By: Jessica Znidarsic
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) —The University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band is turning 150 in 2024. Created in 1874, the band has only grown and changed over the years, now containing over 300 Razorback Marching Band members, five concert bands, and over 100 members in the HogWild Pep Band. To celebrate this program’s milestone, some of the members of the band reflect on their time and experiences during their time in the program.
Drake Rollans, the snare section leader for the Razorback Marching Band, said that his favorite tradition is being a part of the pregame for the football season.
“Being the first to march out in our famous pregame performance is like nothing else. There’s no better feeling than tapping off the Razorback Marching Band and starting the football game.”
Rollans said that being a section leader for the Drumline for the past two years is an experience he will never forget.
“It has been an incredible experience leading the group I have always wanted to be a part of growing up.”
Jackson Mettey, a third-year tuba member, said the alumni are important to the band as well.
“During the alumni band performance alongside the band at homecoming my mom and I were able to perform next to each other on the field. This was really cool because I had the same spot that she marched during her time in band.”
With the milestone of the band turning 150 years old, Silas H. Hunt Hall has a display with historic pieces of the band’s history on the second floor of the building. The exhibit is in collaboration with the U of A Museum, Razorback Band Alumni Society, and the U of A Bands. The display went up for the public in December 2023, and will be on display through December 2024. There are two uniforms on display, as well as historical photos of the band through the years. The collection will be updated over time as more uniforms and artifacts are added.
Rollans said he grew up watching Razorback football, and now he is a part of the traditions and the game day atmosphere.
“Being a part of the game day atmosphere and culture at Arkansas is a privilege like no other. I grew up coming to the Hill every weekend to watch the Hogs and getting to be a part of the culture here in Fayetteville is something I will cherish forever.”
Logan Ledford, a first-year trombone member, said that his favorite tradition is the sunrise walk that takes place during the first week that the band members are on campus.
“All the freshmen are taken all over the campus and told about what it means to be a razorback and it’s just a huge bonding experience for everyone.”
Ledford said that feeling the energy of an event is unlike anything he has experienced. Whether that be a football or basketball game, he said that they are always improving to give the best experience they can to the fans in attendance.
“It’s unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else, it really makes doing what we do even more rewarding.”