Trojan Marching Band Ranked No. 1 in College Football

USA Today named the USC Trojan Marching Band the Best Band in College Football as a part of their College Football Fan Index. The index is described as a “cumulative data-based ranking of America’s most engaged fan bases for the 2014 season."

The article applauds the band for its star-studded appearances, noting its reputation as “Hollywood’s Band." The Spirit of Troy has performed at the Academy Awards, the Grammys, the Super Bowl and the Olympics. The band has also perfomed alongside several prominent artists, including Michael Jackson, Radiohead and Fleetwood Mac.  Will Ferrell led the band as an honorary drum major during the College for Cancer event last year at Bovard Auditorium. 

USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian had praise for the entire marching band and the leadership of Arthur Bartner, who has been the director of the band for 45 years. “I think [he] does just an amazing job with our band," Sarkisian said. 

Sarkisian also said the band is deserving of the top ranking and he is proud of the long-tenured relationship between the football program and band. “I think you come to the Coliseum, and I’m not sure if half the people are there to watch the football game, and the other half are there to watch the band.”

Freshman two-way player Adoree’ Jackson also complimented the band on Wednesday. “We have the best band," Jackson said. "When we’re out there playing, and I hear the band playing, it just gets that swagger.” 

Other notable programs on the list include Ohio State, University of Texas and University of Michigan.