Oregon Marching Band
Encyclopedia
The Oregon Marching Band (OMB) 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 marching band serves as the foundation for the larger Oregon Athletic Bands organization that includes the Oregon Basketball Band, Winter Drumline, and the Green and Yellow Garter Bands.
The OMB performs at all home football games at Autzen Stadium
, selected away games, and bowl game
s. Some of the OMB's recent travels have taken them to Seattle, Washington
; Pullman, Washington
; Las Vegas, Nevada
; El Paso, Texas
; San Diego, California
; and Glendale, Arizona
. Other aspects of Oregon athletics
, such as women's volleyball, are also supported by the OMB. The OMB also hosts a large high school marching band competition every fall known as the Festival of Bands.
's game day. The fight song of the Ducks is former director Albert Perfect's "Mighty Oregon
". For the most part, the OMB plays popular tunes from the last 40 years. Some fan favorites include Journey's "Separate Ways", the theme song from Disney's "DuckTales
", "Louie Louie
"", "Ease On Down The Road" from The Wiz
, numerous charts by Earth, Wind & Fire
, and dozens of BBQs.
but with the addition of a full front ensemble (also known as a "pit"). The band is open, so specific instrumentation varies from year to year.
-designed uniforms. For the 2008-09 season the OMB received a new style of uniforms to replace the older set of uniforms that were used from 2003 through the 2007 season, which included green wool jackets and bib pants that blended into Autzen Stadium's turf and dark green motorcycle helmets, which some fans likened to those worn by Nazi storm troopers during World War II. Those uniforms were a gift in 2003 from University of Oregon alumni and cofounder of Nike Phil Knight
. The new band uniforms were designed in partnership with the school's new football and cheerleading uniforms in an effort to give Oregon football game day a brand as well as what they feel is a unique style. The end result put an emphasis on the marching band being "athletic". While the 2003 uniforms met with mixed reactions, including the ire of alumni and donors, the new 2008 uniforms were immediately welcomed.
The green helmets, which the band retired after the 2005 season, are currently being sold to raise money for the band.
, better known as "The Pit". On January 13, 2011, the OBB, along with the rest of the OMB, the Oregon Cheerleaders and the Pit Crew, participated in the opening ceremony for the newly opened Matthew Knight Arena before the men's basketball game against USC. In addition to men's home games, the OBB plays at the women's basketball home Civil War game, and travels with both the men's and women's teams to post-season tournaments.
(GGB) is a select group of twelve players that plays at numerous additional events for the University of Oregon. From funk to rock to hip hop, the GGB plays hundreds of high-energy student-arranged songs to entertain the hundreds of thousands they perform to every year. The group has a faculty advisor, the Director of Athletic Bands, but for the most part is entirely run by its student members. The Green Garter Band performs for all UO Women's Volleyball home games, UO Women's Basketball home games, many UO Softball home games and serves as the core unit of the OBB and OMB. Each year, the GGB also gives approximately 20-25 performances at special Athletic Department events, for the UO School of Music and Dance, for the University at large, and at various special events within the community. In return for their large commitment, Green Garter Band members are awarded scholarships equal to about 12 in-state credits. The demand for the GGB is so high that in 2002 the Yellow Garter Band (YGB) was created to help fulfill the number of requests coming in. The Yellow Garter Band is identical to its Green counterpart in most regards, but has a slightly smaller commitment. In return for their commitment, members of the YGB receive a large book scholarship every term. Together, the Green and Yellow Garter Bands have gained recognition and acclaim on campus, in the community and even nationally.
Marching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
of the University of Oregon
University of Oregon
-Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :...
in Eugene, Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Lane County. It is located at the south end of the Willamette Valley, at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers, about east of the Oregon Coast.As of the 2010 U.S...
, 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 marching band serves as the foundation for the larger Oregon Athletic Bands organization that includes the Oregon Basketball Band, Winter Drumline, and the Green and Yellow Garter Bands.
The OMB performs at all home football games at Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Located north of the University of Oregon campus, it is the home field of the Oregon Ducks of the Pacific-12 Conference. Opened in 1967, the stadium has undergone several expansions...
, selected away games, and bowl game
Bowl game
In North America, a bowl game is commonly considered to refer to one of a number of post-season college football games. Prior to 2002, bowl game statistics were not included in players' career totals and the games were mostly considered to be exhibition games involving a payout to participating...
s. Some of the OMB's recent travels have taken them to Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
; Pullman, Washington
Pullman, Washington
Pullman is the largest city in Whitman County, Washington, United States. The population was 24,675 at the 2000 census and 29,799 according to the 2010 census...
; Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
; El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas
El 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...
; San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
; and Glendale, Arizona
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....
