The University of Texas Marching Band….known around the world as The Show Band of the Southwest was founded in 1900 by distinguished professor of chemistry, Dr. Eugene P. Schoch….who with Dr. H. E. Baxter becoming the first director of the Longhorn Band….as they purchased $150 worth of instruments from a local pawn shop….and recruited 16 students to make up the band….whereby Dr. Baxter served as the director for 5 years before stepping aside….after which Dr. Schoch took full control of the band….with him stepping down as director after the next 5 years…then the Longhorn Band was run by students for the next 7 years.
In 1917, Mr. Burnett “Blondie” Pharr became the director of the Longhorn Band….as he developed the young band in such a way that it led to a bus tour throughout 17 states….while performing at the Chicago World’s Fair, Madison Square Garden and Washington, D.C….after which Colonel George E. Hurt became director in 1937….and under his tenure, the Longhorn Band grew to over 200 members….who then suffered a stroke in 1949….allowing Morton Crockett to assume the directorship of the Longhorn Band. In his final year as director, Mr. Crockett oversaw the purchase of the large bass drum that is today known as Big Bertha….which is still today affectionately called the “Sweetheart of the Longhorn Band”.
In attendance at all home and away football games, the band performs signature songs which have been rooted in the band for many years….to include The Eyes of Texas(school song)….Texas Fight (school fight song)….Wabash Cannonball, which was requested by Coach Darrell Royal….March Grandioso…. Deep in the Heart of Texas….March of the Longhorns….Calypso….William Tell Overture….Victory….Ghost Riders in the Sky….R*E*S*P*E*C*T….Rawhide….Strong Eyes…..Taps in One….and the Mickey Mouse March….which was traditionally played to make fun of the Texas A&M Aggies prior to their annual Thanksgiving Day rivalry.
The Show Band of the Southwest is worth the price of any ticket to any Longhorn football game….as this 400 strong marching band proves in this video herewith.
