–17
- John Paul Jones, 1929–30
- Carl G. Hoyer, 1931–37
- Dr. Robert G. Lyon, 1938–43
- Miles A. Dresskell, 1945
- Felix E. McKernan, 1946–51
- Harold C. Hines, 1952–65
- William H. Hill, 1966–69
- William Mitchell 1969
- Dr. Kenneth O. Snapp, 1970–73
- Dr. Robert C. “Coach” Fleming, 1974–2001
- Martin Province, 2002–2005
- James G. Hudson, 2006–Present
Staff
Sun Devil Marching Band has Graduate Teaching Assistants, Adjunct Instructors, and Student Staff who work under the Director and alongside the Drum Majors in running the band. For each section of the band, there is an individual instructor who specializes in the specific line's main concentration. The band also offers full-time student members annual paid jobs such as Athletic Band Librarians, Office Assistants, and Equipment Managers. Athletic Band Librarians are responsible for ensuring that music and drill sheets are printed and ready for rehearsals, in addition to managing the band music library. Office Assistants are responsible for assisting clerical work in the band office. Equipment Managers, along with being full-time students at ASU, are required to have a valid driver’s license and be 21 years of age; they are responsible for transporting drum major podiums, plumes for shakos, percussion instruments, and sousaphones with cases to each home game.Drum Majors
| Year | Drum Majors |
|---|---|
| 1950 | Duke Miller |
| 1951 | Duke Miller |
| 1952 | Bill Lester |
| 1973 | Steve Banks |
| 1974 | Steve Banks |
| 1975 | Steve Banks |
| 1976 | Dave Henderson |
| 1977 | Dave Henderson |
| 1978 | Dave Henderson |
| 1979 | Dave Henderson |
| 1984 | Jon Gomez |
| 1985 | Jon Gomez |
| 1986 | Jon Gomez |
| 1987 | Jon Gomez, Mike Goodwin |
| 1996 | Susanne Butcher, Michelle Butcher, Tawnya Milligan, Kristi Olsen |
| 1997 | Ginger Lockhart, Michelle Butcher, Cheryl Muller, Tawnya Milligan |
| 1998 | Ginger Lockhart, Jaime Ali, Cheryl Muller |
| 1999 | Cheryl Muller, Tawnya Milligan, June Wagner |
| 2000 | June Wagner, Emily Davis |
| 2001 | Emily Davis, Nathan Johnston, Ty Largo, Tawnya Milligan |
| 2002 | Tawnya Milligan, Shane Edrington, Nathan Johnston, Ty Largo |
| 2003 | Alex Raines, Shane Edrington, Nathan Johnston, Katie Thomas |
| 2004 | Alex Raines, Ivan Pour, Katie Thomas, TJ Witucky |
| 2005 | Ivan Pour, Liz Salazar, Tim Rall, TJ Witucky |
| 2006 | Chris Boccuzzo, DeAnna Uranga, Katie Rennell |
| 2007 | Chris Coughlin, DeAnna Uranga, Katie Rennell |
| 2008 | DeAnna Uranga, James Clemmons, Katie Rennell |
| 2009 | James Clemmons, Greg Mills, Jonathan Saturay |
| 2010 | James Clemmons and Greg Mills |
| 2011 | Patricia Estrada, Greg Rudolph, Robert Mattix, and Greg Mills |
Section/Rank Leaders
Each section of the band has a section leader and one or two rank leaders, depending on the size of the section. They oversee their section during sectional rehearsals, which could cover music or marching technique. During games, trips, and other events, the drum majors often rely on the section leaders to help organize the band before parades and other performances. Section leaders are also responsible for administrative tasks for their sections such as ensuring attendance at events, and seeing that all necessary forms are filled out by their section members.Membership
Membership in the Sun Devil Marching Band is open to all university and community college students with previous high school or college marching band experience. In order to receive one credit hour for the class for full-time ASU students and non-degree community college students seeking the credit enrollment in the class is required in order to obtain the credit hour. For some individuals interested in participating in the Sun Devil Marching Band, yet are not considered full-time, degree seeking students at ASU. In the past, these students have been required to apply to ASU as non-degree status in order to register for the course. Currently it is arrange that an alternate “registration” route for those who will only be registered for the marching band course(s), giving them the opportunity to participate in the Sun Devil Marching Band without incurring full tuition costs. Undergraduate music education majors in the School of Music are required to achieve 2 credit hours of marching band to fulfill School of Music requirements. Color Guard, Spirit Squad and Percussion have an additional class to add for one credit hour.Auditions
Battery Percussion, Colorguard, Dance Team/Spirit Squad, Featured Twirlers, and Front Ensemble are the only sections of the Sun Devil Marching Band that require a formal audition during the Spring. Drum Major candidates need to sign up for an audition with the athletic band director. For leadership roles in the band (section/rank leaders) members must sign up for an interview with the athletic band director. Guitar, Piano (Synthesizer), and Bass Players interested are required to sign up for an audition in front of athletic band director. Placement audition within Hornline sections is held during Band Camp in August.Band Camp
One week prior to the start of the Fall semester regular classes, the Sun Devil Marching holds its annual Band Camp. Attending camp is crucial in order to join the band. Recently Band Camp has been modified with the addition of Arizona State University Athletics new indoor practice field known as, the Verde Dickey Center or "The Bubble", on 6th Street and Rural Road where the old band field resided. New relocation of band field is right behind Alberta B. Farrington Softball StadiumAlberta B. Farrington Softball Stadium
Alberta B. Farrington Softball Stadium is the home of the Arizona State University Sun Devils college softball team. The stadium holds 1,535 fans and was built around the old stadium's existing field and was completed in 2000...