. Other aspects of Oregon athletics
Oregon Ducks
The Oregon Ducks refers to the sports teams of the University of Oregon, located in Eugene, Oregon. The Oregon Ducks are part of the Pacific-12 Conference in the Division 1 of the NCAA. With seventeen varsity teams, the Oregon Ducks are best known for their football team and Track and Field...
, such as women's volleyball, are also supported by the OMB. The OMB also hosts a large high school marching band competition every fall known as the Festival of Bands.
Director of Bands
The Director of Bands is in charge of the Department of Bands at the university, teaches/conducts the Oregon Wind Ensemble, and assists with all of the bands in the department. The position is currently held by Dr. Robert Ponto. Mr. Ponto conducts the Star Spangled Banner at all home football games.Director of Athletic Bands
The Director of Athletic Bands administrates the athletic band program by leading and teaching students, supervising graduate teaching fellows and other assistants, and working with the university and athletic department. This position also serves as an Assistant Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education. The position is held by Dr. Eric Wiltshire, an alumnus of the University of Washington. Along with the athletic bands, Dr. Wiltshire teaches and conducts the Oregon Campus Band.Past directors
| Director | Title | Years in Position |
|---|---|---|
| Albert Perfect | Director, University Bands | 1915-1919 |
| John Stehn | Director, University Bands | 1929-1950 |
| Ira Lee | Director, Athletic Bands | 1950-1956 |
| David Goedecke | Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1966-1968 |
| Gene Lewis | Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1968-1970 |
| Burnette Dillon | Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1970-1975 |
| Gerald Poe | Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1976-1982 |
| Bill Norfleet | Interim Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1982-1983 |
| Steven Paul | Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1983-1988 |
| Patrick Casey | Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1988-1989 |
| David Booth | Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1990-1992 |
| Rod Harkins | Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1992-1995 |
| Sid Haton | Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1995-1999 |
| Todd Zimbelman | Director, Oregon Marching Band | 1999-2005 |
| Patrick Carney | Director, Oregon Athletic Bands | 2005-2006 |
| Eric Wiltshire | Director, Oregon Athletic Bands | 2006-present |
Assistant Director of Bands
The Assistant Director of Bands also serves as an Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education. The Assistant Band Director teaches and conducts the Oregon Symphonic Band and regularly assists with all of the bands in the department. The position is currently held by Dr. Timothy Paul.Instructors and graduate assistants
The Oregon Marching Band employs several instructors and Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTFs) to assist in the teaching and administration of the band. Staff as of 2011:- Administrative Coordinator of Athletic Bands: Sarah Dodson
- Battery Percussion Instructor: Micah Brusse
- Pit Percussion Instructor: Brian Scott
- Arranger: Dr. Sean Wagoner
- Color Guard Instructors: Emily Crocker and Alyssa Gentry
- Graduate Teaching Fellows: Nathan Irby and Julia McCallum
Student positions
The OMB is largely run by its many student leaders. These include section leaders, drum majors, uniform manager, equipment (truck) crew, and the Oregon Athletic Band Council. The drum majors for the 2011-2012 season are Daniel Hartley, Eli Johnson, Raimey Hoff and Paulla Santos.History
- 1908 - University Course Catalogs list a University Band dating back to 1908.
- 1911 - According to the 1916 Oregana, the University Band began in 1911 with Maurice Hyde as Director.
- 1915 - Albert Perfect was hired as the first salaried band director at the University of Oregon.
- 1917 - The band was asked to serve as the University Battalion. This arrangement started a long association for the University Band with the Military Department on campus.
- 1918 - Perfect organized a Ladies Band (also known as the Women’s Band). The Ladies Band was the first on the West Coast (existed until 1919)
- 1919 - Ross Hickernell was hired to replace Perfect. After only one year Hickernell left the University.
- 1910s - Albert Perfect, along with student Dewitt Gilbert, wrote the fight song, Mighty OregonMighty Oregon"Mighty Oregon" is the fight song for the University of Oregon. It is played by the Oregon Marching Band at home football and basketball games. Director of Bands, Albert Perfect, along with journalism student, DeWitt Gilbert, wrote the fight song, "The Mighty Oregon March", which was first...
. The song was first performed on March 4, 1916 (Register Guard, 11-13-81). - 1919 - John Stark Evans, a music professor at the School of Music, wrote “Pledge to Oregon” in 1919. The Oregon Marching Band of the present day sings “Pledge to Oregon” in four parts after Oregon football games.
- 1920 - After Hickernell left, no replacement was hired for many years. Instead the Military Department handled the band program. During this time the United States government financed the Military Band and the directors of the band were not listed as part of the School of Music faculty.
- 1920 – 1929 - The University Course Catalog does not list a University Band as an organization (nor was the Military Band).
- 1926 - The University Band was placed back under the jurisdiction of the School of Music.
