The Pride of Oklahoma

The Pride of Oklahoma
Name	The Pride of Oklahoma
School	University of Oklahoma
Location	Norman, Oklahoma
Founded	1929
Director	Jason Glover
Members	300–400
Fight song	Boomer Sooner

The Pride of Oklahoma is the marching band of the University of Oklahoma based in Norman, Oklahoma. It performs at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium football games, university ceremonies, and regional bowl games, maintaining traditions tied to the Sooner Schooner, OU-OSU Bedlam Series, and the Big 12 Conference. The ensemble blends military-style precision with contemporary showmanship and has appeared alongside visiting artists at events such as the Rose Bowl Game, Orange Bowl, and Sugar Bowl.

History

The band traces its origins to student musical organizations formed in the 1920s at the University of Oklahoma and was formalized during the late 1920s and early 1930s with direction influenced by leaders from the University of Texas at Austin and Kansas State University marching traditions. Early directors recruited veterans from the World War I bands and modeled rehearsals on practices used by the United States Army Band and West Point Band. During the Great Depression, the band grew as campus life expanded under university presidents such as William Bennett Bizzell. In the post-World War II era, returning United States Navy and United States Army Air Forces veterans swelled enrollment and influenced marching styles imported from the Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl Classic. The band modernized in the 1960s and 1970s amid national trends set by ensembles at Ohio State University, University of Michigan, and Penn State University, adopting complex drills and popular music arrangements. Expansion continued under directors who had studied with faculty from Texas Christian University and University of Southern California, leading to invitations to perform at events hosted by the Big Eight Conference and later the Big 12 Conference.

Organization and Leadership

The ensemble operates as a student organization within the OU School of Music and reports administratively to offices linked to the University of Oklahoma President. Leadership includes a director, associate directors, graduate assistants, and student drum majors modeled after staff structures at Indiana University Bloomington and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Auditions draw from [][] high school programs across the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association and neighboring states including Texas, Kansas, and Arkansas. The band collaborates with the OU Athletics Department, Office of the President, and campus ensembles such as the OU Symphony Orchestra and OU Jazz Band. It maintains partnerships with manufacturers like Yamaha Corporation of America and Conn-Selmer for instruments and with uniform suppliers used by bands at University of Nebraska–Lincoln and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center events.

Performances and Traditions

Pre-game and halftime presentations incorporate formations and music tied to traditions such as the playing of Boomer Sooner, the entrance of the Sooner Schooner, and rivalry game rituals like the Red River Showdown and the OU–Nebraska football rivalry. The band performs nationally at bowl games including the Rose Bowl Game, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and regional appearances for events hosted by NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision organizers. Traditions include marching into Lloyd Noble Center during pep rallies, conducting the OU Alma Mater at commencements alongside the OU Alumni Association, and performing outreach at community events like Norman Music Festival. Halftime shows have featured arrangements from composers tied to the American Bandmasters Association and guest collaborations with artists who have played at ACL Festival and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Notable Members and Alumni

Alumni include bandmembers who pursued careers with institutions such as the Dallas Cowboys cheer/dance programs, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and military ensembles like the United States Marine Band and United States Army Band "Pershing's Own". Graduates have become directors at University of Central Oklahoma, Northeastern State University (Oklahoma), Oklahoma State University–Stillwater, and high school programs in the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association. Some members progressed to performance careers with touring companies linked to Cirque du Soleil and Broadway productions in New York City and collaborations with recording artists from Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California. Others hold positions in education leadership within the Oklahoma State Department of Education and arts enterprises like the National Endowment for the Arts.

Instruments, Uniforms, and Drill

Instrumentation follows standard large-university scoring with sections of trumpet, mellophone, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, flute, tuba, sousaphone, and a percussion battery similar to configurations used at University of Southern California and University of Michigan programs. The color guard uses flags and props influenced by national standards from groups such as Winter Guard International. Uniforms feature crimson and cream palettes resonant with University of Oklahoma marks and are tailored by suppliers who outfit ensembles at University of Texas at Austin and University of Alabama. Drill design draws on computer-assisted programs used across the Big 12 Conference and incorporates precision marching techniques developed at The Ohio State University and show elements seen at University of Oregon performances. Instrument maintenance and repair training references materials from manufacturers like Bach (instrument maker) and Yamaha Corporation.

Awards and Recognition

The band has received invitations to prestigious bowl games including the Rose Bowl Game and regional showcases organized by the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. Directors and alumni have been honored by organizations such as the American Bandmasters Association, College Band Directors National Association, and state-level recognition from the Oklahoma Arts Council. Performances have been broadcast on networks including ESPN, ABC, and Fox Sports, leading to civic proclamations from the City of Norman, Oklahoma and commendations from the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents.

Category:University of Oklahoma Category:College marching bands in the United States Category:Musical groups established in 1929