The Solid Gold Sound: A Centennial Celebration of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band's History and Traditions

The UCLA Bruin Marching Band, affectionately known as the "Solid Gold Sound," is more than just a musical ensemble; it is a vibrant and enduring symbol of UCLA's spirit, tradition, and unwavering dedication to excellence. From its humble beginnings as a 50-piece ROTC unit to its current status as a nationally recognized institution, the band has woven itself into the fabric of university life, amplifying the roar of the crowd at athletic events, gracing prestigious stages, and forging a unique identity that resonates with generations of Bruins. This article delves into the rich history and cherished traditions of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band, exploring its evolution, its iconic performances, and the deep sense of community that defines its enduring legacy.

Genesis and Early Years: From ROTC to Campus Staple

The origins of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band can be traced back to 1925, when it was established as a 50-piece ROTC unit at the Vermont Avenue campus under the direction of W. G. Powell. This early iteration of the band was steeped in military tradition, a characteristic that would influence its marching style for decades to come. A significant moment in these formative years occurred in 1928 when the band had the profound honor of being part of the welcoming group for the legendary John Philip Sousa during his visit to Los Angeles. Under Sousa's personal direction, the band performed his iconic march, "Stars and Stripes Forever," a testament to the burgeoning talent and potential of this young ensemble. At that time, Ben Laietsky, a member of Sousa's own band, served as the director, lending further gravitas to the ensemble's early development. The band remained a military group until 1934, after which it underwent a significant transformation.

In 1935, under the leadership of Leroy Allen, the group shed its purely military focus and became an integral part of campus life. It began providing spirited music for rallies and games, marking a pivotal shift towards its role as a dynamic contributor to the UCLA experience. This era saw the band evolve from a disciplined military unit into a spirited ambassador of UCLA's burgeoning identity. The transition was not merely a change in musical repertoire but a fundamental redefinition of the band's purpose within the university community. The years that followed saw continued growth and adaptation, with directors like C. B. and later Clarence Sawhill, who became director of bands in 1952, shaping the ensemble's sound and direction.

The "Solid Gold Sound" Emerges: Uniforms, Style, and Recognition

The 1950s marked a significant visual and stylistic evolution for the UCLA Marching Band, solidifying its association with the iconic "Solid Gold" moniker. During this period, the band's uniforms featured striking gold/yellow jackets paired with navy blue pants and blue shakos, complemented by white shoes. The marching style remained largely military, characterized by precision and discipline. This distinctive look and sound captured the attention of national media, leading to a memorable appearance on the cover of the November 26, 1956, issue of Sports Illustrated. This prestigious honor placed the UCLA Marching Band among a select group of university bands to have received such recognition, following in the footsteps of the University of Oklahoma (1954) and the Princeton University Band (1955), and preceding The Ohio State University Marching Band (1958).

The subsequent decades saw further stylistic experimentation. In the 1960s and 1970s, the band emulated the Queen's Guard, adopting a similar marching style that included distinctive arm swinging and a high "chair" step. The uniforms of this era featured pants in school colors of blue and black trim, and distinctive imitation bearskin (or tall busby) hats. Uniform coats were gold in the early 1960s, later transitioning to dark blue. A significant milestone occurred in 1972 when, in response to the Title IX educational amendment, women were admitted to the UCLA Band, mirroring a national trend in college marching bands and further diversifying the ensemble.

The pursuit of an iconic visual identity continued. In 1973, a bold, albeit short-lived, experiment saw the band don gold jackets, navy blue pants, and navy blue turtleneck sweaters, with no hats. This look was met with widespread disapproval and was worn for only one game. In 1977, a new set of uniforms was purchased, featuring royal blue with yellow trim and large overcoats with a white front bearing block vertical UCLA letters. The band members themselves played a role in shaping their image in 1985 when they collaborated on newly designed uniforms, opting for a more modern military style. These uniforms featured navy blue wool trousers and coats with gold trim, accented by white, knee-length, gold capes on the left shoulder. White shoes and white gloves became standard. The imposing bearskin hats were replaced by Shako hats adorned with white 12-inch feather plumes. An all-powder blue uniform was even prototyped, but ultimately rejected in favor of the enduring navy blue.

The commitment to a distinctive visual presence culminated in the adoption of the university's official "True Blue" color, officially adopted by UCLA in 2004. In 2007, the band debuted its new uniforms at the USC game, featuring coats in this official "True Blue" hue. This marked a significant visual alignment with the university's broader branding efforts, reinforcing the band's role as a direct emissary of UCLA's identity. The seamless integration of these evolving uniforms reflects a continuous effort to balance tradition with contemporary aesthetics, ensuring the band remains both recognizable and relevant.

