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Top 10 College Alumni Marching Bands: Nominations

Halftime Magazine is assembling your thoughts about the top 10 college alumni marching bands as we look at ways to stay involved in music beyond college for our May/June 2009 issue.

Just post your thoughts in the comments section of this page by Wednesday, April 3. Then, read the final top 10 list in our May/June 2009 issue. If we're lucky, we will also upload photos and videos of all of these great alumni groups.

Click here to read the results.

Comments

Lionel Harris says:
March 19th, 2009 at 19:25
Ohio University gets my nod. Everyone looks like they have a great time and just pick up where they left off.
Zack Deininger says:
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:45
The Ohio State University Alumni Band gets my vote. The band is constantly involved in parades around the state and carries on the Buckeye tradition at every football homecoming inside the "Shoe".
Jerry Clark says:
March 24th, 2009 at 00:28
The WVU Alumni Band is tops. No Doubt This will be the 40th Anniversary when we take the field at Homecoming October 24. FRiday Night the Band Takes Part in the Homecoming parade and Saturday Am Field Rehearsal. "The Pride Of West Virginia"
Teresa Field says:
March 24th, 2009 at 00:35
I am with Jerry-I have been marching in the WVU Alumni Band since 1977. The alums of "The Pride of West Virginia" never fail to entertain--and provide support to the current band. Let's gooooo Mountaineers!
Mary McBride says:
March 24th, 2009 at 00:41
WVU Alumni Band is AWESOME!!!! We have it all together. Consistently 200+ every year. I had the priviledge of marching in the Alumni Band and my son was marching Percussion line his freshman year. Many of the Alumni get that wonderful experience. It's a family thing!!!
Melinda Knotte says:
March 24th, 2009 at 00:42
WVU Alumni Band is second to none!! I invite you to come see for yourself. Catch that Mountaineer spirit!!
Wanda Hembree says:
March 24th, 2009 at 00:44
The WVU Alumni Band carries on the traditions of the Pride Of West Virginia long after we have graduated. We perform for alumni functions throughout the year, including fundraisers and wedding receptions. Our pre-game show is the highlight of Homecoming weekend for all, with alumni returning annually from as far away as Japan. We have entertained crowds in more than a dozen countries worldwide on three concert tours, proudly representing WVU and the state of West Virginia.
Randall Pennington says:
March 24th, 2009 at 00:51
There is absolutely no doubt about it being the WVU Pride of West Virginia Alumni Marching Band.
We have a tradition that is over a hundred years old and is growing more vibrant with every passing year.
I traveled all the way from Japan to march again with my "family". I'll no doubt do it again and again!
Ellen Ramey says:
March 24th, 2009 at 01:04
The WVU Alumni Band is without a doubt the premier organization in the nation. Not limited to simply a Homecoming Weekend performance, the Alumni Band continues to seek ways to support the WVU Mountaineer Marching Band and perpetuate the organization's standard of excellence. Membership in the Alumni Band spans more than 50 years of former "Pride of West Virginia" members. Additionally, the Alumni Band is currently expanding its reaches to communities outside the Morgantown area by providing Alumni Pep Bands for various events and venues. Unlike many major Universities, WVU has not forgotten the priority is her current students and alumni as opposed to lucrative financial endorsements. The University's continued support of the Alumni Band is both unique and highly beneficial to Mountaineers past, current and future.
DJ Stuart says:
March 24th, 2009 at 01:10
WVU Alumni Band is an amazing group of musicians, friends and family. We proudly carry the torch and tradition of the Pride Of WV!
Adam Cantley says:
March 24th, 2009 at 01:13
WVU Alumni Band! Gotta Love the Pride of WV! Who else can look that classy going down High Street
Kristin "Stanley" Patrie says:
March 24th, 2009 at 01:30
WVU Alumni band!!! I second everything DJ said!!! I have a blast when I go back! It's a HUGE family, no matter what the age!!! GO 'EERS!!!
Daniel Miller says:
March 24th, 2009 at 01:48
The WVU Alumni Band -- I look forward to marching with this family of musicians every year!
Melissa Kent says:
March 24th, 2009 at 01:48
WVU Alumni Band! Gets my vote. We are one big family that enjoys getting together a couple times a year to support our alma mater.
Tracey Zopp says:
March 24th, 2009 at 01:50
WVU Alumni Band is tops! Nothing better than Alumni PRIDE! Let's Goooo Mountaineers!!!
