The Goin’ Band from Raiderlandis a 450-member marching band of Texas Tech University…..which was originally known as The Matador Band….and is nearly as old as Texas Tech University itself. Under the direction of W. Waghorne, it performed at the opening football game in October 1925….while fielding between 21 and 25 members. American humorist Will Rogers once aided in financing a trip to Fort Worth, Texas so the band could perform at a game against the TCU Horned Frogs….thus becoming the first band to travel to an away game….as he also helped purchase new uniforms for the band.
In 1981, Keith Bearden became the first Texas Tech alumnus to become director of the Goin’ Band…..when he continued the style and traditions of previous directors as well as leading the band to the prestigious Sudler Trophy in 1999. Bearden also opened new venues for the Goin’ Band, such as when the band traveled to Ireland in 1998 to take part in Saint Patrick’s Day parades in both Dublin and Limerick.
As seen in this video herewith….The Goin’ Band from Raiderland performs at halftime of the 1985 Southwest Conference game between Texas Tech University verses the Texas Longhorns.