A Tradition of Excellence: The Sudler Trophy and National Acclaim

The UCLA Bruin Marching Band's dedication to musicality and tradition was formally recognized in 1993 when it was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy. This esteemed award, bestowed annually upon one university marching band, is not a championship trophy but rather a testament to a band that embodies exceptional musicianship, rich tradition, and national respect. A Los Angeles Times reporter aptly described it as "[t]he Heisman Trophy of the collegiate band world," underscoring its significance and the high regard in which the UCLA band is held. This accolade serves as a powerful affirmation of the band's consistent commitment to excellence and its profound impact on the collegiate band landscape. The Sudler Trophy is a symbol of the band's enduring legacy and its influence on the broader world of marching music.

The Bruin Marching Band on the Field: Formations and Fanfare

The UCLA Bruin Marching Band is renowned for its dynamic and visually striking performances on the football field. Its marching style is characterized by low mark times and precise glide steps, creating a fluid and captivating visual spectacle. The band's field formations are a hallmark of its artistry, featuring fast-moving precision drill progressions, impressive letter blocks, intricate picture formations, elegant concert arcs, and the signature, instantly recognizable Cursive UCLA formation. These formations are not merely decorative; they are meticulously choreographed displays of synchronization and athleticism that elevate the halftime show into a true performance art.

The pregame shows are designed to ignite crowd energy and enthusiasm, commencing with the Bruin Fanfare, an adaptation of the iconic 20th Century Fox Fanfare. This is followed by "Strike Up the Band for UCLA," a cherished gift from George and Ira Gershwin, adapted from their showtune of the same name and presented to UCLA in the fall of 1936. The band then performs "The Star Spangled Banner" in a concert formation, a moment of patriotic solemnity. The transition to the script UCLA formation, set to the stirring tune of "Bruin Warriors," is a powerful display of school spirit. Throughout the game, the band keeps the energy high with custom-arranged rock and pop songs, alongside the university's traditional fight songs and cheers, ensuring a continuous soundtrack of Bruin pride. Following all athletic contests, the band concludes with the UCLA Alma Mater, "Hail to the Hills of Westwood," a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between the students, the university, and its dedicated musical ambassadors.

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Beyond the Field: The UCLA Band Program and Its Reach

The UCLA band program extends far beyond the football field, encompassing a comprehensive array of ensembles within the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. The Marching and Varsity Bands are complemented by the Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band, offering students diverse opportunities for musical expression and development. All marching members and teaching assistants in the Bruin Marching Band are full-time UCLA students, a testament to the program's integration within the academic structure of the university.

The UCLA Varsity Band plays a crucial role in supporting other athletic endeavors, performing at basketball games and various athletic contests in Pauley Pavilion. During the fall marching season, the 250-member Bruin Marching Band commands the Rose Bowl for all UCLA Bruin home football games. The Varsity Band's presence extends to winter sports, appearing with as many as 160 members at Women's Volleyball in the Fall, Men's and Women's basketball in the Winter, and Men's Volleyball in the Spring. When Bruin teams advance in NCAA tournament play, the Varsity Band can be found supporting the team at numerous venues outside Los Angeles, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the athletic programs. The Varsity Band has been a constant presence during the team's numerous NCAA Men's and Women's Division I Basketball Championship regional and final runs.

A Global Footprint: International Performances and Cultural Exchange

The UCLA Bruin Marching Band's influence transcends geographical boundaries, with a rich history of international performances and cultural exchange. During UCLA's tenure in the Pac-12 conference, the entire band would travel annually to the San Francisco Bay Area for either the Stanford or Cal football game, a tradition that began in 1931 with a memorable journey to the Stanford game by ship from Los Angeles.

More ambitious international ventures have showcased the band's global reach. In January 2006, fifty members of the band, accompanied by six members of the UCLA Dance Team, participated in the Chinese New Year Day Parade in Hong Kong. This immersive experience involved six days of exploring the vibrant city and performing at various venues, with the parade itself broadcast live across the Asian continent. In May 2010, fourteen members of the UCLA Drumline traveled to Nagoya, Japan, to perform at the 27th Annual Ekitopia Festival Parade, further extending the band's international presence. In 2008, the UCLA Alumni Band embarked on a significant journey, representing UCLA at an international tourism festival in Shanghai.

Cinematic and Television Appearances: A Star on the Screen

The UCLA Bruin Marching Band's talent and visual appeal have also led to numerous appearances in film and television. In 1969, the band graced the 41st Academy Awards show, performing the theme song from "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," a moment introduced by cinematic legends Ingrid Bergman and Sidney Poitier. Dancer Paula Kelly also performed alongside the band during this memorable occasion. The band's proximity to the major film and television industries in Westwood and Hollywood has resulted in periodic invitations to be part of festive premieres and events. In July 2007, the band performed at the premiere of "The Simpsons Movie" in Westwood Village, adding a unique musical flair to the cinematic celebration.