Jennifer Hanning says:
March 24th, 2009 at 01:54
WVU Alumni Band, no doubt! How could the former Sudler Trophy recipients not carry on to have the BEST Alumni Band?!?!? :)
Art Gonzales says:
March 24th, 2009 at 01:56
Let's Go Mountaineers!
Who else but the Pride of WV!!!!
Amy Hawkins Shenton says:
March 24th, 2009 at 01:59
The is NO DOUBT that the Pride of West Virginia, The WVU Alumni Marching Band takes this prize. WVU #1 All the WAY!!!!!!!!!!
Jerry Linger says:
March 24th, 2009 at 02:21
WVU band all the way! There are college marching bands that are not as good as this alumni band.
Krissie Weimer says:
March 24th, 2009 at 02:39
All the best things have already been said so yay for WVU Alumni Band! Woo!
Keith Wagner says:
March 24th, 2009 at 02:50
How can anyone not think the Pride of West Virginia is the best? Come on have you actually seen them? The PRIDE!!
April Christopher says:
March 24th, 2009 at 03:15
There is none other that WVU Alumni Band!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Theresa Smith says:
March 24th, 2009 at 03:17
What Jerry Linger said is SO true! The Pride of WV is by far one of the best marching bands in the country, year after year. The alumni band is the AWESOME!!!
Melissa White says:
March 24th, 2009 at 03:21
WVU Alumni Band....Enough said!!!
Angela Fiore says:
March 24th, 2009 at 03:54
The WVU Alumni Band is involved beyond just Homecoming! They are proud musicians that come back year after year to to entertain, support, and participate in many activities. As said before, it is a FAMILY from the oldest alumni to the most recent graduate. This band has PRIDE and dedication that goes beyond graduation and it is a priviledge to be counted as one of its alumni musicians!
Deb Eakins says:
March 24th, 2009 at 03:56
Heck yes - WVU alumni Band! We had over 500 at the 100th anniversary of the bands! Can you imagine what the 40th anniversary of the WVU alumni band will bring back? It's always fun when there are mor of "us" - th alums, than there are of "them" the active members of the Pride of WV!!! :) Get ready now - it wil be a terrific weekend!
AEA & MOTS, Deb
Melissa Hostutler says:
March 24th, 2009 at 11:11
the WVU Alumni band rocks! Let's Go Mountaineers!
Adam Ranson says:
March 24th, 2009 at 11:55
WVU Alumni Band.
Kat Penwell says:
March 24th, 2009 at 12:20
Absolutely the WVU Alumni band. I've never seen an alumni band so energetic...PLUS it also says something that so many alumni band members end up having kids in the Pride of WV, too.
Scott Hayden says:
March 24th, 2009 at 13:18
There cannot be a more energetic or committed alumni band than the one at West Virginia University.
Natalie Wade says:
March 24th, 2009 at 21:48
Gotta be the Mountianeers. Go WVU!
Kenneth Brown says:
March 25th, 2009 at 00:44
The WVU Alumni Band is by far the best in the land! I've had an opportunity to observe other bands and have found that WVU is clearly top notch. Having been involved in music and marching band since the age of 8 (about 30 years), I would definately vote WVU #1!!!
Tracy Taylor says:
March 25th, 2009 at 17:32
I too say it has to be the WVU Alumni Band. As you can tell not only do we meet up once a year to play at a football game and have an alumni pep band we also have an alumni band that has toured and performed in Europe. We are a close family that keeps in contact all year long. What do you expect from one of the largest bands in the country?
Jennifer Zook says:
March 26th, 2009 at 03:25
The WVU Alumni Band is one of the biggest and best alumni organizations on campus. It is our sheer love for the state and for West Virginia University that makes our band so special. Hail WV!
Jeff Johns says:
March 27th, 2009 at 02:13
WVU all the way. Let's Go Mountaineers! you can't find a better alumni band.
Stephanie Johnson says:
March 28th, 2009 at 02:58
It's all about Pride!! The WVU alumni band is a great organization that really supports not only the current Pride of WV but shows it's support and pride all over the state! Let's go Mounties!!
Lori Friedline says:
March 28th, 2009 at 21:30
My experiences with the West Virginia University Mountaineer Marching Band were the best, and returning annually to WVU to participate in the Alumni Band Drumline at Homecoming is a priority. I met my husband, who is a tuba player, in the Band. There is nothing quite like marching down High Street with this enthusiastic group of 300+ in Friday night's Parade and then putting on a Pregame show complete with music and drill at the game the next day. I'll proudly wear a snare drum in the Alumni Band for as long as I am able, and will always cherish spending time with these great people doing what we love.