. With "The Bubble" the band has the opportunity to avoid the Arizona dry heat during the day when the Bubble is not occupied by the football team. Camp is also held at Gammage Auditorium
Gammage Auditorium
Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium is considered to be the last public commission of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Groundbreaking took place and construction on the building began on May 23, 1962. It took 25 months to complete. The built-on-time, under-budget building opened in 1964 with the...
for indoor rehearsals and gatherings. This camp involves extensive marching and playing exercises designed to introduce new members to the Sun Devil Marching Band style and "warm-up" old members. The pre-game show, the first half-time show, and much of the season's show music (at a minimum) is rehearsed during this camp. Other camp activities involve instrument, uniform, and music checkout, part placement auditions, and get-acquainted orientation social functions. Traditionally the Sousaphone players have a custom of welcoming their new members known as "Tuba Baptism" in Cady Fountain on Cady Mall. During this initiation the new members are call out one by one to receive their nickname. Through the course of the season they are to figure out the origin of their nickname and if not solved is later revealed at the end of the season. Additionally, incoming Freshmen and new members of the band, or "Blue Chippers", are expected to learn and perform "Maroon and Gold" and the ASU Alma Mater on the last evening of the camp.
Rehearsal
During the Fall semester the band meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Color guard, Percussion, and Spirit Squad run separate rehearsals after from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and full band in the morning of game day. Rehearsals are used to perfect and improve the many shows the band member will have to learn. Attendance is mandatory for every member at all rehearsals, performances, and official functions. Unless excused absence, a member can be held from a performance, receive a lower letter grade, dropped from the class for excessive unexcused absences. After the Friday rehearsal before a game day, the whole band joins in arms to sing the Alma Mater.Pitchfork Pep Rally
Brand new university tradition for 2010 Fall Semester held on Thursdays at noon right at the Memorial Union North Stage. The purpose of the rally is to encourage student attendance at student athletic events on campus.Friday Night Mill Band
Tradition started in the 2009 Fall Semester of going onto Mill Avenue and playing a few songs for Mill Avenue patrons the Friday night before a home football game.Game Day
The Sun Devil Marching Band starts off game day with a short morning rehearsal to go over pre-game and halftime material. Two hours before the game starts, Devil Walk, a fairly new tradition where the band performs welcoming fans and the football team as they arrive to Sun Devil StadiumSun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium is an outdoor football stadium, located on the campus of Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona, United States. The stadium's current seating capacity is 71,706 and the playing surface is natural grass...
. After warming up on the steps of Wells Fargo Arena
Wells Fargo Arena (Tempe)
Wells Fargo Arena is a 10,754-seat multi-purpose arena at 634 E Veterans Way in Tempe, Arizona, USA, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona.Constructed in the spring of 1974 as the as the Arizona State University Activity Center and at the cost of $8 million, the facility also plays host to graduation...
the band performs standstill Pregame and Halftime show excerpts. The band then marches around parking lot 59 en route to the North Gate in preparation of Pregame. During this trek through lot 59, a couple can be seen chucking bags of peanuts at members of the band to consume later in the stands. This couple, Dave and Jenni Ryon know affectionally by the band as the "Peanut People" have continued this tradition since 1981 at all home games. Pregame starts with the battery entering the field from the Northeast Entrance performing their drum cadence
Drum cadence
In music, a drum cadence is a work played exclusively by the percussion section of a modern marching band , descended from early military marches, primarily as a purposefully emphasized means of providing a beat to marchers and often using patterned rhythmic drum strokes to produce a drum beat.A...
, "Big Game." Towards the end of the cadence the rest of the band then storms on to the field into formation performing Pregame Fanfare, Maroon & Gold. In the past, the band - including sousaphones, would run out from the South Endzone tunnel in what was called the "Trot". God Bless the USA
God Bless the USA
"God Bless the USA" is an American patriotic song written and recorded by country musician Lee Greenwood. The first Greenwood album it appears on is 1984's You've Got a Good Love Comin'. It reached No...
, National Anthem
National anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
, and Arizona State University Alma Mater make up the core of pregame music with variations made for presentations and special events. After the pregame show, the band performs "Go Go Devils" also known as The Al Davis Fight Song, while forming a "Pitchfork" at the South Endzone for the Sun Devil players to go through during football team's introduction. The band then exits the field and makes their way to Section 19, which is reserved for band to perform stand tunes to support the football team and rile up the student section and fans. The band then returns to the field at Halftime for a performance. For a season, the band performs up to 4 to 5 Halftime shows depending on how many home games are scheduled. During the third quarter, a selected group of band members known as the traveling band plays for many seating areas within the stadium for an up close experience for fans to enjoy. This group can be seen sprinting through concession areas between stops at seating areas.
