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Syracuse University Marching Band Collection

An inventory of its collection at the Syracuse University Archives

Summary

Creator: Syracuse University. Marching Band.
Title: Syracuse University Marching Band Collection
Dates: 1901-2017
Size: 15 boxes (19.5 linear feet)
Abstract: Photographs, memorabilia, and other materials related to the Syracuse University Marching Band
Language: English
Repository: University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives

Historical Note

Photograph of members of the marching band and majorette at a 1960 Cotton Bowl rally

Syracuse University’s Marching Band, known as “The Pride of the Orange,” is one of two athletic bands on campus that appear at football, basketball and other events. The first University Band was formed in 1901 with 23 members and, on October 12, made its first football game appearance. The band was dismissed just three years later for financial reasons but slowly began to reform in 1907, playing at several functions on campus, and in 1909 Chancellor Day authorized scholarships for band members. In 1919, the band merged with the ROTC band and received new uniforms and instruments from the U.S. government. In 1924 the Marching Band became a minor sport and began receiving funding from the athletic department, separating it from the ROTC band, though they continued to occasionally perform together. In 1940, due to a shortage of male students lost to the war effort, the first women were allowed to join the band and were the majority by 1943. In 1944, the first majorettes joined the band and in 1946 the band was established within the School of Music. After World War II women were removed from the band. In 1947 the band debuted as “100 Men and a Girl” with Dottie Grover as featured twirler. The band enjoyed growing success and in 1966 women were again allowed to join. In 1970 the band went on a European concert tour which included the World Band Festival in Holland. The band won three awards at the competition and were welcomed back with much acclaim. That fall, they were introduced for the first time as “The Pride of the Orange.” The Marching Band continues to represent Syracuse University at home and on the road and in 2014 played the Super Bowl pregame show alongside the Rutgers University Marching Band.

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Scope and Content Note

The Syracuse University Marching Band Collection spans from 1901 to 2017 and contains various materials related to the organization including uniforms, photographs, and printed materials. The collection is divided into four series:

The Memorabilia series comprises uniform pieces from various eras in the Marching Band’s history.

The largest series, Photographs, encompasses the majority of the collection. It contains photographs documenting the band's seasons from some of its earliest bowl performances to its 2014 performance at the Super Bowl pregame show at the Meadowlands.

The Records series contains printed materials related to the band such as directories and drill formation documentation.

The Scrapbooks series contains two scrapbooks documenting the band’s 1962 season and their 1952-1953 Orange Bowl trip.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.

Use Restrictions

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

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Related Material

A poster was removed from the collection and added to the Poster Collection.

The University Archives holds a clipping file on the Marching Band, additional photographs can be found in the Photograph Collection and several posters are housed in the Poster Collection. Buttons and uniforms from the Marching Band can also be found in the Memorabilia Collection.

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Selected Search Terms

Names

Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.
Syracuse University. Marching Band.

Subjects

Color guards.
Marching bands.
Student activities.
Higher education.

Types of material

Photographs.
Scrapbooks.
Uniforms.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Syracuse University Marching Band Collection,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

The collection was transferred to the University Archives by the Setnor School of Music in 2016.

Processing Information

Materials were rehoused in folders and boxes.

Finding Aid Information

Created by: Nicole Morello
Date: 2018
Revision history:

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Arrangement

Folders are arranged alphabetically or chronologically within series.

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Inventory

Memorabilia
Oversize 1 Banner, Netherlands tour 1970
Oversize 2 Color guard uniform circa 1990
Oversize 2 Color guard vest circa 1985
Oversize 2 Drum major uniform 1998-2010
Oversize 3 Hat 2012
Oversize 2 Majorette uniform circa 1970
Oversize 2 Orangette uniform circa 1970
Oversize 1 Uniform jacket circa 1990
Oversize 1 Uniform jacket undated
Photographs
Box 10 Band portraits 1917, circa 1995-2008, undated
Box 1 Photographs circa 1954
Box 1 Photographs 1980-1985 (2 folders)
Box 10 Photographs circa 1980-1990
Box 1 Sugar Bowl 1988 (4 folders)
Box 2 Photographs 1988-1992 (8 folders)
Box 3 Photographs 1991-1992 (6 folders)
Box 4 Photographs 1992-1996 (7 folders)
Box 5 Photographs 1996-1997 (7 folders)
Box 6 Photographs 1997-2000 (9 folders)
Oversize 4 Photographs circa 1997-2008, undated Oversize
Box 7 Photographs 2000-2003 (7 folders)
Box 8 Photographs circa 2003-2008 (5 folders)
Box 9 Photographs 2007-2014 (9 folders)
Box 9 Band camp-bowl game 2010
Records
Box 10 Band directories 1992-2007 (2 folders)
Box 10 Band information and brochures 2005-2006, undated
Oversize 4 Certificates 1971, 2016-2017 Oversize
Box 10 Certificates 1983-1989, 1997
Box 10 Clippings 1942-1943, 2014
Box 10 Drill and routines 1953-1955 (2 folders)
Box 10 History 1986, 2009, undated
Box 10 Postcards 1990, undated
Box 10 Programs 1901, 1970
Oversize 4 Sheet music 1954, 1995, 2006 Oversize
Box 10 Tickets 2008-2010
Scrapbooks
Oversize 5 All collegiate marching band 1962 Oversize
Oversize 4 Orange Bowl trip 1952-1953 Oversize

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