- 1928 - The University Band performed with John Philip SousaJohn Philip SousaJohn Philip Sousa was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era, known particularly for American military and patriotic marches. Because of his mastery of march composition, he is known as "The March King" or the "American March King" due to his British counterpart Kenneth J....
and his band when they visited Eugene in 1928. - 1929 - John Stehn was hired to replace Ferris. Under Stehn’s direction the University Band gave its first halftime performance at a football game in 1929.
- 1936 - During the 1936-1937 school year the School of Music finally got the class entitled “band” moved to the music section of the Schedule of Classes. Before this the class was under the Military Department.
- 1936 - The present course number for band, 195/395, was established.
- 1941- The marching band had female baton twirlers. This is the first mention of women in the marching band.
- 1940s - During World War II the Army Special Training Units (ASTU) trained at the University. Stehn was able to organize a forty-piece ASTU band that was of extremely high caliber.
- 1940s - During World War II women once again stepped up to take over the men’s job of playing at home football games, but the band remained in the stands. During this time the band also gave several concerts.
- 1947 - An Advisory Board (later known as Oregon Marching Band Council and finally as Oregon Athletic Band Council) was created to establish contact between the band and the Associated Students of the University of OregonAssociated Students of the University of OregonThe Associated Students of the University of Oregon is the student government at the University of Oregon . It is a non-profit organization funded by the university. Its purpose is to promote the social, cultural, educational and physical development of its members, and to advance both individual...
(ASUO). - 1950 - John Stehn retired as the Director of Bands in 1950 but he was still in the School of Music for a few years. He is, in a sense, the “founding father” of the modern band department at the University.
- 1950 - The position of Director of Bands was split between two people for the first time. Robert Vagner and Ira Lee were hired to lead the band into the next extraordinary era. Vagner was to lead the Concert Bands and Lee the Athletic Bands.
- 1953 - There was a significant change in the description of the band. The 1953-1954 course catalog described the band as follows: “Membership in the University Bands is open to both men and women students from all divisions of the University…” This was the first time the words “Marching Band” appeared anywhere in a course catalog.
- 1963- A precision dance group, called the “Oregonettes” was formed. There is nothing written about what they did, or whether they used flags, dancing, rifles, or batons, but it is the earliest indication of having a Color guard.
- 1967 - With the opening of Autzen Stadium, the Marching Band had a new home. Prior to Autzen Stadium all home football games were at Hayward FieldHayward FieldHayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, is one of the best-known historic track and field stadiums in the United States. Nearly a century in age, it was the home of the University of Oregon's football team from 1919 through 1966, and has been the home to the Ducks' track and field teams since 1921...
. - 1967 - The band introduced new uniforms.
- 1970 - The Vietnam WarVietnam WarThe Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
began in this era, and once again the war years affected the marching band but in different ways than previously. The exact date can not be determined, but the marching band did not exist for one to three years. - 1975 – Quote in Oregana about “the on-again, off-again marching band . . . the group was disbanded six years ago but revived in 1971 when the athletic department realized it was essential if the football program was to gain television exposure.”
- 1970s - Students of the University didn’t support the band very much during the Vietnam War. Marching band is fairly militaristic, and uniforms and marching didn’t have a very good image. It reminded students of the war and that upset them. “Students booed the band,” according to members of the Marching Band at that time.
- 1975 - Roger Senders, a member of the marching band, wanted marching band to meet the PE requirement. Senders wrote a formal proposal to the Dean of the College of Health on November 20, 1975 describing why marching band should be counted for four years of physical education credit. It is a fascinating proposal but no mention is made of whether it was approved or denied.
- June 6, 1975 - The lyrics to the “Oregon Pledge Song” were changed. The words “Swear thy ev’ry son” were changed to “Swear thy ev’ryone.”
- 1976 - Gerald Poe was hired to direct the marching band. Poe starts the Festival of Bands competition.
- 1978 - The title of “Marching Band” was given to the marching band as its course title.
- 1983 - Steve Paul was hired and built the marching band up from 90 members his first year to over 250 members.
- 1983 - The Green Garter BandGreen Garter BandThe Green Garter Band is a select group of twelve players that plays at numerous additional events for the University of Oregon. From funk to rock to hip hop, the GGB plays hundreds of high-energy student-arranged songs to entertain the hundreds of thousands they perform to every year...
, a scholarship band that plays for all athletic events, started and was so named because members wore green garters on their arms. - 1985 - Members of the Green Garter Band receive full scholarships. Once the band received full scholarships, perspective members had to audition into the band.
- 1985 – Oregon Marching Band creates “Duck Lips,” a noisemaker the band has sold as a fundraiser since.