The Fight Songs
"Maroon & Gold", ASU’s fight song, is a familiar tune for Sun Devils all over the country, but it is not the only "fight song" at Arizona State. In the 1940s, band director Albert Davis wrote "Go, Go Sun Devils" (more commonly known to the band as "The Al Davis Fight Song"). Although Davis retired in the 1950s, to this day, the Sun Devil Marching Band continues to play the Al Davis Fight Song in their pregame performance as the Sun Devils come out of the tunnel onto the field, and occasionally makes up humorous lyrics.Latest Stand Tunes Repertoire
- Back in BlackBack in Black (song)"Back in Black" is a song by AC/DC, appearing as the first track on side two of their 1980 album, Back in Black. Known for its opening guitar riff, the song was AC/DC's tribute to their former singer Bon Scott...
by AC/DCAC/DCAC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"... - Crazy in Love by Beyoncé
- Come Out and PlayCome Out and Play (song)"Come Out and Play" is a song by the Californian punk rock group The Offspring. It is the seventh track on their third album Smash and was released as the first single from that album. The song was the second single to be released by the band, following "I'll Be Waiting/Blackball"...
by The OffspringThe OffspringThe Offspring is an American punk rock band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1984. Known as Manic Subsidal until 1986, the band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Dexter Holland, lead guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman, bassist Greg K. and drummer Pete Parada... - Enter SandmanEnter Sandman"Enter Sandman" is a 1991 song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released as the first single from their eponymous fifth album, Metallica. The music was written by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich...
by MetallicaMetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ... - GodzillaGodzilla (song)"Godzilla" is a song by Blue Öyster Cult from their 5th album Spectres. The lyrics are a tribute to the popular movie monster of the same name. The song is, along with " The Reaper" and "Burnin' for You", one of Blue Öyster Cult's best known songs and has become a staple of their live performances...
by Blue Öyster CultBlue Öyster CultBlue Öyster Cult, often abbreviated BÖC, is an American rock band, most of whose members first came together in Long Island, NY in 1967 as the band Soft White Underbelly... - Hey Ya!Hey Ya!"Hey Ya!" is a song written and produced by André 3000 for his 2003 album The Love Below, part of the hip hop duo OutKast's double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. The song takes influence from funk and rock music...
by OutKastOutKastOutkast is an American hip hop duo based in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They were originally known as Two Shades Deep but later changed the group's name to OutKast... - Highway to HellHighway to Hell (song)"Highway to Hell" is the opening track of AC/DC's 1979 album Highway to Hell and the twelfth track on AC/DC Live. It was initially released as a single in 1979....
by AC/DCAC/DCAC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"... - HolidayHoliday (Green Day song)7" picture discVinyl Boxset* Live tracks recorded September 21, 2004 at Irving Plaza, New York-Music video:The first half of the video takes place in a car , where Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool are partying around the town...
by Green DayGreen DayGreen Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool... - Immigrant SongImmigrant Song"Immigrant Song" is a song by the English rock band Led Zeppelin. It was released as a single from their third album, Led Zeppelin III, in 1970.-Overview:...
by Led ZeppelinLed ZeppelinLed Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham... - Imperial March by John WilliamsJohn WilliamsJohn Towner Williams is an American composer, conductor, and pianist. In a career spanning almost six decades, he has composed some of the most recognizable film scores in the history of motion pictures, including the Star Wars saga, Jaws, Superman, the Indiana Jones films, E.T...
- O FortunaO Fortuna"O Fortuna" is a medieval Latin Goliardic poem written early in the thirteenth century, part of the collection known as the Carmina Burana. It is a complaint about fate, and Fortuna, a goddess in Roman mythology and personification of luck....
by Carl OrffCarl OrffCarl Orff was a 20th-century German composer, best known for his cantata Carmina Burana . In addition to his career as a composer, Orff developed an influential method of music education for children.-Early life:... - PattonPatton (film)Patton is a 1970 American biographical war film about U.S. General George S. Patton during World War II. It stars George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Michael Bates, and Karl Michael Vogler. It was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner from a script by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H...
by Jerry GoldsmithJerry GoldsmithJerrald King Goldsmith was an American composer and conductor most known for his work in film and television scoring.... - Purple HazePurple Haze"Purple Haze" is a song written in 1966 and recorded in 1967 by The Jimi Hendrix Experience and released as a single in both the United Kingdom and the United States. It appeared on their 1967 album Are You Experienced...
by Jimi HendrixJimi HendrixJames Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter... - Runnin' with the DevilRunnin' With the Devil"Runnin' with the Devil" is a rock song and the first track from Van Halen's 1978 eponymous debut album. The song lyrics were inspired by the Ohio Players song "Runnin' from the Devil". In 2009 it was named the 9th greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1....
by Van HalenVan HalenVan Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. The band has enjoyed success since the release of its debut album, Van Halen, . As of 2007 Van Halen has sold 80 million albums worldwide and has had the most #1 hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart... - The Ocean by Led ZeppelinLed ZeppelinLed Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
- Smoke on the WaterSmoke on the Water"Smoke on the Water" is a song by the British hard rock band Deep Purple. It was first released on their 1972 album Machine Head. In 2004, the song was ranked number 426 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time, and in March 2005, Q magazine placed "Smoke on the Water"...
by Deep PurpleDeep PurpleDeep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre... - The Throne RoomStar Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (soundtrack)John Williams' score for Star Wars was recorded over eight sessions at Anvil Studios in Denham, England on March 5, 8–12, 15 and 16, 1977. The score was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra with Williams himself conducting...
by John WilliamsJohn WilliamsJohn Towner Williams is an American composer, conductor, and pianist. In a career spanning almost six decades, he has composed some of the most recognizable film scores in the history of motion pictures, including the Star Wars saga, Jaws, Superman, the Indiana Jones films, E.T... - Through the Fire and FlamesThrough the Fire and Flames"Through the Fire and Flames" is a song by English power metal band DragonForce. The song is acclaimed as the most successful song by the band. The song is a single as well as the opening track from DragonForce's third album, Inhuman Rampage, and features rapid twin guitar solos by Herman Li and...
by DragonForceDragonForceDragonForce are an English power metal band from London. Formed in 1999, the group is known for its long and fast guitar solos, fantasy-based lyrics, and electronic sounds in their music to add to their retro video game-influenced sound. Guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman are the only two... - YYZYYZ (song)For the airport YYZ, see Toronto Pearson International Airport."YYZ" is an instrumental rock piece by Canadian rock band Rush, from the 1981 album Moving Pictures....
by RushRush (band)Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart...
