LSU Tiger Band adds to honors with induction into La. Hall of Fame

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By Jalissa Bates

Crisp, sequined purple and gold formations march left to right. The game clock has stopped and the buzzing of halftime is now beginning. As some whisk to extra long lines to concessions and bathrooms, others' gazes are held by the impounding beat of the Golden Band from Tigerland's entrance. The counted steps, the repetition of calls, the mark of practice made perfect.

From the top, the rest of the world looks rather small.

The Golden Band from Tigerland is no stranger to top honors - its latest being its induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in September. The Tiger Band is the first marching band to hold residence in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Watching the Tiger Band live is a performance that students should consider witnessing during their time at the University.

The caliber of the Tiger Band is marked by its awards, its mission, and its band members' own steps. From mascots to Colorguard to band members and conductors, Tiger pride emanates from them all.

Dr. Linda Moorhouse, LSU associate director of bands, has been involved with the LSU Tiger Band for more than 20 years and has been the primary instructor for more than ten.

"The Tiger Band has a long and established history of excellence, and we've been honored through the years with many awards," Moorhouse said. "We are the only college marching band to hold three national awards: 1971 All-American College TV Band, 2002 Sudler Trophy Recipient, [and] 2008 ESPN/Paramount Pictures Grand Prize Winner."

When asked what was in the future for the Tiger Band, Moorhouse said that the band's first commitment is to LSU and LSU Athletics. According to Moorhouse, the Tiger Band will continue to do what it does in the way of support for LSU students, fans and athletic teams.

"The LSU Tiger Marching Band is widely recognized as one of this country's premiere college marching organizations," Moorhouse said. "Rich in tradition throughout its 116-year history, the Golden Band from Tigerland has appeared regularly on national television during the past 50 years."

Rob Dowie, public administration graduate student, has served as drum major for the past three years. Dowie played trombone for his first three years at LSU. He recalled being a freshmen and entering Tiger Band.

"As a freshman, Tiger Band automatically gives you networking opportunities," Dowie said. "You have 150 people in the same boat as you."

Dowie also said he was proud to be a part of the Tiger Band legacy.

"When you come into a program with such high standards, you want to be a part of maintaining it and continuing it," Dowie said. "[Being in the band] gives you discipline and teaches cooperation with what you can do in a group."

The LSU Tiger Band has a history as rich as the soil of the stately oaks located throughout LSU's campus.

In 1893, the Tiger Band was organized by two cadets. One of these cadets was Ruffin G. Pleasant, who later became a member of the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame and was also the Tiger Band's first band director. Pleasant later became governor of the state of Louisiana in 1916.

In 1896, the football team was given the nickname "Tigers."  The name was taken from the Louisiana Tiger Unit that fought during the Civil War and distinguished itself in the Valley of Shenandoah.

In 1928, Huey P. Long was elected governor and showed a particular interest in the Tiger Band. By 1935, Long helped band director Castro Carazo write two of LSU's school songs: "Touchdown for LSU" and  "Darling of LSU."  "Touchdown for LSU" is still a major part of the pregame show.

In 1971, the Tiger Band was named "The All-American College TV Band" when it won the only college marching band competition ever held under the directorship of William F. Swor. It was sponsored by the Chevrolet Division of the General Motors Corporation.

In 1993, the Tiger Band celebrated its 100th birthday.

In 1997 in a poll of Southeastern Conference band directors taken by the Northwest Arkansas Times newspaper, the Tiger Band was selected as the No. 1 band in the SEC.

In 2002, the Tiger Band was awarded the Sudler Trophy, the "Heisman Trophy" of college marching bands. The award is administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation and is given to the college band program that exemplifies a distinguished history of musical and marching excellence.

In 2008, the Tiger Band won the "Battle of the Bands" contest sponsored by ESPN, Lucasfilm and Paramount Pictures. As the winner, the Tiger Band received a $25,000 grand prize, which went toward the new band hall building project.

To top all of these honors off, the Tiger Band was recently inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, and the LSU Golden Girls, who perform alongside the band at halftime shows, celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Throughout the years, the Tiger Band has brought forth the purple and gold sounds of merriment in support of its LSU Tigers. As a result, each time LSU students, fans and athletes hear that oh-so-familiar tune "Hey Fightin' Tigers," they are infused with the spirit of the university as a whole.

Originally Published: Issue 817 - September 23, 2009

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