The best damn band in the land. That’s the name the Ohio State University Marching Band has made for itself over its 120 years of existence. The marching band was first formed in 1878 as a 12 piece fife and drum corps. By 1879, the band boasted 16 members and performed for that year’s commencement.By 1896, the OSU marching band, under the direction of Gustav Bruder, began growing in size and playing at all university military and athletic events. In 1920, the marching band combined with the varsity band to form a marching band of 100 members and sported the first strutting drum major, Edwin Essington.But today, the best damn band in the land has little in common with its original predecessor. First, its members now total 225. Second, the marching band follows the format of the traditional British brass band. This consists of 192 instruments broken down into the following categories: 10 E-flat Cornets, 44 B-flat Cornets, 18 Flugelhorns, 24 E-flat Alto Horns, 24 Slide Trombones, 24 Baritone Horns, 24 Sousaphones, 12 Snare Drums, 4 Bass Drums, 4 Pair of cymbals, 4 Tri-Toms.This is the big, brassy sound we have all come to know and love as the marching band plays “Across The Field,” or “Buckeye Battle Cry,” or the perennial stadium favorite, “Hang on Sloopy.” And of course, who can forget the “Trademark of The Ohio State University Marching Band,” “Script Ohio”?Over the years The Ohio State University Marching Band has received many awards and trophies, including the Sudler Trophy naming them the outstanding college band in the country. In 1988, USA Today featured the band in a multi-page spread exposing the band’s history, traditions and musical virtuosity.But according to the members of the OSU Marching Band, the greatest reward comes from their devoted fans who come from all over Ohio and the nation to see the Buckeyes play and hear the best damn band in the land.Go TBDBITL!