- mid-1980s - The band receives new uniforms and were made and designed by Lane County businesses. Because of Oregon’s weather, the uniforms were unique in that they were waterproof. They also came with a full cape attachment that provided color contrast and also was worn to keep warm. The hats were Aussie style and helped keep the rain off the members shoulders and faces.
- 1995 – University of Oregon reaches the Rose BowlRose Bowl GameThe Rose Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game, usually played on January 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. When New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, the game is played on Monday, January 2...
. - 1995 - Sid Haton hired as Marching Band director.
- 1999 – Sid Haton leaves his position as Marching Band director and Todd Zimbelman is hired.
- 2002 – Introduction of first Nike-produced marching band uniforms at Michigan v. Oregon game.
- 2005 – Todd Zimbelman leaves position as director of the Marching Band and Dr. Patrick Carney is hired as interim director.
- 2005 – Dr. Carney appointed to new position as Director of Athletic Bands, overseeing the Marching Band, Basketball Band and the Garter Bands.
- 2006 – Dr. Eric Wiltshire hired as the new Director of Athletic Bands.
- 2008 – Nike creates a second version of its marching band uniform for the Oregon Marching Band. The new uniform made its first public appearance at the game against Boise State on Sept. 20, 2008.
- 2009 - Oregon Marching Band returns to the Rose Bowl. The band reaches 200 members.
- 2010 - Oregon attends the BCS National Championship2011 BCS National Championship GameThe 2011 Tostitos BCS National Championship Game was the final college football game to determine the national champion of the 2010 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision season. The finale of the 2010-2011 Bowl Championship Series was played at the University of Phoenix Stadium, the host...
in Glendale, Arizona. The Green Garter Band performs at the Musical Instrument MuseumMusical Instrument Museum (Phoenix)The Musical Instrument Museum is a music museum in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the biggest museum in the world of its type. It has a collection of over 15,000 musical instruments. It includes instruments from nearly 200 countries and territories in the world...
in Phoenix, Arizona. - 2011 - The Green Garter Band competes for the first time in the 2011 Reno Jazz Festival and received all superior ratings.
Songs
The Oregon Marching Band plays a wide variety of songs designed to add to the atmosphere of Autzen StadiumAutzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Located north of the University of Oregon campus, it is the home field of the Oregon Ducks of the Pacific-12 Conference. Opened in 1967, the stadium has undergone several expansions...
's game day. The fight song of the Ducks is former director Albert Perfect's "Mighty Oregon
Mighty Oregon
"Mighty Oregon" is the fight song for the University of Oregon. It is played by the Oregon Marching Band at home football and basketball games. Director of Bands, Albert Perfect, along with journalism student, DeWitt Gilbert, wrote the fight song, "The Mighty Oregon March", which was first...
". For the most part, the OMB plays popular tunes from the last 40 years. Some fan favorites include Journey's "Separate Ways", the theme song from Disney's "DuckTales
DuckTales
DuckTales is an American animated television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. Based on Carl Barks' Uncle Scrooge comic book series, it premiered on September 18, 1987 and ended on November 28, 1990 with a total of four seasons and 100 episodes...
", "Louie Louie
Louie Louie
"Louie Louie" is an American rock 'n' roll song written by Richard Berry in 1955. It has become a standard in pop and rock, with hundreds of versions recorded by different artists...
"", "Ease On Down The Road" from The Wiz
The Wiz
The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is a musical with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and book by William F. Brown. It is a retelling of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the context of African American culture. It opened on October 21, 1974 at the Morris A...
, numerous charts by Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire is an American soul and R&B band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969 by Verdine and Maurice White. Also known as EWF, the band has won six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of...
, and dozens of BBQs.
Fine for BBQ's
"Fine For BBQ's", usually referred to as simply "BBQs", is a collection of short stands tunes. Usually played by the band in the stands, some of the longer BBQs, such as "Come on Eileen" and "Walking on Sunshine", are used during pregame, battle of the bands and other performances. The specific songs included have changed over the years as new songs have been added and old ones have been removed. Many of the BBQs are based on popular music.Instrumentation
The instrumentation of the Oregon Marching Band is similar to that of a military bandMilitary band
A military band originally was a group of personnel that performs musical duties for military functions, usually for the armed forces. A typical military band consists mostly of wind and percussion instruments. The conductor of a band commonly bears the title of Bandmaster or Director of Music...
but with the addition of a full front ensemble (also known as a "pit"). The band is open, so specific instrumentation varies from year to year.
Winds
- PiccolosPiccoloThe piccolo is a half-size flute, and a member of the woodwind family of musical instruments. The piccolo has the same fingerings as its larger sibling, the standard transverse flute, but the sound it produces is an octave higher than written...
- FlutesFluteThe flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. Unlike woodwind instruments with reeds, a flute is an aerophone or reedless wind instrument that produces its sound from the flow of air across an opening...
