The Spirit of Troy, Hollywood’s Band, and selfproclaimed as “The Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe.” For the past 50 years, “The Man on the Ladder,” Dr. Arthur C. Bartner, has taken deliberate steps to form a unique persona for the band that created these monikers and much more. In this follow-up article from his 40th anniversary, Bartner talks about the defining moments of his career and the legacy that he leaves behind.
Halftime: How will you be celebrating your 50th and final year with the TMB?
Bartner: In June [2019], we started a Trojan Marching Band Alumni Association, which is affiliated with the university. We’ve had various groups and events through the years, … but now we’ve made it an official organization. … The great joy to me is to sit down with these “kids” (I call them kids even though some marched in the ’70s and have already retired). It’s great to reminisce and talk about their experiences in the band. …
I’m really excited about the … album … released at Homecoming [Oct. 19]. It’s a fourpart commemorative album of 50 years. … It comes with a … pull-out that has my 50 greatest moments … [with] pictures of each event and a blurb explaining what it is. … The album was recorded by the current band. … The object was to get the ambience of what the band sounds like on the football field [and] in the stands. We wanted that live sound. … It has that excitement that I want to be part of this last album. …
This story is from the November/December 2019 edition of Halftime Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November/December 2019 edition of Halftime Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Vandegrift High School
When Mozart composed “The Magic Flute,” he likely didn’t envision a 386-member marching band and dance company performing the famous opera.
Captain Of Her Own Destiny
During my first season of high school marching band as a freshman trumpet player at Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas, I hardly noticed the four girls twirling flags at the back of the field.
VARSITY SPIRIT
A major new player has entered into the marching arts activity. See how Varsity Spirit, known for cheerleading apparel, competitions, and camps, has already made an impact to elevate the student experience.
THE AMBULANCE ARENA
Know how and why to activate the Emergency Medical Service for your event.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Group management tools help band directors communicate information, share photos, videos, and files, and even manage finances at their fingertips.
TARPS ON THE FIELD
Used in various shapes, sizes, and colors, tarps help marching groups transform the football field into their own stage.
THE DRUM MAJOR LIFECYCLE
From aspiring hopeful to drum major, from student to teacher, and from motivated to motivator, a drum major grows by leaps and bounds during her time on the podium with the University of Delaware and with the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy.
SPIRIT & SYNERGY
With formations of giant stick figures doing the “floss,”
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The University of Southern California ( U S C )Trojan Marching Band (TMB) has many nicknames:
REVIEWING GAME DAY SECURITY
Safety first! Both host and visiting bands must join forces with administrators and security personnel to create a positive event experience.
