The Pride of the Southland marching band is one of the key features on game days here at UT. It is one of the oldest as well as most well-known marching bands in the nation. This year the Pride is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
When the band was created in 1869, the group was originally a nine member, all-male band that was a part of the military department. The group was not led by a bandmaster until 1892, when Ernest H. Garratt was given the role.
In 1902, the band made its first appearance at a football game when UT played Sewanee. By 1917, the band was under the leadership of William Crouch and had 30 members. And by 1925, the band had grown to 80 members and had another bandmaster, Ernest W. Hall.
When 1940 rolled around, a few changes were made to the band. Women were eligible to join, and the group was led by Walter Ryba, who was the bandmaster for 20 years. The halftime shows started to have themes, as well as guest performers. This was when the band officially became the “Pride of the Southland,” a name given to the group by sports journalist Ed Harris.
After Ryba’s retirement, Dr. WJ Julian took over leadership, and it was under his direction that the band became what it is nowadays. The band received new uniforms, and the designs from those uniforms are still used to this day. As the band continued to grow, the Pride of the Southland moved from the ROTC program to the College of Education.
In 1972, Julian introduced a now iconic piece to his band students. This song was none other than “Rocky Top,” which was originally recorded by the Osbourne Brothers. The piece is now recognized as UT’s unofficial “fight song,” although the official fight song is “Down the Field.” Julian also introduced the opening of the “T” during his tenure.
In 2015, Dr. Donald Ryder became the 10th Director of Bands, and the Pride of the Southland now has 360 members. Ryder explained that the main difference between the band 150 years ago and the band now is that there are more members. Ryder sees the band continuing to uphold the UT traditions, as well as keeping up to date with music and trends.
Ryder added that the band’s adhesion to these traditions is what excites Vol fans about the group and such strong tradition is part of why he enjoys what he does.
“I enjoy watching the students mature into fine adults. I enjoy being a part of such a great tradition. I enjoy watching the students take great pride in the fact that they are a part of the fine band!” Ryder said.
Another key leader in the Pride of the Southland band is the head drum major. Andrew Crowell currently occupies the role.
Crowell discussed the importance of tradition in his experience with the band.
“Coming to UT, I was most excited about being a part of The Pride of the Southland Marching Band and experiencing the rooted traditions like opening the ‘T’ for the football team or playing ‘Rocky Top’ for over 100,000 screaming Vols fans,” Crowell said. “The Pride is one of the oldest and most respected band programs in the nation. There is so much tradition and excellence rooted in the past 150 years.”
Crowell added that being a part of the band is like being a part of a family, as well as something much bigger than just himself.
“I’m just honored that I get to be a part of it!” Crowell said. “It is honestly quite humbling to be carrying on this legacy, and we all are striving to continue the excellence of this program for the next 150 years. … I have met so many amazing people and have made so many incredible memories through this band. There truly is nothing like The Pride.”
The Pride of the Southland marching band take the field in Neyland Stadium during the game against the University of Alabama, Birmingham on Saturday, November 2, 2019.