- 1+2 ClarinetsClarinetThe clarinet is a musical instrument of woodwind type. The name derives from adding the suffix -et to the Italian word clarino , as the first clarinets had a strident tone similar to that of a trumpet. The instrument has an approximately cylindrical bore, and uses a single reed...
- 1+2 Alto SaxophonesAlto saxophoneThe alto saxophone is a member of the saxophone family of woodwind instruments invented by Belgian instrument designer Adolphe Sax in 1841. It is smaller than the tenor but larger than the soprano, and is the type most used in classical compositions...
- Tenor SaxophonesTenor saxophoneThe tenor saxophone is a medium-sized member of the saxophone family, a group of instruments invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. The tenor, with the alto, are the two most common types of saxophones. The tenor is pitched in the key of B, and written as a transposing instrument in the treble...
- 1+2+3 TrumpetsTrumpetThe trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
- MellophonesMellophoneThe mellophone is a brass instrument that is typically used in place of the horn in marching bands or drum and bugle corps....
in F - Horn in Bb
- 1+2 TrombonesTromboneThe trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
- Baritone Horns
- SousaphonesSousaphoneThe sousaphone is a type of tuba that is widely employed in marching bands. Designed so that it fits around the body of the musician and is supported by the left shoulder, the sousaphone may be readily played while being carried...
Battery percussion
- 11 Snare Drums
- 5 Bass Drums
- 5 Tenor Drums
- 9 Cymbals
Front ensemble
- MarimbaMarimbaThe marimba is a musical instrument in the percussion family. It consists of a set of wooden keys or bars with resonators. The bars are struck with mallets to produce musical tones. The keys are arranged as those of a piano, with the accidentals raised vertically and overlapping the natural keys ...
- XylophoneXylophoneThe xylophone is a musical instrument in the percussion family that consists of wooden bars struck by mallets...
- Tom-toms
- TimpaniTimpaniTimpani, or kettledrums, are musical instruments in the percussion family. A type of drum, they consist of a skin called a head stretched over a large bowl traditionally made of copper. They are played by striking the head with a specialized drum stick called a timpani stick or timpani mallet...
- BellsGlockenspielA glockenspiel is a percussion instrument composed of a set of tuned keys arranged in the fashion of the keyboard of a piano. In this way, it is similar to the xylophone; however, the xylophone's bars are made of wood, while the glockenspiel's are metal plates or tubes, and making it a metallophone...
- VibraphoneVibraphoneThe vibraphone, sometimes called the vibraharp or simply the vibes, is a musical instrument in the struck idiophone subfamily of the percussion family....
- Gong (tam-tam)
- ChimesTubular bellTubular bells are musical instruments in the percussion family. Each bell is a metal tube, 30–38 mm in diameter, tuned by altering its length. Its standard range is from C4-F5, though many professional instruments reach G5 . Tubular bells are often replaced by studio chimes, which are a smaller...
- Keyboard
- Electric Bass
- Bass Drum
- CymbalsCymbalCymbals are a common percussion instrument. Cymbals consist of thin, normally round plates of various alloys; see cymbal making for a discussion of their manufacture. The greater majority of cymbals are of indefinite pitch, although small disc-shaped cymbals based on ancient designs sound a...
- Various other percussion instruments
Uniforms
The Oregon Marching Band shares the same rights of their athletics programs in what they wear, giving them access to NikeNike, Inc.
Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area...
-designed uniforms. For the 2008-09 season the OMB received a new style of uniforms to replace the older set of uniforms that were used from 2003 through the 2007 season, which included green wool jackets and bib pants that blended into Autzen Stadium's turf and dark green motorcycle helmets, which some fans likened to those worn by Nazi storm troopers during World War II. Those uniforms were a gift in 2003 from University of Oregon alumni and cofounder of Nike Phil Knight
Phil Knight
Philip Hampson "Phil" Knight is an American business magnate. He is the co-founder and Chairman of Nike, Inc. He resigned as the company's chief executive officer in 2004, while retaining the position of chairman of the board...
. The new band uniforms were designed in partnership with the school's new football and cheerleading uniforms in an effort to give Oregon football game day a brand as well as what they feel is a unique style. The end result put an emphasis on the marching band being "athletic". While the 2003 uniforms met with mixed reactions, including the ire of alumni and donors, the new 2008 uniforms were immediately welcomed.