Past Stand Tunes Repertoire
The band once played Here Comes the KingHere Comes the King
Here Comes the King is a well-known advertising jingle written for Budweiser, whose slogan is "The King of beers." Budweiser is the flagship brand of the Anheuser-Busch brewery....
known as the Budweiser Song when they received sponsorship from the local Anheuser-Busch distributor. Since then the campus and stadium have gone dry and the song has fallen out of favor. The alumni band still plays the song in recognition of the past.
Homecoming Game
On the morning of the Homecoming Game, the band can be seen featured in the Homecoming Parade marching down University Drive. Homecoming also welcomes back Sun Devil Marching Band alums as they follow a previous band tradition warming up in front of the Student Service Building. They also get re-acquainted with Frank Kush Field performing Pregame Fanfare and Maroon and GoldMaroon and Gold
"Maroon & Gold" is the official fight song of Arizona State University. It was composed by former Director of Sun Devil Marching Band, Felix E. McKernan, in 1948.-Alma mater:...
. The alumni band then sits at the Northwest corner of Sun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium is an outdoor football stadium, located on the campus of Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona, United States. The stadium's current seating capacity is 71,706 and the playing surface is natural grass...
to perform stand tunes from years past.
Duel in the Desert
On the morning of the rivalry game against Arizona Wildcats both Sun Devil Marching Band and Pride of Arizona join together to host the Battle of the Bands. This event is free to the public as both of the bands play their shows for each other and combine together afterwards to rehearse on a tune to be performed at halftime.Special Appearance Performances
In the 2006 and 2007 seasons the band had opportunities of bringing in guest appearances of nationally and world renowned recording artists for halftime performances.- Horn-based soul band Tower of PowerTower of PowerTower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing for over 43 years. They are best known for their funky soul sound highlighted by a powerful horn section...
performing their hits You're Still a Young ManBump CityBump City is the second album by the soul/funk group Tower of Power. The album cover is derived from a sketch by David Garibaldi. It's also their first album for Warner Bros. Records...
/ Diggin' on James BrownSoul Vaccination: LiveSoul Vaccination: Live is the fourth live album by the soul/funk group Tower of Power.- Track listing :# "Soul with a Capital 'S'" - 5:04# "I Like Your Style" - 3:42# "Soul Vaccination" - 4:56# "Down to the Night Club " - 3:14...
and So Very Hard to Go/ What is Hip?Tower of Power (album)The album peaked at #15 on the Billboard Pop Album Chart in 1973 and received a gold record award for sales in excess of 500,000. The album also spawned their most successful single, "So Very Hard To Go". Although the single peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, "So Very Hard To Go" landed in...
during November 18, 2006 game against UCLA BruinsUCLA BruinsThe UCLA Bruins are the sports teams for University of California, Los Angeles . The Bruin men's and women's teams participate in NCAA Division I as part of the Pacific-12 Conference and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation . For football, they are in the Football Bowl Subdivision of Division I... - Rendition of Juan Tizol'sJuan TizolJuan Tizol was a Puerto Rican trombonist and composer.He was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Music was a large part of his life from an early age. His first instrument was the violin, but he soon switched to valve trombone, the instrument he would play throughout his career...
CaravanCaravan (song)"Caravan" is a jazz standard composed by Juan Tizol and first performed by Duke Ellington in 1937. Irving Mills wrote the lyrics, but he sometimes is not credited on the many instrumental versions. Its exotic sound interested exotica musicians; Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman both covered it. Woody...
with The Boston Brass quintet during the October 13, 2007 game against Washington HuskiesWashington HuskiesWashington Huskies is the nickname of the University of Washington's athletic teams. The school is a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The athletic program is made up of 9 men's sports and 10 women's sports Washington Huskies is the nickname of the University of Washington's athletic teams. The... - Musical legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Little RichardLittle RichardRichard Wayne Penniman , known by the stage name Little Richard, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist, and actor, considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the 1950s. He was also the first artist to put the funk in the rock and roll beat and...
performing his hits Tutti FruttiTutti Frutti (song)"Tutti Frutti" is a 1955 song by Little Richard, which became his first hit record. With its opening cry of "A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bop-bop!" and its hard-driving sound and wild lyrics, it became not only a model for many future Little Richard songs, but also one of the...
; Jenny, Jenny; and Good Golly Miss Molly during Thanksgiving Day November 22, 2007 game against USC TrojansUSC TrojansThe USC Trojans are the athletic teams representing the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. While the men's teams are nicknamed the Trojans, the women's athletic teams are referred to as either the Trojans or Women of Troy...
