Spirit of Troy supporter celebrating with USC Marching Band during football game

Spirit of Troy supporters can help the band win a fan poll this week. (Photo/Brett Padelford)

Arts

Trojan Marching Band named best in college football

The Spirit of Troy tops a nationwide list featuring the country’s most entertaining performers

October 21, 2014 Brett Padelford

As part of its season-long College Football Fan Index series, USAToday.com has named the USC Trojan Marching Band the Best Band in College Football.

Citing its reputation as “Hollywood’s Band” and notable performances at the Grammys, Academy Awards, Super Bowls and Olympics, The Spirit of Troy heads a list featuring notable programs at universities such as Ohio State, Texas, Michigan and Tennessee.

Arthur Bartner, the band’s director for 45 years, was interviewed for the article and recounted some of the organization’s landmark events, including the recording of the platinum album Tusk with Fleetwood Mac and Will Ferrell’s guest appearance as its drum major last year.

“I am thrilled that we were voted number one among the great bands in this country,” Bartner said. “It’s an honor for this program and great recognition of the hard work these students put in.”

Spirit of Troy supporters can help the band win the fan poll at fanindex.usatoday.com. Online voting ends Thursday.