University of Texas Longhorn Band
“The Showband of the Southwest”
On our lists
Number 5
Presiding over the largest state in the country the Longhorn Band is one of the largest college marching bands in the country at over 350 members strong. The band is also one of the oldest in the country, being founded in 1900. The Longhorn Band performs a new show for each of their home football games throughout the season and is unique in that it prepares both "Traditional" shows which feature signature music and drill, and "Non-Traditional" shows which feature contemporary music and a modern marching style. Other traditions include the band's famous "Script Texas," "Big Bertha," the world's largest bass drum, and the "Wall to Wall" formation which features the band encompassing the entire football field from end-zone to end-zone and sideline to sideline. Besides a performance at Super Bowl VIII in Houston, Texas, the band has had the honor of performing at the Presidential Inaugurations of Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Ronald Regan, George H.W. Bush and both Inauguration Ceremonies for George W. Bush.