Arizona State University Band Day
The first Band Day was held on December 4, 1948 in conjunction with the 1948 Homecoming. Since then, the ASU Sun Devil Marching Band hosts its Band Day on the football team's road game or bye week at Sun Devil Stadium. High school bands from all over the state of Arizona come to play for judges and their peers. About 50+ high school bands perform, followed by the Sun Devil Marching Band. There is a morning block for one half of the bands to perform and a night block known as Sun Devil Showdown of the rest of the bands to perform which makes Band Day an all-day event, as well as making ASU Band Day the biggest marching band competition in the state. For the 2008 Band Day, the top high school band, Mesa Mountain View Toro BandMountain View High School (Mesa)
Mountain View High School is a high school in Mesa, Arizona. It was established in 1976. It is known for its numerous athletic and academic accomplishments...
won the first Dr. Robert "Coach" Fleming Outstanding Band Award in honor of the Sun Devil Marching Band's eleventh band director.
Pass in Review
Towards the end of every marching season the band performs Pregame and all Halftime shows headlining the "Pass in Review" concert held this past year in Wells Fargo Arena. A compact disc recording of the Sun Devil Marching Band performance at Pass in Review is available through Sun Devil Marching Band Merchandise Website. Pass in Review also takes time to recognize upperclass band members who will not be returning the following year by allowing them to lead in a rendition of Maroon & Gold.Band Banquet
Annual event where all members are encouraged to come and bring their families to share an evening of awards, remembrance, and celebration. Sun Devil Marching Band recognizes members with excellent service records. The awards of note for service records are that three year members get a Sun Devil Marching Band lined windbreaker and four year members get a Sun Devil Marching Band watch. Kappa Kappa PsiKappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternity for college and university band members. It was founded on November 27, 1919 at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater, Oklahoma. William Scroggs, now regarded as the "Founder," together with "Mr. Kappa Kappa Psi" A...
sponsors awards to Outstanding Freshmen, Outstanding Senior, and Outstanding All Around members of the Sun Devil Marching Band.
Trips
The band has traveled all over the original Pac-10. Prior to 2009, the band made an annual trip to Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
for either the USC
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
or UCLA
University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, USA. It was founded in 1919 as the "Southern Branch" of the University of California and is the second oldest of the ten campuses...
games. The band continues to travel bi-annually to Tucson
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a city in and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States. The city is located 118 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The 2010 United States Census puts the city's population at 520,116 with a metropolitan area population at 1,020,200...
, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
to play against rival University of Arizona
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a land-grant and space-grant public institution of higher education and research located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The University of Arizona was the first university in the state of Arizona, founded in 1885...
. They also follow the football team to any bowl game that they get invited to if funding is available.
Bowl game appearances
- The 1987 and 1997 Rose Bowl, the "Granddaddy of them all" in PasadenaPasadena, CaliforniaPasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Although famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena is the home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology , the Jet...
, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area... - The 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1983 Fiesta BowlFiesta BowlThe Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Frito-Lay and named with their Tostitos brand, is a United States college football bowl game played annually at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Between its origination in 1971 and 2006, the game was hosted in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil...
in TempeTempe, ArizonaTempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, with the Census Bureau reporting a 2010 population of 161,719. The city is named after the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix; it is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Scottsdale...
, ArizonaArizonaArizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
(now in GlendaleGlendale, ArizonaGlendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
, ArizonaArizonaArizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
) - The 1985, 2002, and 2007 Holiday BowlHoliday BowlThe Holiday Bowl is a post-season NCAA-sanctioned Division I-A college football bowl game that has been played annually at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California, since 1978. Beginning with the 2010 playing the bowl will officially be known as the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl after...
in San Diego, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area... - The 1940, 1941, 1997, and 2004 Sun BowlSun BowlThe Sun Bowl is an annual U.S. college football bowl game that is usually played at the end of December in El Paso, Texas. The Sun Bowl, along with the Sugar Bowl and the Orange Bowl are the second-oldest bowl games in the country, behind the Rose Bowl...
in El PasoEl Paso, TexasEl Paso, is a city in and the county seat of El Paso County, Texas, United States, and lies in far West Texas. In the 2010 census, the city had a population of 649,121. It is the sixth largest city in Texas and the 19th largest city in the United States...
, TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in... - The 2005 Insight BowlInsight BowlThe Insight Bowl is an NCAA college football bowl game played in Arizona since 1989. From 1989 to 1999, the games were played at Arizona Stadium in Tucson. The game moved to Phoenix in 2000 and was played at Chase Field until 2005. After the 2005 playing the Insight Bowl moved to Sun Devil Stadium...
in PhoenixPhoenix, ArizonaPhoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, ArizonaArizonaArizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
(now in TempeTempe, ArizonaTempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, with the Census Bureau reporting a 2010 population of 161,719. The city is named after the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix; it is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Scottsdale...
, ArizonaArizonaArizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
) - The 1987 Freedom BowlFreedom BowlThe Freedom Bowl was an annual post-season college football bowl game played at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California, from 1984 to 1994. Beginning with the 1995 season, the Freedom Bowl's WAC tie-ins were merged with that of the Holiday Bowl and the game was dissolved...
in Anaheim, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
(now the Holiday BowlHoliday BowlThe Holiday Bowl is a post-season NCAA-sanctioned Division I-A college football bowl game that has been played annually at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California, since 1978. Beginning with the 2010 playing the bowl will officially be known as the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl after...
