Mondays with the Marching Band: Ohio University Marching 110

Today’s feature is a special band close to home. The Ohio University Marching 110. Originally formed in 1923, this marching band is one of the premiere bands in the country. The Ohio University School of Music has always had an excellent music program and this marching band does not disappoint. The phrase, “Marching 110”, originally meant there were 110 members in the band. Later as the band member count expanded, “110” now refers to “110% effort.” The band has gone through many major changes in its 91-year history. An interesting fact about the Marching 110 is they were student led from 1923-1967. It was in 1967 when these changes (uniforms, formations, name, etc.) occurred. Though controversial at the time, these changes have increased the band’s exposure and reputation. The video below is from their show this past Saturday, August 30, 2014, at Kent State.

One thing that is well received by the fans of the Marching 110 is an activity performed during the part of their show for each performance. Created in 1968, the band will perform a dance break during part of each show. This routine really put “The Most Exciting Band in the Land” on the map last season, when it performed the dance routine, Gagnam Style, in one of its shows. That video below (which has over 6 million views) can be seen here.

It will be exciting to seen what the Marching 110 will bring to each football game this season!

Cheers and Vinyl!