Million Dollar Band
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| Million Dollar Band | |
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| School | University of Alabama |
| Location | Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S. |
| Conference | SEC |
| Founded | 1913 |
| Director | Dr. Kenneth Ozzello |
| Members | 400 |
| Uniform | Crimson and white jackets, Crimson pants, Crimson and white hats with a white plume |
The Million Dollar Band, or MDB, is the marching band of the University of Alabama. It performs at all home football games and sends either the full band or a pep band to away games. In 2003 the Million Dollar Band was awarded the Sudler Trophy, an honor a school can only win once.
The band was founded as a 14 member unit in 1913 and has grown into the largest band in school history in 2007, with over 400 members expected. The name "Million Dollar Band" was bestowed on the organization in 1922 by Alabama alumnus W. C. "Champ" Pickens after the band raised funds to travel to the 1922 Alabama vs Georgia Tech football game, where Alabama lost 33-7.[1]
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[edit] Directors
| Years | Director |
|---|---|
| 1913 – 1917 | Dr. Gustav Wittig |
| 1917 – 1927 | N/A (The band was student-led) |
| 1927 – 1934 | Captain H. H. Turner |
| 1935 – 1968 | Colonel Carleton K. Butler |
| 1969 – 1970 | Mr. Earl Dunn |
| 1971 – 1983 | Dr. James Ferguson |
| 1984 – 2002 | Ms. Kathryn B. Scott |
| 2003 – | Dr. Kenneth Ozzello[2] |
[edit] Staff
The Million Dollar Band is currently assisted by Mr. Randall Coleman, Mr. Neal Flum, and Mr. Steve Simpson. [3]
[edit] Organization
The MDB features the following instrumentation:
Woodwinds: Piccolos, Clarinets, Alto Saxes, and Tenor Saxes
Brass: Trumpets, Mellophones, Trombones, Baritones, and Sousaphones
Drumline: Snares, Tenors, Basses, Cymbals, and Front ensemble
The MDB also features a color guard and a group of majorettes, called Crimsonettes
[edit] Rehearsal
During the fall semester the Million Dollar Band rehearses Monday-Friday from 4:00PM until 5:30PM at their practice field, Butler Field. They also hold a Gameday rehearsal on Saturdays when the full band will be performing at the football game that day.
During drill rehearsals the MDB members each wear a drill vest. Each section has its on color and each member's jersey features their drill number. This is also how the band takes attendance.
[edit] Traditions
- Basketcase - Beginning in the mid 1990s the Million Dollar Band began playing the Green Day song "Basket Case" in the break between the 3rd and 4th quarters. This continued until mid way 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.[4] "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.[5]
- Alma Mater - When Dr. Ozzello became director in 2003 the MDB began to sing the Alma Mater after every game day rehearsal and after every game, win or lose.
- Crimson Tide - 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.
[edit] Songs
- Yea Alabama! - The University of Alabama fight song
- Rammer Jammer - Cheer played after a team victory
[edit] Appearances
- 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[6]
[edit] References
- ^ Million Dollar Band - University of Alabama History and Facts Quote:"... because of the band's fund raising prowess, [Alabama alumnus W. C. "Champ"] Pickens called it the "Million Dollar Band." During that same Georgia Tech game in 1922 (won 33-7 by the Tech Yellow Jackets), an Atlanta sportswriter commented to Pickens, "You don't have much of a team; what do you have at Alabama?" Pickens replied, "A Million Dollar Band."
- ^ Directorship History (2007).
- ^ Staff for 2007 Million Dollar Band (2007).
- ^ Students Miss "Basket Case" (November 17, 2006).
- ^ Song Returns to Fourth Quarter (November 8, 2007).
- ^ [http://www.seniorbowl.com/2008/news/2008halftime.htm University of Alabama "Million Dollar Band", New Orleans Saints "Saintsations" To Perform At 2008 Under Armour Senior Bowl] (October 2, 2007).
[edit] External links
| Preceded by LSU |
Sudler Trophy Recipient 2003 |
Succeeded by Auburn |
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