) - The 1999 and 2000 Aloha BowlAloha BowlThe Aloha Bowl was a National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision college football bowl game played in Honolulu, Hawaii at Aloha Stadium. With the exception of the 1983-86 playings, the Aloha Bowl was traditionally played on Christmas morning in Honolulu. For most of its...
in [[ʻAiea, Hawaii]] - The 1970 Peach Bowl in Atlanta, GeorgiaGeorgia (U.S. state)Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
(now the Chick-fil-A BowlChick-fil-A BowlThe Chick-fil-A Bowl, formerly called the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, and before that simply called the Peach Bowl, is an annual college football bowl game played in Atlanta, Georgia since December 1968. The first three Peach Bowls were played at Grant Field on the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta....
) - The 1978 Garden State BowlGarden State BowlThe Garden State Bowl was an annual post-season college football bowl game played at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, from 1978 to 1981...
in East Rutherford, New JerseyNew JerseyNew Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware... - The 1950 and 1951 Salad BowlSalad BowlSalad Bowl can refer to the following:* Salad bowl , a cultural idea referring to the United States* Salad Bowl , a defunct, annual, post-season college football bowl game...
in PhoenixPhoenix, ArizonaPhoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, ArizonaArizonaArizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
(now the Fiesta BowlFiesta BowlThe Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Frito-Lay and named with their Tostitos brand, is a United States college football bowl game played annually at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Between its origination in 1971 and 2006, the game was hosted in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil...
) - The 1990 Coca-Cola Bowl in TokyoTokyo, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
2006 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
On one occasion the band was unable to support the Sun Devil football team at the 2006 Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl in Honolulu (Halawa), HawaiiHawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. The bowl payout for 2006 was $300,000 in addition the Pac-10 conference paid $389,000 (total $689,000) to offset expenses for the university. However, the university spent $824,000 total on the trip, losing $135,000 on the trip. In contrast the 1999 & 2000 Aloha Bowl paid $750,000 with no conference contribution, but with a higher ticket guarantee and only lost $70,000 on each trip. The bowl after decided to drop the Pac-10 Conference deal and made a current deal with Conference USA.
Timeline
- 1915-1917 Cap and Coat
- 1929 All White Uniform, Military Boots, and Dark Cape
- 1938 Women's Bugle Corps wore Maroon and Gold Uniforms
- 1947 Red Coats, White Pants, Red Officer-Style Hats, and White Shoes
- 1957 Black wool coat and pants with a cream overlay, Black West Point cap with Gold sunburst front emblem, White plume, and White Gloves
- 1972 The first custom-designed college band uniforms in the US, uniform was designed by the ASU College of Art and manufactured using a new wool/poly blend fabric designed specifically for use in hotter climates. Gold short-waist tail coat, front/back tails/sleeve cuffs appliqued and embroidered with a satin rising sun and Red, Yellow, Orange, and Purple satin flames with an emerging Maroon Sparky pitchfork; Gold wool/poly blend high-waisted pants with Maroon and White stripes down the outside of the leg; Gold fur 12" Busby with White Feather Plume, White Gloves, and White Shoes
- 1980s Various versions of Maroon pants and Gold drum corps-style blouses with Maroon/White sashing, Maroon velour cowboy hats.
- 1990s Maroon pants with Gold/White button front jackets, with a shoulder-attached multicolored satin cape, the front in stripes of Maroon, Gold, Royal Blue, Turquoise, and Orange imitating the Arizona State Flag, the reverse solid gold satin. Maroon and white West Point hats with gold sunburst front emblem and White feather plume, white gloves, white shoes.
- 2005 Short lived Maroon pants with Gold Pitchforks on the sides and on the collar, Gold jacket with emblazoned Sparky logo on the chest, emblazoned ASU logos on the shoulders, custom Sun Devils logo on back, Maroon with emblazoned Gold flames hats, White feather plume, White gloves, and White shoes.
Current Uniforms
In 2007, in its 60th season titled as the Sun Devil Marching Band the band received a very generous donation from donor Dr. Verde Dickey, funding the purchase of a new set of uniforms for the Sun Devil Marching Band. These new uniforms consist of white jackets fading into gold with a sunburstSunburst (design)
A Sunburst is a design or figure commonly used in architectural ornaments and design patterns. It consists of rays or "beams" radiating out from a central disk in the manner of sunbeams. Sometimes part of a sunburst, a semicircular or semi-elliptical shape, is used...
at the clip. In the middle of the sunburst is a mirror which represents the illumination of not only the sun, but also the bright personality a Sun Devil reflects. The arms of the jacket are black, with white gauntlets fastened with suns, and white gloves using Velcro. A cape with the ASU lettering is added to the ensemble as a throwback to capes worn by the band in years past. The pants are purely black, rising to about chest level with the aid of suspenders. Black Viper marching shoes are used paired with equally black socks.
Instrumentation
The marching band uses many different instruments of varying range and sound in its ranks. Providing a central point to tempo and beat by conducting on the sideline are the three Drum Majors. The hornline is divided into two major groups: woodwinds and brass. In addition to the hornline, the band also uses a percussion section that is divided into a marching battery of drums and a stationary sideline pit. With presence of a pit as part of the percussion section, it makes the Sun Devil Devil Marching Band one of the few college marching bands to field a pit. The other Pac-12 marching band currently fielding a pit is the Oregon Marching BandOregon Marching Band
The Oregon Marching Band is the marching band of the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, United States. With nearly 240 members, it is the largest student organization on campus, and its members come from nearly every department and major at the university...
. The bottom bass drum in the battery section is known as the "thumper" for count offs for the band during march around the stadium, parades, and entering the field for halftime shows.