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The band's television presence is equally notable. They have made numerous appearances on televised college sports broadcasts, various shows, and commercials. An ad hoc band was assembled to perform "Copacabana" on the NBC special "Dick Clark and a Cast of 1000s" in 1978. The band has also performed the theme from "Jeopardy!" and, more recently, "Bruin Warriors" on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in 2016. In 2017, twenty members of the band recorded music for the ABC series "Imaginary Mary" for an episode titled "Prom-Com." Their musical contributions have even extended to recorded albums, with a performance of the band featured on Dan Fogelberg's double-platinum album "The Innocent Age" released in 1981. The band is credited for "The Washington Post March" on the LP track "Leader of the Band," which achieved significant chart success. In a more contemporary collaboration, the band appeared in the Destiny's Child music video for "Bugaboo," with Wyclef Jean notably participating as the band's drum major and playing the marching snare drum.

Notable Directors and the Evolution of Leadership

The leadership of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band has been instrumental in shaping its identity and trajectory. Notable directors who have guided the ensemble include W. G. Powell, the first director of the ROTC band; Ben Laietsky (1928â31), a former member of the Sousa Band; Leroy Allen (1934â47); Patton McNaughton (1947â51); Clarence Sawhill (1952â72), who also served as assistant director Kelly James (1955â81); Robert Winslow (1972â74); and Gordon Henderson, who served from 1982 to 2019, taking a sabbatical before retiring in 2020. Henderson's tenure was marked by significant developments, including the transition to the "True Blue" uniforms and the band's integration into the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music in 2007. The director of bands from 1985 to 2010 was Thomas Lee. UCLA Graduate Kevin McKeown served as director through 2023. The previous assistant directors of the marching band include Jennifer Judkins, former UCLA Drum Major Keith Kupper, and UCLA Ph.D. graduate Kelly Flickinger. Justin McManus, director of athletic bands and associate director of bands, is the current leader, bringing his expertise from the University of Connecticut. Each director has left an indelible mark, contributing to the band's rich and evolving legacy.

The UCLA Alumni Band: A Legacy of Continued Passion

Distinct from the Bruin Marching Band, the UCLA Alumni Band represents a vibrant continuation of Bruin spirit and musical passion for graduates. Formed in 1976, this all-volunteer group was established in partnership with the UCLA Athletic Department to support a new alumni section at the L.A. Coliseum. From its inception, the Alumni Band has fostered an inclusive environment, welcoming family members and spouses and quickly growing into a dynamic force. Membership is open to all UCLA alumni who play a band instrument, regardless of whether they were previously in a university band or music department ensemble.

The Alumni Band boasts a membership of approximately 120 individuals, with graduation years spanning from the 1960s to the 2020s, reflecting a broad spectrum of UCLA's history. While they gather formally for an annual barbecue and rehearsal each August, the group's cohesion is evident in their consistent commitment to performances. "Thereâs a minimum instrumentation that we have to have for every single event," notes trumpet player Mike McDonald ('81). "Somehow, some way, we always manage to get to the minimum. It might be at the 11th hour and 59th minute that the last trumpet that you need actually signs up and is ready to go." This dedication underscores the deep-seated passion that drives the Alumni Band.

The Alumni Band's performances extend beyond home football games, encompassing pregame rallies, competitions, ceremonies, and celebrations across the Bruin universe. They have taken their show on the road to Texas, Arizona, Washington, and Oregon, and even crossed the Pacific to represent UCLA at an international tourism festival in Shanghai in 2008. On campus, they have performed at Royce Hall and at various university events, including ribbon-cuttings. The band's close-knit nature is exemplified by the numerous family connections within its ranks, including mother-son pairings and several couples who met through their shared love for music and UCLA.

The band is self-sustaining and performs approximately 20 gigs a year, playing a repertoire that spans from tried-and-true classics like "Sons of Westwood" to contemporary hits like "Shake It Off," bringing energy and excitement to any event. The band's commitment to fostering the "blue-and-gold spirit" was recognized in 2022 with the UCLA Award for Network of the Year. This award highlights their dedication to connecting with the next generation of Bruins, exemplified by the UCLA Alumni Band Memorial Scholarship, which supports current UCLA students who have been in the marching band and embody True Bruin values. Joel Fierberg ('82), the musical director, plays a pivotal role in uniting players of varying abilities, cultivating the band's cohesive sound. Fierberg, who pursued a career as a COO and CFO after graduating with a degree in music education, views the Alumni Band as more than just a musical group; it's a vital part of his life, offering "the opportunity to keep participating." The band's enduring mission, as articulated by former president Ed Hirsch ('61), remains consistent: "We wouldnât be doing this if we didnât like it or want to be involved with UCLA." As the band enters its 50th football season, plans for an anniversary gala are underway, a fitting celebration for an ensemble that embodies the enduring spirit of UCLA.

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