Gameday uniform
Like that of the Oregon football team, the marching band's uniform has many levels of customization by pairing different all-Nike equipment together, such as:- Black athletic pants with a forest green mesh stripe down the sides
- "Oregon Marching Band" T-shirt (worn under the long sleeved shirt)
- Black, yellow, and green long-sleeve shirt with enlarged "O" across the chest and a silver carbon-fiber patterned "OMB" down the forearms (worn under the band's vest)
- Yellow and black vest (either a cold weather and hot weather vest can be worn)
- Black travel jacket with enlarged reflective yellow "O" on the back and silver "OMB" down the forearms
- Hats, including a variety of green, yellow and black hats worn during different quarters of the game
- Custom black Nike FreeNike FreeNike Free is a technology invented by Sasha Kerigaysky. As this shoe allows the muscles in the foot to gain strength by providing less constriction, runners are advised to gradually break into the shoe rather than immediately running long distances as to prevent muscle cramps and other discomforts,...
running shoes with the Nike+ capabilities
The green helmets, which the band retired after the 2005 season, are currently being sold to raise money for the band.
Festival of Bands
The Festival of Bands (FOB) is an annual high school marching band competition where 30 bands from around the northwest come to compete in the Northwest Marching Band Circuit. The event is coordinated and run by the students of the Oregon Marching Band. The Festival of Bands is one the top fundraisers for the OMB, raising about $15,000 every year. It is also used as a major recruiting tool for the Oregon Athletic Bands.Oregon Athletic Band Council
The Oregon Athletic Band Council (OABC) is a group of students in the OMB that meets once a week throughout the school year to plan and organize many of the behind-the-scenes and logistical aspects of the OAB. Some of these aspects that the OABC handle are Festival of Bands, the winter band banquet, the Duck Call (the OMB's newsletter), recruitment, and spring intramural softball. On top of running large events, members of the OABC act as some of the student leaders for the OMB during rehearsals and on game days. Membership to the OABC is open, and its members come from every section of the band. The council is composed of several committees, each with their own region of focus, which are headed by chair positions. These positions are President, Vice President, Secretary, the Drum Majors (all of these make up the Executive Council), Communications, Activities, Historical, and Public Relations. The OABC also meets with the Director of Athletic Bands once a month to express concerns and to better coordinate the faculty with the students.Basketball Band
The Oregon Basketball Band (OBB) is a group of 50-60 OMB members who perform at all University of Oregon Men's Basketball home games. The group is auditioned from members of the OMB at the end of marching band season. Prior to January 2011, the OBB played in McArthur CourtMcArthur Court
McArthur Court is a basketball arena located on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene and the former home of the Oregon Ducks men's and women's basketball teams, replaced in 2011 by Matthew Knight Arena....
, better known as "The Pit". On January 13, 2011, the OBB, along with the rest of the OMB, the Oregon Cheerleaders and the Pit Crew, participated in the opening ceremony for the newly opened Matthew Knight Arena before the men's basketball game against USC. In addition to men's home games, the OBB plays at the women's basketball home Civil War game, and travels with both the men's and women's teams to post-season tournaments.
Green Garter Band
The Green Garter BandGreen Garter Band
The Green Garter Band is a select group of twelve players that plays at numerous additional events for the University of Oregon. From funk to rock to hip hop, the GGB plays hundreds of high-energy student-arranged songs to entertain the hundreds of thousands they perform to every year...
(GGB) is a select group of twelve players that plays at numerous additional events for the University of Oregon. From funk to rock to hip hop, the GGB plays hundreds of high-energy student-arranged songs to entertain the hundreds of thousands they perform to every year. The group has a faculty advisor, the Director of Athletic Bands, but for the most part is entirely run by its student members. The Green Garter Band performs for all UO Women's Volleyball home games, UO Women's Basketball home games, many UO Softball home games and serves as the core unit of the OBB and OMB. Each year, the GGB also gives approximately 20-25 performances at special Athletic Department events, for the UO School of Music and Dance, for the University at large, and at various special events within the community. In return for their large commitment, Green Garter Band members are awarded scholarships equal to about 12 in-state credits. The demand for the GGB is so high that in 2002 the Yellow Garter Band (YGB) was created to help fulfill the number of requests coming in. The Yellow Garter Band is identical to its Green counterpart in most regards, but has a slightly smaller commitment. In return for their commitment, members of the YGB receive a large book scholarship every term. Together, the Green and Yellow Garter Bands have gained recognition and acclaim on campus, in the community and even nationally.
