The History of the TMB

Our History:

The Spirit of Troy, also known as the Trojan Marching Band (or the TMB), is the band of the University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles. Also known as "The Greatest Marching Band In The History of the Universe," the Spirit of Troy represents USC at a variety of functions. A contingent of the band has been present at every USC football game, home or away, since 1987, a streak unrivaled by any other college or university marching band, totaling 245 consecutive game appearances. As part of this tradition, the band travels to South Bend, Indiana every other year to support the team in its annual rivalry against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Spirit of Troy travels internationally at least every other year, visiting places such as China, Rome, Brazil, and Australia. The world-famous TMB has performed with countless celebrities, including OutKast, The Offspring, Fleetwood Mac, John Williams, and George Clinton.

 

Hollywood's Band:

The Spirit of Troy has been dubbed "Hollywood's Band," thanks to appearances in 9 major films, television shows, and both Academy and Grammy Award shows. Their ever-increasing list of performances include: Forrest Gump (as the University of Alabama Band), Fame, The Naked Gun, The Little Rascals, That's Entertainment II, Seargent Bilko, Two Minute Warning, The Last Boy Scout, and Hello, Dolly!

 

Trojan Marching Band Directors:

-Clarence Sawhill (1947-1952)

In 1947, Max T. Krone, Dean of the USC Fine Arts Department, contacted Clarance Sawhill about the possibility of taking the reins of the Spirit of Troy. The new leadership was a smash hit with fans, as Sawhill changed the style of the band drastically the first year. Band Librarian J.D. Morsch state, "The band was in the fashion of a Big Ten Band, with a big band sound."

-Dr. Arthur C. Bartner (1970-Present)

Dr. Bartner earned his B.A., M.A., and Ed.D. in Music Education from the University of Michigan under the guidance of his mentor, Dr. William D. Revelli. His love for music started long before, as his hometown of Maplewood, New Jersey, where he learned to play the tumpet. In 1970, after seven years of building some of the most highly acclaimed high school programs in Michigan, Dr. Bartner accepted an invitation from the University of Southern California to direct the USC Marching Band. Dr. Bartner pioneered the "drive-it" style of marching, which has since been copied by countless collegiate marching bands.