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Million Dollar Band (marching band)
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Location
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Director
Dr. Kenneth Ozzello
Fight song
"Yea Alabama"
School
University of Alabama
Founded
1912
Members
400 (2016)
Active from
1912
Conference
Southeastern Conference
Assistant director
Randall Coleman
Neal Flum
Steve Simpson
Similar
Auburn University Marching, Dollar, Alabama, Louisiana State University, Pride of the Southland Band
The Million Dollar Band is the official name for the marching band for the University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa. The entire band performs at all home games, while varying in size for away games or games in neutral sites. The band is the most televised college band in history. In 2003, the band was awarded the Sudler Trophy, an honor which is given to the top bands in the United States.
The band was formed in 1912 with just 14 members under director Dr. Gustav Wittig. Four years later, in 1917, the band became a military band and was student-led until 1927. The band earned its name during a football game between Alabama and Georgia Tech, a game which the Yellow Jackets won 33–7. The band struggled for funds, having to solicit money from local merchants, to travel to games off campus. An Alabama alumnus, W. C. Pickens, was asked "[...] what do you have at Alabama?" by an Atlanta-based sportswriter. Pickens replied only, "A million dollar band."
In 1936, Colonel Carleton K. Butler took over the band and led it to national prominence among collegiate marching bands. He remained director for the next 33 years until Mr. Earl Dunn took charge in 1969. After a two-year stint at the Capstone, Dr. James Ferguson was named director, where he remained until 1983. Legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant often voiced his support for the band during his tenure, giving them partial credit during victories. Dr. Kenneth Ozzello has been in charge of the band since 2002, taking over for Ms. Kathryn B. Scott. One year after he was named director, the band won the prestigious Sudler Trophy, awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.
Traditions
Alma Mater - When Dr. Ozzello became director in 2003 the MDB began to sing the Alma Mater after every Friday and game day rehearsal, as well as after every game, win or lose.
Band Dismissal - At the end of every single rehearsal, game, etc. someone shouts "What do we say at Alabama?". The Leadership team responds with "Go Bama!" and then all members shout "Roll Tide!" This is similar to a scene from the 1995 movie Crimson Tide.
Elephant Stomp - Prior to every home game the MDB performs the elephant stomp. Each section warms up then meets on the steps of the Gorgas library. The MDB and cheerleaders lead the crowd in several cheers in a short pep rally, usually lasting less than 10 minutes. The MDB then lines up on Colonial Drive and marches to Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Songs
Yea Alabama - The University of Alabama fight song
Tusk - From the Fleetwood Mac version, "Tusk" being shorthand for the university's home city of Tuscaloosa, accompanied by the school's dancing elephant mascot, Big Al.
Rammer Jammer - Cheer played after a team victory.
Basket Case - Beginning in mid-1997 the Million Dollar Band began playing the Green Day song "Basket Case" in the break between the 3rd and 4th quarters. This continued until midway through the 2006 season, when the Marketing Department decided to play "Sweet Home Alabama" over the PA system instead. The MDB continued to play the song, just at different points of the game. "Sweet Home Alabama" was still played during 2007 up to the Houston game. Since that game the MDB has played "Basketcase" during the 4th quarter break once again. Fred Chang arranged this piece.
Low Rider - Song played by the Trombone section in the fourth quarter of the football game. It is counted off with eight taps on a cow bell. It has been in existence since at least 1986, when it was recorded on an LP. Mark Foster wrote the arrangement from a similar version that was played at his high school. Bruce Chirrey was the first cow bell wielder.
Defense Cheer # 1 - Since 2012, the band has used the song "Look Down" from the musical Les Misérables as the main defense cheer. This arrangement was taken from the 1996 Halftime Show "Les Miserables". The band currently has six defense cheers.
The band also plays upon occasion You Can Call Me Al and the theme from the television show The A-Team.
Appearances
1994 SEC Championship Game - Atlanta, GA in December 1994
1996 SEC Championship Game - Atlanta, GA in December 1999
1999 SEC Championship Game - Atlanta, GA in December 1999
1999 Orange Bowl Parade & Bowl Game - Miami, FL in December 1999, January 2000
Knights of Revelry (KOR) Mardi Gras Parade - Mobile, AL in February 2000
Knights of Revelry (KOR) Mardi Gras Parade - Mobile, AL in February 2001
2000 Senior Bowl - Ladd–Peebles Stadium; Mobile, AL in January 2000 - First Senior Bowl performance by the band
2000 Alabama vs. UCLA football game - Pasadena, CA - Pep Band of the "Million Dollar Band" first ever performance at the famed Rose Bowl Stadium
Bob Riley Inaugural Parade - Montgomery, AL in January 2003
ESPN "Cold Pizza" on the UA Quad - Tuscaloosa, AL in November 2005
2006 Senior Bowl - Ladd–Peebles Stadium; Mobile, AL in January 2006
Bob Riley Inaugural Parade - Montgomery, AL in January 2007
ESPN "Gameday" on the UA Quad - Tuscaloosa, AL September 2007
BOA Super Regional - Georgia Dome; Atlanta, GA October 2007
2008 Senior Bowl - Ladd-Peebles Stadium; Mobile, AL in January 2008
2008 SEC Championship Game - Atlanta, GA in December 2008
2009 Senior Bowl - Ladd–Peebles Stadium; Mobile, AL in January 2009
2009 SEC Championship Game - Atlanta, GA in December 2009
2010 BCS National Championship Game - Pasadena, CA in January 2010 - First Full Band performance at the Rose Bowl Stadium
2012 SEC Championship Game - Atlanta, GA in December 2012
2012 BCS National Championship Game - New Orleans, LA
2013 BCS National Championship Game - Miami Gardens, FL in January 2013
2014 Allstate BCS Sugar Bowl - New Orleans, LA in January 2014
2014 SEC Championship Game - Atlanta, GA in December 2014
2015 Sugar Bowl -New Orleans, LA in January 2015
2015 SEC Championship Game - Atlanta, GA in December 2015
2015 Cotton Bowl Classic (December) - Arlington, TX in December 2015
2016 College Football Playoff National Championship - Phoenix, AZ in January 2016
2016 SEC Championship Game - Atlanta, GA in December 2016
2016 Peach Bowl - Atlanta, GA in December 2016
2017 College Football Playoff National Championship - Tampa, FL in January 2017
