About Us: History (Alt-Text)

1908

University course catalogs list a University Band dating back to 1908.

1910s

Albert Perfect, along with student Dewitt Gilbert, wrote the fight song “Mighty Oregon.” The song was first performed on March 4th, 1916 (Register Guard, 11-13-81).
The original words to “Mighty Oregon” were as follows:

She is small our Alma Mater
But she rules with strength and right,
What she lacks in mass and numbers
She makes up for in her fight
Oregon is never beaten
‘Til the final whistles call,
Who can tell her tale of triumph?
Scores can never show it all.

Oregon, our Alma Mater
We will guard thee on and on
Fellows gather round and cheer her
Chant her glory Oregon
Roar the praises of her warriors
Sing the story Oregon
Down the gridiron urge the heroes
Of our mighty Oregon.

Rally fellows, stand behind them,
They are doing all they can.
Back the team in sun and shadow,
Back the captain, back each man.
They will carry home the vict’ry
To old Deady’s hallowed hall,
Give the team the best that’s in you
Give your Alma Mater all.

“Mighty Oregon” was an instant success and is still used today. In fact, “Mighty Oregon” is a popular fight song and is included in fake books for its musicality (Haton, 1998). The University’s fight song prior to “Mighty Oregon” was “On Wisconsin.”

1911

According to the 1916 Oregana, the Universty Band began in 1911 with Maurice Hyde as Director.

1915

Albert Perfect was hired as the first salaried band director at the University of Oregon.

1917

The band was asked to serve as the University Battalion. This arrangement started a long association for the University Band with the Military Department on campus.

1918

Perfect organized a Ladies Band (also known as the Women’s Band). The Ladies Band was the first on the West Coast (it existed until 1919).

1919

John Stark Evans, a music professor at the School of Music, wrote “Pledge to Oregon” in 1919. The Oregon Marching Band of the present day sings “Pledge to Oregon” in four part harmony after Oregon football games.

The words to “Pledge to Oregon” are as follows:

Old Oregon we pledge to thee our honor and fidelity
Both now and in the years to be our never failing loyalty.
Fair Oregon thy name shall be written high in liberty
Now uncovered swears thy everyone our pledge to Oregon.

1919 – 1920

Ross Hickernell was hired to replace Perfect. After only one year Hickernell left the University. After Hickernell left, no replacement was hired for many years. Instead, the Military Department handled the band program. During this time, the United States government financed the Military Band and the directors of the band were not listed as part of the School of Music faculty.

1920 – 1926

The University Course Catalog does not list a Universit Band as an organization (nor was the Military Band). In 1926, the University Band was placed back under the jurisdiction of the School of Music.

1928

The University Band performed with John Philip Sousa and his band when they visited Eugene.

1929

John Stehn was hired to replace Ferris. Under Stehn’s direction, the University Band gave its first halftime performance at a football game.

1936

The present course number for the band, 195/395, was established.

1940s

During World War II, the Army Special Training Units (ASTU) trained at the University. Stehn was able to organize a high-caliber forty-piece ASTU band. Also during the war, women took the places of absent men and performed at home football games; however, the band remained in the stands. During this time, the band also gave several concerts.

1941

The marching band had female baton twirlers. This is the first mention of women in the marching band.

1947

An Advisory Board (now Oregon Athletic Bands Council) was created to establish contact between the band and the Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO).

1950

John Stehn retired as the Director of Bands in 1950, but he was still in the School of Music for a few years. He is, in a sense, the “founding father” of the modern band department at the University. The position of Director of Bands was split between two people for the first time. Robert Wagner lead the concert bands and Ira Lee led the athletic bands.

1953

There was a significant change in the description of the band. The 1953-1954 course catalog described the band as follows: “Membership in the University Bands is open to both men and women students from all divisions of the University…”
This was the first time the words “Marching Band” apeared anywhere in a course catalog.

1963

A precicion dance group called the “Oregonettes” was formed. It is the earliest indication of having a color guard. The Oregonettes danced with capes and were all trained ballet dancers.

1967

With the opening of Autzen Stadium, the Marching Band had a new home. Prior to Autzen Stadium, all home football games were at Hayward Field. With this opening, the band introduced its new uniforms.

1970s

Due to student resistance towards the Vietnam War, the marching band did not exist for one to three years (exact dates unknown). Students of the University viewed the band’s militaristic style as controversial and upsetting. “Students booed the band,” according to members of the Marching Band.

1975

Quote in Oregana about “the on-again, off-again marching band…” The group was disbanded six years ago but revived in 1971 when the athletic department realized it was essential if the football program was to gain television exposure.

1976

Gerald Poe was hired to direct the marching band. Poe started the Festival of Bands competition for high school marching bands.

1980s

The band received new uniforms made and designed by Lane County businesses. Because of Oregon’s weather, the uniforms were unique in that they were waterproof. They came with a full cape attachment that provided warmth and color contrast. The hats were Aussie style and helped keep the rain off the members’ shoulders and faces.

1983

Steve Paul was hired and built the marching band up from 90 members his first year to over 250 members.

The Green Garter Band, a band that played for additional athletic events, started and was so named because members wore green garters on their arms.

1985

Members of the Green Garter Band begin to receive full scholarships. Once the band received full scholarships, prospective members had to audition into the band.

Oregon Marching Band created “Duck Lips,” a noisemaker that the band has sold as a fundraiser since.

1995

University of Oregon reaches the Rose Bowl.
Sid Haton is hired as the Marching Band director.

1999

Sid Haton leaves his position as Marching Band director and Todd Zimbelman is hired.

2002

Introduction of first Nike produced marching band uniforms at Michigan v. Oregon game.

2005

Todd Zimbleman leaves his position as director of the Marching Band and Dr. Patrick Carney is hired as interim director.

Dr. Carney appointed to new position as Director of Athletic Bands, overseeing the Marching Band, Basketball Band, and the Garter Bands.

2006

Dr. Eric Wiltshire hired as the new Director of Athletic Bands.

2008

Nike creates second version of its marching band uniform for the Oregon Marching Band.

2009

Oregon Marching band returns to the Rose Bowl. The band reaches 200 members!

2010

Oregon attends the BCS National Championship in Glendale, Arizona.

2011

The Green Garter Band competes for the first time in the 2011 Reno Jazz Festival and received all superior ratings.

2012

Oregon Marching Band returns to the Rose Bowl and celebrates the football team’s victory over Wisconsin.

Nike creates third version of its marching band uniform.

2013

The Oregon Marching Band travels to the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Arizona.

The Oregon Basketball Band travels to Las Vegas, San Jose, and Indianapolis cheering on the Men’s Basketball Team as they compete in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.

The 2013 OMB reaches over 250 members!

The Green Garter Band celebrates its 30th anniversary.

If you have something to contribute to our timeline, please let us know by emailing us at omb@uoregon.edu