"Ten chapters follow, each devoted to a single decade covering the major events in the band's development over the next hundred years, such as the adoption of the name "Blue Band" in 1923."--BOOK JACKET.

From the Preface: &"A hush falls over the 95,000 people in attendance as drum taps measure the seconds in the middle of the field. A whistle blows once, then four times rapidly, and suddenly the drums thunder in a staccato fury. Up from the depths of Beaver Stadium storm the 275 members of The Pennsylvania State University Marching Blue Band as they triple-time onto the field. The only thing louder than the fight song they play is the roar of thousands of football fans cheering them on. The excitement, the pride, and the tradition of the Blue Band have been experienced by generations of Nittany Lion fans for 100 years. . . . As the band finishes its first century, those memories, stories, and traditions must be preserved for future generations to enjoy. This book attempts to do just that.&" This history opens with the story of how marching bands came to be so popular in America, from their early nineteenth-century beginnings at West Point to the tremendous growth of their appeal into the present day. The story continues by explaining how that popularity and the importance of music in student military training at Penn State eventually led to establishment of the Cadet Bugle Corps, the Blue Band's precursor, in 1899. Ten chapters follow, each devoted to a single decade covering the major events in the band's development over the next hundred years, such as the adoption of the name &"Blue Band'&" in 1923. Interspersed throughout are biographies of its five past and present directors, as well as &"Spotlights&" that focus on special aspects of the band, including fight songs, marching style, majorettes, silks, &"flipping&" drum majors, and various band traditions. Also included is a comparison with other prominent collegiate marching bands today. Illustrations from the band's early history to the present enrich the story throughout.

Since its founding in 1899, the Blue Band has become a beloved part of the history and tradition of Pennsylvania State University. Respected by students and alumni, faculty and administrators, the Blue Band is one of the most visible representations of the dedication, pride, and honor in the hearts of all who are associated with "Dear Old State." From its humble beginnings as a six-member all-male drum and bugle corps to its current membership of over 300 instrumentalists, silks, and majorettes, the Blue Band has provided the soundtrack to the Penn State experience. From marching its trademark "Floating Lions" drill at football games in Beaver Stadium, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia to performing in concerts, field shows, and parades everywhere from the Pinstripe Bowl in Yankee Stadium to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the Blue Band has proudly served as Penn State's musical ambassador throughout Pennsylvania and across the United States. And since joining the Big Ten Conference in 1993, the Blue Band has embraced opportunities to perform alongside many of the other premier collegiate band programs in the nation.

The year 2009 marked the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Penn State Marching Blue Band. What began in 1899 as a six-member drum and bugle corps has burgeoned to over 300 members comprising one of the nation's premier collegiate marching units. The events of the Blue Band's history over these past ten years have offered repeated and conclusive proof of that fact--the University-wide campaign to build the band a state-of-the-art home on campus; receiving unexpected appreciation from the world of high fashion; the long-overdue recognition of a legacy of excellence with the Sudler Trophy. This volume chronicles an extraordinary decade in the already rich tradition that is the Penn State Blue Band--and pays tribute to those students who have worked hard for the right to don that iconic uniform and march Into the Game, for Penn State's Fame. Fight On!

Penn State University was founded in 1855. Then known as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania, the 400-acre campus had only one main building. With almost 100,000 current students (including students at the Commonwealth Campuses) and having the largest dues-paying alumni association in the world, Penn State continues to be a world leader in education. Since its founding, picture postcards have been published to showcase the buildings and highlight the student activities while documenting the school’s narrative.

Have you ever wondered what instruments make up the Penn State Marching Blue Band? When a little girl is tailgating with her parents, she hears super fun music being played. She follows the sound to see where it's coming from and discovers a marching band! Readers can join along as the Blue Band teaches her about their instruments and how each one makes music. But remember, it's important for them to all join together for the sound to be just right!