Hornline
Hornline is sponsored by Jupiter Band InstrumentsJupiter Band Instruments
Jupiter Band Instruments, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Jupiter was established by its Taiwanese parent company KHS in 1980.-History:...
.
Brass
- Trumpets
- Mellophones
- Trombones
- Bass Trombones
- Euphoniums
- Baritones
- Sousaphones
Woodwinds
- Piccolos
- Clarinets
- Alto Saxophones
- Tenor Saxophones
- Baritone Saxophone
Percussion
Percussion is sponsored by Mapex DrumsMapex Drums
Mapex Drums is a drum brand manufactured by KHS Musical Instruments Company of Taiwan. Mapex has been in the drum making industry for over 18 years.-Products:...
and Majestic Percussion
Majestic Percussion
Majestic Holland B.V. is a manufacturer of percussion instruments based in the Netherlands, and is a division of musical instrument manufacturer van der Glas B.V.. Founded in 1921 by Willem Klazes van der Glas, Majestic claims to be the oldest timpani manufacturer in the Netherlands...
, Pro-Mark Drumsticks, Remo
Remo
Remo is a male given name of Latin origin - see Romulus and Remus.Remo may also refer to:* Remo, an American drum skin company* Remo , another name for the German wine grape Riesling* Remo language, a Panoan language of Brazil and Peru...
, and Avedis Zildjian Company
Avedis Zildjian Company
The Avedis Zildjian Company is a cymbal manufacturer founded in Istanbul by Armenian Avedis Zildjian in the 17th century during the Ottoman Empire. At nearly 400 years old, Zildjian is one of the oldest companies in the world...
. In the past outside of marching season the drum line has branched out to other spectrums of percussion world such as forming ASU PASIC Drumline in 1995 with Percussive Arts Society International Convention
Percussive Arts Society
The Percussive Arts Society is an international music service organization promoting percussion education, research,performance and appreciation.Established in 1961 as a non-profit, music service organization,...
being held locally and hosted by Dr. J.B. Smith, Professor of Music and the Coordinator of Percussion Studies in the School of Music at Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
, at Phoenix Civic Plaza in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
. With the recent sensation of indoor percussion has had few lines part take in it. Initially with the 1998 ASU Spring Line and with the addition of the pit during the 2006 marching season the staff formed the 2007 ASU Winter Drumline. Competing locally in the Winter Guard Arizona circuit as well as nationally in Winter Guard International Percussion Regionals
Winter Guard International
Spawning from the organization Drum Corps International , Winter Guard International was founded in 1977. WGI is a visual performing arts organization that hosts regional and national competitions for color guard and indoor percussion ensembles. Contests are held in the U.S...
in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
and Las Vegas
Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
in order to qualify in Winter Guard International Percussion World Championship
Winter Guard International
Spawning from the organization Drum Corps International , Winter Guard International was founded in 1977. WGI is a visual performing arts organization that hosts regional and national competitions for color guard and indoor percussion ensembles. Contests are held in the U.S...
in Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is the 6th largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Montgomery County, the fifth most populous county in the state. The population was 141,527 at the 2010 census. The Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 841,502 in the 2010 census...
. The winter line though has been on hold due to constraints since its inaugural line in 2007.
Battery
- Snares
- Tenors
- Bass Drums
- Cymbals
Front Ensemble
- Marimbas
- Vibraphones (One Vibraphone player designated dual role of playing Crotales)
- Miscellaneous Percussion Instruments (assigned to mallet players, battery players, and rack players)
- Xylophone/ Glockenspiel
- Bass Guitar
- Guitar
- Synthesizer
- Drum Set (on occasion)
- Timpani (on occasion)
Auxiliary
Outside of the music producing sections of the band are the Sun Devil Spirit Squad/Dance Team, Featured Twirlers, and the Colorguard, all in charge of providing visually stimulating color and movement to the band in addition to the band's show forms and design.Colorguard
Implemented in the 1975 season, known for the most visible aspects of the Sun Devil Marching Band. Presenting the visual story of the band's halftime performance through the use of flags, rifles, sabers, props, and dance. Colorguard members get a "corps-style" choreography and benefit from the instruction by some of the field's leaders. The colorguard program also features a World Class Winterguard in the off season and holds auditions in the fall for the next active winter season. The ASU Winterguard competes locally in the Winter Guard Arizona circuit as well as WGI regional events culminating at the Winter Guard International ChampionshipWinter Guard International
Spawning from the organization Drum Corps International , Winter Guard International was founded in 1977. WGI is a visual performing arts organization that hosts regional and national competitions for color guard and indoor percussion ensembles. Contests are held in the U.S...
held in Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is the 6th largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Montgomery County, the fifth most populous county in the state. The population was 141,527 at the 2010 census. The Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 841,502 in the 2010 census...
.