History of GGB members
| Alto 1 | Alto 2 | Tenor | Bari | Lead Tpt | Tpt 2 | Tpt 3 | Mello | Lead Bone | Bass Bone | Guitar/Keys | Bass | Drums | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983-84 | Mary Sipprell | Kathleen Downy | Mark Baker | Dave Chartrey* | Bill Kessler | Mark Wees | Bruce Coutant | Tim Vian | Pat Dixon | John Ingman (Tuba) | Fred Freeman | ||
| 1984-85 | Kathleen Downy | Karen Gloege | Bill Hoshal | Dana Heitman | Bill Kessler | Mark Wees* | Bruce Coutant | Tim Vian | Pat Dixon | John Ingman (Tuba) | Fred Freeman | ||
| 1985-86 | Charlene Decker | Mike Martin | Bill Hoshal | Carl Poole | Dana Heitman | Tim Clarke | Mark Wees* | Bruce Coutant | Tim Vian | Pat Dixon | Andrew Sherman | Rose Dumphey (Connett) | Fred Freeman |
| 1986-87 | Francie Kirk | Carl Poole | Bill Hoshal | Dana Heitman* | Tim Clarke | Kelly Coutant (McDonald) | Bruce Coutant | Todd Kesterson | Cameron Gates | Doug Mathews | Rose Dumphey (Connett) | Fred Freeman/Brad Hirsch | |
| 1987-88 | Walter Bates | Jerry Farnell | Brian Boggs | Dana Heitman* | Tim Clarke | Kelly Coutant (McDonald) | Bruce Coutant | Todd Kesterson | Cameron Gates | Joe Worley | Brad Hirsch | ||
| 1988-89 | Pat Detroit | Jerry Farnell | Brian Boggs/Andy Nelson | Walter Bates | Dana Heitman* | Todd Zimbelman | Kelly Coutant (McDonald) | Jeff Edom | Todd Kesterson | Wayne Conkey/Pat Dixon | Joe Worley | Mitch Seal/Sean Wagoner | |
| 1989-90 | Walter Bates/Mike Snyder | Jerry Farnell | Andy Nelson | Kacy Flanagan | Dana Heitman* | Todd Zimbelman | Marie-Francis Downer | Jeff Edom/Karen Tunnell (McDaniel) | Keith Dwiggins | Wayne Conkey | Shawn Johnson/David Schiffer | Joe Worley | Sean Wagoner |
| 1990-91 | Mike Snyder | Kacy Flanagan | Andy Nelson/Mike Yake | Eric Howington*** | Todd Zimbelman* (split lead) | Tim Allums (split lead | Marie-Francis Downer/Shawn Brekke | Karen Tunnell (McDaniel) | Bryce Peltier/Shawn Johnson | Shira Fadeley | David Schiffer | Joe Worley | Sean Wagoner |
| 1991-92 | Mike Snyder | Tom Herb | Mike Yake | Eric Howington | Todd Zimbelman* (split lead) | Tim Allums (split lead | Jason Garcia | Karen Tunnell (McDaniel) | Shawn Johnson | Shira Fadeley | Aaron Welk | Tim Curle | |
| 1992-93 | Mike Yake | Tom Herb | Mike Snyder | Eric Howington | Tim Allums* | Jason Garcia | Danny Hunt | Tom Muller | Brian Griffiths | Todd Johnson | Aaron Welk | Tim Curle | |
| 1993-94 | Mike Yake | Dave Keller | Brian Kincaid | Jill Plant (Fairchild) | Jason Garcia | Joe Billera | Danny Hunt | Tom Muller | Brian Griffiths | Todd Johnson | Sean Wagoner* | Aaron Welk | Tim Curle |
| 1994-95 | Dave Keller | Joe Zant | Derek Kane | Jill Plant (Fairchild) | Jason Garcia* | Joe Billera | Lewis Norfleet | Aaron Shelton | Jeff Johnson | Todd Johnson | Nick Papador | Mike Launius | |
| 1995-96 | Joe Zant | Kevin Dieker | Derek Kane | Jill Plant (Fairchild) | Ryan Warren | Joe Billera | Lewis Norfleet* | Aaron Shelton | Jeff Johnson | Ray Severns | Nick Papador | Mike Launius | |
| 1996-97 | Joe Zant | Kevin Dieker | Derek Kane | Richard Such | Travis Freshner | Gary Plant* | Rebekka Nores (Lattin) | Aaron Shelton | John MacDonald | Ray Severns | Nick Papador | Micah Brusse/John Kalny | |
| 1997-98 | Richard Such | J.J. Sutton | Derek Kane*** | Theron Cross | Travis Freshner | Gary Plant** | Rebekka Nores (Lattin) | Josh Head | John MacDonald* | Ray Severns | Jason Kirby | Micah Brusse | |
| 1998-99 | Richard Such* | J.J. Sutton | Peter Curcio | Theron Cross*** | Brett Bowers | Robby Foster | Josh Head** | Derek Pangelinan | Ray Bacerra | Luke Warren | Jason Kirby | Aaron Xavier (Dyson) | |
