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This year the Longhorn Band celebrates a major milestone — its 125th season of ringing the cowbells, shaking the fringe and raising the spirits of Longhorn Nation! The band, alongside Texas Athletics, has joined the Southeastern Conference and is competing on collegiate sport’s biggest stage. With your help, the Showband of the Southwest will stand tall in the SEC as the country’s best — and best-supported — band. Back the band today!

Taken in 1901, this is the oldest photo of the University Band (today known as the Longhorn Band). There were 21 members.
The band was founded in 1900 by Professor E.P. Schoch, who purchased the first instruments with his own funds. An East Mall building on the UT campus and a Longhorn Alumni Band scholarship are named after Professor Schoch.
Burnett “Blondie” Pharr was the director of the Longhorn Band from 1921-1936. He wrote the lyrics to “Texas Taps” (today known as “Texas Fight”) and took the band on a multi-state tour via train during his tenure.
The complete Longhorn Band is pictured in 1932 and shows members dressed in a military-style uniform while still under the direction of Blondie Pharr. The brand-new Gregory Gym made a lovely architectural backdrop. Notice how all the fellows in darker coats make a Texas T?
After former Longhorn Band member Irwin Curtis Popham died in WWII, his family presented his UT class ring to the band, which started the tradition of the “Passing of the President’s Ring.” Since then, each outgoing president of the Longhorn Band presents the ring to the incoming president. (Crew photo: Curtis is 2nd from left, 1st row)
Beloved Band Director Vince DiNino grew the Longhorn Band into today’s internationally recognized Showband of the Southwest. Under his direction from 1955-1975, he led the integration of the band, taking it from an all-male, all-white group to a diverse organization of women and men where musical ability and professionalism were all that mattered.
Leah Mabry came to UT in 1959 and was the first female drummer to march the field in the Longhorn Band. Band Director Vincent DiNino recruited her on a full tuition scholarship of $25.
Big Bertha and Big Bertha II bass drums share the field on October 15, 2022, officially declared “Big Bertha Day.” Big Bertha was retired at the end of the 2022 football season after 100 years. At just over 9.5 feet in diameter, Big Bertha II is the largest bass drum in the world.

Leave a Lasting Mark

In honor of the band’s 125th season, we are offering two special ways to commemorate your support. Learn more about the Block T Donor Recognition Wall and the Script Texas Society.

SUPPORT THE HEARTBEAT OF GAME DAY

Longhorn Band members

Your gift to create an endowed scholarship will open a door to a world-class education and an unforgettable band experience for a student. Through the Texas Challenge one-to-one matching program, your gift will be doubled.

When you support the Longhorn Band Legacy Fund endowment, you ensure the band is self-sustaining for generations and has the necessary resources for scholarships, travel, performances, instruments, uniforms, equipment and more.

Longhorn Band members marching on the field
Longhorn Band members marching on the field

When you support the Longhorn Band Legacy Fund, you ensure the band is self-sustaining for generations and has the necessary resources for scholarships, travel, performances, instruments, uniforms, equipment and more.

Longhorn Band members with drums and instruments

Your documented gift in your estate plan will qualify for the Longhorn Band Legacy Challenge. Through the challenge, the President’s Development Board will make an immediate gift in your honor to the Longhorn Band Legacy Fund. You will also become a member of the Script Texas Society and receive recognition on a new donor wall.

Your gift will grow the Longhorn Band Legacy Fund endowment so that eligible band members receive a service award. These financial awards recognize students for the long hours outside the classroom to practice, perform and provide enjoyment to thousands.

Big Bertha drum
Photos courtesy of Dave Wilson
Big Bertha drum
Photos courtesy of Dave Wilson

Your gift will grow the Longhorn Band Legacy Fund endowment so that eligible band members receive a service award. These financial awards recognize students for the long hours outside the classroom to practice, perform and provide enjoyment to thousands.

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I’m with the band

KayKeane
“Through my gift, I want the band to have ‘ready to roll’ funds, so it has the opportunity to accept an invitation or do something special that hasn’t been planned for already. I want my gift to benefit the entire program.”

Kay Keane, B.A. ’64
Piccolo and Texas Stars twirler

“Playing in the Longhorn Band is magical and I’m excited to celebrate the band’s 125th year. When you support the band you’re helping students like me with their organization skills, their communication skills and their well-being. Thank you for continuing to fund music because music has personally saved me.”

Jaiden Walker, B.S. ’25
Drum major and scholarship recipient

Jaiden Walker
Jaiden Walker
“Playing in the Longhorn Band is magical and I’m excited to celebrate the band’s 125th year. When you support the band you’re helping students like me with their organization skills, their communication skills and their well-being. Thank you for continuing to fund music because music has personally saved me.”

Jaiden Walker, B.S. ’25
Drum major and scholarship recipient

Cowboy Hat

Thank you to the University Co-op for generously sponsoring
course material scholarships for the Longhorn Band.

A photo of UT football field with band members forming the Texas, serving as link to a video

1900

year
established

400

band
members

35+

performances
annually

6

U.S. Presidential
inaugurations

Featured Stories

He’s With the Band

He’s With the Band

Rick Church and Big Bertha at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. Photo: Wyatt McSpaddenRick Church's historic gift helps ensure Longhorn Band's future.While classrooms, libraries, and laboratories make up the formal nexus of a college education, it is the extras...

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