University_of_Longhorn_Band

Around 386 strong, founded in 1900, burnt orange and white western- style jackets with Aztec-striped pants, white cowboy hats, pep rallies, parades, football games. All around the nation you hear their name. The Showband of the Southwest…if that doesn’t ring a bell how about the University of Texas at Austin Longhorn Band. In this speech I will talk about the basic things that pertain to the Longhorn Band also known as LHB. This organization has several long standing traditions such as their shows that they perform and several customs they have that have been in existence since it was founded. Also in order to be in this band you must grow the an audition process, so that will also be mentioned in this speech. The Longhorn Band is known for specific shows that they perform during the pre-game show and during their halftime performance. This is what really gives them the title of Showband of the Southwest. Some shows that they are really known for are the Script Texas, and Wall-to-Wall Band/Shotgun Texas. First performed in 1957, "Script Texas" is a traditional halftime show performed every year. The Drum Major leads the band onto the field in a single-file line, spelling "Texas" in script writing playing "The Yellow Rose of Texas." At the end of "The Yellow Rose of Texas," the band goes straight into "March of the Longhorns" while that is being played the band is finishing spelling out “Texas”. Once "March of the Longhorns" is over, "Calypso" starts. Once this song is being played it concludes Script Texas, and "Texas Fight" is played while the band marches off of the field. “Wall to Wall Band” is another traditional show performed annually by LHB. The drum line starts in the end zone while the band is off on each of the sidelines curled into spirals. The drum line marches onto the field, playing a cadence while the band usually jumps up and down over on the sides. The spirals are unrolled and the band marches straight down the yard lines. "March Grandioso" begins. Once that song finished they go straight into "March of the Longhorns." Once a line reaches the opposite end zone, a counter-march is performed to bring the band back the way it came. This is typically followed by Shotgun Texas, a move that spells "TEXAS" in block letters. While this is being done the band usually plays “Texas Fight”. Aside having these amazing marching shows to entertain the Texas crowd, the band as long standing traditions of their own. These consist of “The Newman Beanie”, “Shake the Fringe”, “Home on the Range”, Spring Banquet, President’s Ring, and the Drum Major’s belt buckle. I’ll speak a little bit about each of these traditions. The Newman Beanie is basically a beanie that all freshmen or new members have to wear that just brings them into the band. There is usually a contest held and the guy and girl that wear it the longest are usually awarded to a steak dinner. Shake the Fringe is where during the football games the member of the band shake their shoulders band and forth in a rapid motion to shake the fringe on their uniform. Home on the Range is always sung by the band swaying side to side with their arms around each other during the last two minutes of each football game. This tradition started in the 70’s. While in the stands the band is constantly on their feet and yelling out the different chants that the whole stadium cheers. Each spring the annual Spring Banquet is held. At this event different things happen. Scholarships are given out, passing of the belt and the ring are given, and along with several awards passed out to outstanding band members. At this event the President’s Ring is passed down. This tradition started at the end of WWII when the drum major was killed. Each year the ring is passed down to the new band president. Also along with the ring, the Drum Major’s belt is also passed down to the new drum major. Every year the drum major gets his or her name written on the back of the belt buckle. This started in 1969. Now in order to be apart of this wonderful organization, you must go through the audition process. This process consists of two different parts. One is to go through a playing audition for the directors. This part covers all scales and several technical pieces of music of your choice along with a sightreading piece. After this section of the audition, you will get a letter inviting you to “Band Week”. This is usually held the week before the semester starts where you will go through an intense week of learning the marching of the LHB. After passing both parts of the audition you will get admitted into the Longhorn Band. I just took you through a quick tour of the UT LHB. I talked about the different show traditions, traditions that are within the band program, and the audition process to actually be apart of the Longhorn Band. For the fans at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, nothing signals that the football game is about to begin like the dramatic arrival of the Longhorn Band for its pre-game show. At each home game, the cannon fires, and through the tunnel comes the full force of the Longhorn Band in its burnt orange uniforms, hands raised with “hook ‘em” signs. Fans leap to their feet, and soon “hook ‘em” signs fill the stadium to its farthest reaches. It’s quickly apparent why the band is called the “Showband of the Southwest.” Reference List "Butler School of Music | Welcome to the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music." Butler School of Music | Welcome to the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music. Sarah Butler, n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2012. . "Longhorn Band / University of Texas at Austin." Longhorn Band / University of Texas at Austin. Sarah Butler, n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2012. . "The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band." The University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band. Alumni, n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2012. .