Featured Twirlers
The Feature Twirler position offers one of the most prestigious twirling opportunities in the country. Through competitive auditions for one-year appointments, nationally recognized twirlers are used prominently during all Sun Devil Marching Band shows. The current twirlers are Lauren Basile, Megan Husted, Danielle Cobb and Kristin Brumleau. Handling of the baton instrument to create visual images, pictures, and patterns, executed with dexterity, smoothness, fluidity, and speed, both close in and around the body and by releasing the baton into the air.Spirit Squad/ Dance Team
As a visible representative and ambassador of the university's athletics, the Spirit Squad/Dance Team devotes 15–20 hours every week to rehearsals, football games (home and away), Men's and Women's Basketball games, special appearances, clinics, competitions, and various special events. The creation of the Spirit Squad came in Spring 2008 with the university's decision to disband the cheerleading squad and merge the cheer and dance team, under the direction of the Athletic Band Director. Male members of the Spirit Squad are known as Sparky's Crew, assisting Sparky the Sun Devil and Spirit Squad in cheers with megaphones, banners, and signs.Pep Band
Members of the Marching Band are allowed to participate in the ASU Pep Band, which plays at all home Men's and Women's Basketball games at Wells Fargo ArenaWells Fargo Arena (Tempe)
Wells Fargo Arena is a 10,754-seat multi-purpose arena at 634 E Veterans Way in Tempe, Arizona, USA, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona.Constructed in the spring of 1974 as the as the Arizona State University Activity Center and at the cost of $8 million, the facility also plays host to graduation...
and traveled annually to San Jose, California
San Jose, California
San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...
for the Women's Pac-10 tournament before it was moved to coincide with the Men's Pac-10 tournament in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. They also follow the teams to any NCAA and NIT
National Invitation Tournament
The National Invitation Tournament is a men's college basketball tournament operated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. There are two NIT events each season. The first, played in November and known as the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off , was founded in 1985...
tournaments they qualify for.
Dixieland Bands
In addition the Dixie Devils and Sparky's Sliders are the newest members of the ASU Athletic Band family. Both groups, under the direction of world renown and ASU School of Music Professor Sam Pilafian. Dixie Devils is a traditional six-piece DixielandDixieland
Dixieland music, sometimes referred to as Hot jazz, Early Jazz or New Orleans jazz, is a style of jazz music which developed in New Orleans at the start of the 20th century, and was spread to Chicago and New York City by New Orleans bands in the 1910s.Well-known jazz standard songs from the...
Combo that specializes in Early Jazz, Ragtime
Ragtime
Ragtime is an original musical genre which enjoyed its peak popularity between 1897 and 1918. Its main characteristic trait is its syncopated, or "ragged," rhythm. It began as dance music in the red-light districts of American cities such as St. Louis and New Orleans years before being published...
, and Swing Music, focusing primarily on the music of Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong , nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana....
, Bix Biederbecke, King Oliver, and Freddie Keppard
Freddie Keppard
Freddie Keppard was an early jazz cornetist.Keppard was born in the Creole of Color community of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. His older brother Louis Keppard was also a professional musician. Freddie played violin, mandolin, and accordion before switching to cornet...
. The Dixie Devils can be seen outside around Sun Devil Stadium at all Sun Devil home football games, select basketball and baseball games and are available for all functions, Commercial or Private. Sparky's Sliders is an all Trombone Dixie Band that can be seen inside Wells Fargo Arena for Devil's Lair tailgating entertaining fans before games.
Kappa Kappa Psi (ΚΚΨ) - Beta Omicron Chapter
The ASU Band is served by the Beta Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa PsiKappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternity for college and university band members. It was founded on November 27, 1919 at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater, Oklahoma. William Scroggs, now regarded as the "Founder," together with "Mr. Kappa Kappa Psi" A...
. Pursuant with purposes of Kappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternity for college and university band members. It was founded on November 27, 1919 at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater, Oklahoma. William Scroggs, now regarded as the "Founder," together with "Mr. Kappa Kappa Psi" A...
, the Beta Omicron chapter works to serve the ASU Bands by "assisting the Director of Bands in developing the leadership and enthusiasm that is required of his/her band." Goals are to provide the band not only with organized and concentrated service activities, but to give our membership valid and wholesome experiences in organization, leadership, and social contacts.
The honorary nature of membership is based on the premise that “it is an honor to be selected to serve” the band, its department of music, its sponsoring institution, and the cause of band music in the nation's colleges and universities.
The ASU Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi was founded on November 12, 1949. Since that time, Beta Omicron has been awarded the Founder's Trophy twice (1985 and 2003), the F. Lee Bowling Participation Award once (1993), recognized as a "Top Chapter" 11 times, and served as a host site for the National Convention twice (1993 and 2009). Beta Omicron has also hosted the Western District Convention once (1989) and the Western District Leadership Conference twice (1999 and 2008).
Of special note, the ASU Bands were originally served by 2 fraternities: the Beta Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi for male bandsmen and the Sigma Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
Tau Beta Sigma
Tau Beta Sigma is a co-educational national honorary band sorority dedicated to serving college and university bands. The Sorority, headquartered at the historic Stillwater Station in Stillwater, Oklahoma, numbers over 3,500 active members in 145 active chapters, and over 40,000 alumni...
(ΤΒΣ) for female bandsmen. In 1978, ASU was the first university in the country to merge these brother fraternities into a coed chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, with the female members of TBΣ being formally initiated into Kappa Kappa Psi.
Discography
- 2009 Pass in Review
- 2008 Pass in Review
- 2007 Pass in Review
- 2006 Pass in Review
- 2005 Pass in Review
- 2004 Pass in Review
- 2003 Pass in Review
- 2002 Pass in Review
- 2001 Pass in Review
- 2000 Pass in Review
- 1999 Pass in Review
- 25 Years of Pride 1974-1998 (Two Disc Set)
- 1998 Pass in Review
- 1997 Pass in Review
- 1996 Pass in Review (very limited issue)
- 1995 Pass in Review
- 1973 Sounds of ASU