| 1999-00 | Mike Bryan | J.J. Sutton | Peter Curcio*** | Tyson Wooters | Brett Bowers | Robby Foster | Josh Head* | Chris Buckley/Chris Rowbotham | Ray Bacerra | Luke Warren | Steve Weems | Aaron Xavier (Dyson) | |
| 2000-01 | Mike Bryan | Brian Silva | Peter Curcio*** | Tyson Wooters**/Paul Matthews | Chris Rowbotham** | Andy Hudock | Josh Head* | Scott Odle | Ryan Cheney | Luke Warren | Steve Weems | Dave Constantine | |
| 2001-02 | Brian Silva | Dylan Dwyer/Tim Harrington | Peter Curcio*** | Keith Muramatsu | Chris Rowbotham** | Andy Hudock/Jeremy Adams | Josh Head* | Scott Odle | Ryan Cheney | Luke Warren | Aaron Flatten | Dave Constantine | |
| 2002-03 | Brian Silva* | Keith Muramatsu*** | Tim Harrington | Laura Arthur | Chris Rowbotham** | Jeremy Adams | Josh Head | Jared Reno | Ryan Cheney | Luke Warren | Ruxton Schuh | Aaron Flatten | Dave Constantine |
| 2003-04 | Brian Silva* | Keith Muramatsu*** | Tim Harrington | Laura Arthur | Chris Rowbotham** | Jeremy Adams | Michael Thompson | Jared Reno | Donny Brouillette | Luke Warren | Ruxton Schuh | Maeghan Culver | Tom Mulkey |
| 2004-05 | Alan Moffett*** | Corey Lanini | Tim Harrington | Laura Arthur | Michael Suskin | Jon Clay | Michael Thompson** | Gavin Haworth | Donny Brouillette* | Mike Ragsdale | Bill Marsh | Maeghan Culver | Tom Mulkey |
| 2005-06 | Alan Moffett*** | Corey Lanini/Gabe Dickinson | Tim Harrington | Alan "Georgia" Cook | Michael Suskin** | Dylan Girard | Michael Thompson | Jordan Bemrose | Alex Poole | Mike Ragsdale* | Bill Marsh | Kevin Tomanka | Brian Schuster |
| 2006-07 | Alan Moffett | Josi Hill | Josh Shirley | Allison Drake | Michael Suskin** | Scott Ruby | Michael Thompson* | Jordan Bemrose | Alex Poole | Mike Ragsdale | Aaron Longo | Kevin Tomanka | Jeff Tinsley |
| 2007-08 | Porsch Anthony | Josi Hill**/Corey Lanini | Josh Shirley** | Marty Kovach | Austin Fiske | Matt Takimoto | Mike Fisher | Jordan Bemrose | Alex Poole* | Justin Canfield | Tom Wade | Jeff Tinsley | |
| 2008-09 | Porsch Anthony | Josi Hill | Nathan Irby | Marty Kovach | Austin Fiske | Matt Takimoto* | Mike Fisher | Jordan Bemrose | Tyson Striley | Justin Canfield | Tom Wade | Jeff Tinsley | |
| 2009-10 | Jonna Threlkeld | Raimey Hoff | Nathan Irby* | Lauren Wagner | Trevor Jones | Bret Emerson | Nick Sherman | Jerry Xiong | Tyson Striley | Justin Canfield** | Tom Wade | Jeff Tinsley | |
| 2010-11 | Jonna Threlkeld | Raimey Hoff** | Nathan Irby* | Kevin Hyche | Trevor Jones | Bret Emerson | Matthew Dahlquist | Leah Suderman | Tyson Striley | Marisa Smith | Tom Wade | Casey Crane | |
| 2011-12 | Raimey Hoff* | Sierra Hill | Chris McCurdy | Jake McGrew | Trevor Jones | Sam Hunt | Matthew Dahlquist | Skye Gallagher | Tyson Striley | Marisa Smith | Gavin Milligan | Casey Crane |
Discography
- 2008 Fighting Duck Spirit 2008 includes Music of Pinball Wizard; Music from the musical Wicked
- 2007 Fighting Duck Spirit 2007 includes Music of Journey; Music of 007
- 2006 Fighting Duck Spirit 2006 includes Disney's Fantasmic; Superheroes: Music from X-Men and Superman
- 2005 Fighting Duck Spirit 2005-06 includes Music from The Incredibles; Rock Show
- 2004 Fighting Duck Spirit 2005 includes Music from Harry Potter; Gershwin Medley
- 2003 Fighting Duck Spirit 2004 includes Music from Pirates of the Caribbean; Call of the Mountain; The Green Garter band
- 2002 Fighting Duck Spirit 2003 includes Music of Earth Wind & Fire; Adiemus: Music of Karl Jenkins
- 2001 Fighting Duck Spirit CD 2002 includes Music of Chicago; Appalachian Spring
- 2000 "Fighting Duck Spirit CD 2001" includes Music from Gladiator
- 1999 "Fighting Duck Spirit CS 2000" includes Music from Star Wars: Episode I