Million Dollar Band (marching band)
| Million Dollar Band | |
|---|---|
 |
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| School | University of Alabama |
| Location | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| Conference | SEC |
| Founded | 1912 |
| Director | Dr. Kenneth Ozzello |
| Assistant director | Mr. Randall Coleman Mr. Neal Flum Mr. Steve Simpson |
| Members | 400 (2016) |
| Fight song | "Yea Alabama" |
| Uniform | |
| [[File:Crimson and white jackets Crimson pants Crimson shakos with white plumes|frameless|upright=1.25|center]] |
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| Website | Official MDB site |
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.
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