suzi says:
March 29th, 2009 at 12:36
WVU Alumni Band. No question.
Heatherly says:
March 31st, 2009 at 04:58
USC Trojan Marching band is the best!
Jennifer Gherman says:
April 1st, 2009 at 15:49
WVU Alumni Band....no doubt.
Melissa says:
April 1st, 2009 at 16:16
Can't beat WVU Alumni Band!!
Tom Bloom says:
April 1st, 2009 at 16:40
WVU Alumni band is the best - I have marched for 33 years and will continue having fun with my former BUZZ #3 bus members....Great spirit -tremendous enthusiasm and good people
Robbin Maxwell says:
April 1st, 2009 at 17:17
WVU Alumni band! In a whole class by itself! It never ceases to amaze me that such a large group turns out every year.
Michele Cook says:
April 1st, 2009 at 20:20
There is none but the Pride Of WV!! I have never had the opportunity to march with them yet as a silk, however I have had the chance to watch, and feel the same thrill I did when I was a band member. One day I will be down there, with my old band-mates and the magic lives on.....!!
Smokey Clay says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 01:08
It is an honor to be among the many alumni of the Pride of West Virginia, The Mountaineer Marching Band.
Neal Shambaugh says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 18:13
WVU Pride of West Virginia - it's how I see alumni just as enthusiastic as when they were students. Mountaineers are forever - it's a special place.
Amber says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 18:15
WVU!
Tami says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 18:23
The WVU Band is the best!
Stefan says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 21:07
The Pride of West Virginia Alumni Marching Band...of course!
Linda says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 21:18
Is there really any question here? WVU, of course!
Donna Bennett says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 22:42
The Pride of West Virginia all the way!!!!!!! Country Roads always takes me home!!!!!
Becky Smolski says:
April 3rd, 2009 at 01:32
No alumni band can ever compare to WVU's. You just can't beat a Mountaineer!!!
Roger says:
April 29th, 2009 at 21:20
tbdbitl - The Ohio State University Marching Band Alumni
On alumni band day in the fall, there are over 800 returning members and 600 on the field.
This group is probably one of the most active alumni organizations of its kind in the country. The Alumni Band is active year round performing in parades and concerts around the State Of Ohio. The Alumni Band has also performed around the world--performances ranging from the St. Patrick Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland to Osaka Japan.
Paul Walsh says:
May 23rd, 2009 at 03:33
The Ohio State University Marching Band Alumni (TBDBITL) will hold its 41st Annual Reunion with a band of 700-800 returning alumni performing full pregame and halftime shows culminating in 4 simultaneous Script Ohio's at the first football game in 2009. The Active Band (parade and concert band of up to 100) and the Hyper-Active Band (pep band of 15-30), drawing from a pool of 200 active alumni band musicians in Central Ohio, have performed as many as 150 times per year at various functions for decades. Parades, funerals, ribbon cuttings, concerts, bar mitzvahs, weddings, baby showers, bachelor parties, community groups, charity functions and many others.
The band has performed in football stadiums around the country supporting the Buckeyes in places like: Syracuse, West Virginia, Pittsburg, Missouri, Tuscon, Rose Bowl and others.
The band has performed international concerts and parades in Germany, Ireland, England, Japan, and Mexico.
United States performances include: Hawaii, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and on cruise ships in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico.
Brad Clay says:
November 25th, 2009 at 23:36
The Ohio University Marching 110 Alumni Band...Hands down. If you don't believe it...youtube it. It is the only college marching alumni that LITERALLY beat the hell out of the opposing football team for taking the field before the Marching 110 was finished playing.
Joseph Jackson says:
January 8th, 2010 at 23:48
University of Georgia has a great Alumni band. Huge age range and dedication.
Dwaine says:
January 13th, 2010 at 16:15
http://abcnews.go.com/G...g-band/story?id=9463629
Litteral Lane says:
May 20th, 2010 at 03:03
The Southern University Marching Band from Baton Rouge,Louisiana a.k.a Jaguarland.Also known as the "Human Jukebox".

Top 10 College Alumni Marching Bands: Nominations

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