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The University of Texas and Longhorn Band are rooted in countless traditions and
historic events. High standards of achievement are at the foundation of these institutions.
The most important and lasting of all band traditions are the ever present pride
and spirit. Longhorn Band, the largest organization on the University of Texas campus,
is the backbone of school spirit on campus. We take the initiative at pep rallies
and games in firing up Texas fans with their favorite yells, and generally add to
the excitement that is so characteristic of Texas sporting events. Below are a few
of examples of these Longhorn Band and University of Texas traditions.
The Longhorn Alumni Band
The Longhorn Alumni Band began in 1964 with 67 members. Now, LHAB consists of over
800 members. Each year, they gather for their meeting at the first home game. LHAB
and LHB perform shows of their own, and then combine for a total of over 1000 bandsmen
on the field. LHAB also gives generously (about $30,000) to the LHB scholarship
fund each year.
Cowbells
No University of Texas game is complete without the Longhorn Band's deadly weapons
— cowbells. These sonorous instruments are passed out to each band member
at the start of a game. When rung, they produce a deafening sound, symbolic of our
PRIDE and SPIRIT. Past experience (Texas vs. Arkansas, 1977) has proven that cowbells,
rung by three hundred plus Longhorn Band members, can make more noise than an opposing
team's fans.
Big Bertha
Big Bertha, the largest marching drum in the world, became the "SWEETHEART OF THE
LONGHORN BAND" in 1955. Orignally built for the University of Chicago, long time
benefactor of the Longhorn Band, D. Harold Byrd, and then director, Moton M. Crockett,
purchased and transported her to her permenant home deep in the heart of Texas.
For her performances at football games, she is graciously escorted by a group known
as the "Bertha Crew".
Script Texas
First performed in 1957, "Script Texas" was charted by then Longhorn Band Assistant
Director, Richard Blair. The form consists of the entire band, led by the Drum Major,
spelling 'Texas' in a continuous script writing. Some variation of the formation
is performed every year, and sometimes featured in a joint show with the Longhorn
Alumni Band.
Wall to Wall Band
"Wall to Wall Band" is another traditional drill annually performed by Longhorn
Band. The band starts in one end-zone and expands to the other while playing "March
Grandioso". Before performing a counter-march in the opposite end-zone, Longhorn
band covers the entire football field.
Block 'T'
Originating in the 1920s, the Block 'T' is now performed during the pre-game show
at all Unversity of Texas home football games. After forming the giant 'T', the
band marches it to the end-zone for the Longhorn Football Team to run through as
they enter the field. Variations of the formation can also be found during various
Longhorn Band half-time performances.
Hat and Coat Ceremony
This ceremony is performed at the first home game in which the New Members will
be wearing the full Longhorn Band uniform. The presentation of the hat and coat
of the uniform represents the acceptance of the New Members into Longhorn Band.
Freshman Beanie
The tradition of presenting new members of the band with an orange and white beanie
began in the 1950's. This distinguished badge is a symbol of the dedication, hard
work, and pride demonstrated by ALL members of the band. Thousands of LHB freshmen
have received the beanie as an honor and representation of affiliation with the
Longhorn Band.
Freshman Advisor Beanie
Passing of the "Freshman Advisor Beanie" is a tradition which began in
1991. Embroidered on the vintage New Member beanie are the names of former Freshman
Advisors.
President's Ring
One tradition of the Band is the "Passing of the President's Ring." During this
ceremony, which takes place at the annual Spring Banquet, the former Band President
presents the ring to the new President. The tradition began at the close of World
War II when the parents of Curtis Popham, Longhorn Band Drum Major, who was killed
in the war, gave Curtis' University ring to the Band for this purpose.
Drum Major's Belt Buckle
The Drum Major's belt buckle is passed on to the new Drum Major at the annual Spring
Banquet. Engraved on the back are the names of past Longhorn Band Drum Majors beginning
in 1969.
Spring Banquet
Each spring, usually the first weekend in May, the Longhorn Band Spring Awards Banquet
takes place. Here, scholarships are awarded by the Alumni Band, lettering awards
are presented, the President's Ring is passed on to the new council president, the
Freshman Advisor Beanies are passed on to the new Advisors, the Drum Major for the
next year is announced and presented with the Drum Major Buckle, and various other
awards are presented.
The Byrd Room
Donated by the honorary President of the Longhorn Band, General D. Harold Byrd,
the Byrd Room is an elegantly furnished lounge for Longhorn Band members including
free telephone usage and a TV. The room is used for formal receptions, TBS meetings,
and is usually open to band members for studying or relaxing during the day.
University Traditions
Bevo
Bevo, a Longhorn steer, is the University mascot. Stephen Pickney (LL.B. 1911) spearheaded
a movement to provide a live mascot for the University of Texas, collecting $1.00
each from one hundred twenty-four alumni. On Thanksgiving Day, 1916, the frightened
Bevo was dragged on to the field and formally presented to the students. This first
mascot was branded by Aggies with "13-0" which was the score of the A&M victory
the year before, but contrary to Aggie belief, is not the reason for the steer being
named Bevo. The December 1916 issue of the Texas Exes Alcalde magazine contained
an article by editor Ben Dyer (BA 1910) that described the Thanksgiving game and
The University's new mascot, stating: "His name is Bevo. Long may he reign!" Bevo
was the name of a "near beer" sold by Anheuser-Busch during prohibition, but Bevo
the mascot most likely got his name from a naming fad spurred by Gus Mager's popular
comic strips where the character's names were their personality trait with an "o"
tagged onto the end (i.e.: Groucho). The mascot, being a beeve, was fittingly named
Bevo.
Daily Texan, June 3, 2003
Hook 'Em Horns Sign
The "Hook'em Horns" signal was introduced at a Friday night pep rally in Gregory
Gym before the Texas Christian University football game in 1955. Clark, head yell
leader, and his friend Henry Pitts decided that the sign, made by extending the
index and little fingers and tucking the middle and ring finger beneath the thumb,
would be appropriate for University of Texas students because it resembled the head
of a Longhorn.
Smokey the Cannon
The thunderous roar is heard after each Longhorn football score as four blank 10-guage
shotgun shells are fired in approval of the Horns.
Orange and White
The University colors, orange and white, were officially adopted by the regents
on May 10, 1900, after a student vote. As early as 1885, students had displayed
orange and white ribbons on special occasions. Athletic teams later unofficially
adopted burnt Orange. The official colors, as used in the university seal, are focal
orange and pure white.
The Texas Flags
On January 1, 1961, the University of Texas played Mississippi in the Cotton Bowl.
By request of Mississippi, a large Texas flag was made for their half-time show
so that they could salute the University of Texas and the state. Following the game,
they presented the flag, as a gift, to Texas Governor Price Daniel who gave it to
the Longhorn Band. The flag was so big, DiNino could not afford to use all the members
of Longhorn Band needed to hold the flag on the field, so he gave it to the Athletic
Department. The Athletic Department then turned over all rights and operations of
the flag to Alpha Phi Omega. Today the flag measures 45 by 25 yards and weighs 400
pounds. It is the largest Texas flag in the world. At the beginning of every home
football game and at some out-of-town games, members of Alpha Phi Omega take over
the turf when they cover the field with a huge flag of Texas.
The Tower
The "center" of attraction on The University of Texas campus is the tower
of the Main Building. This University landmark may be seen standing majestically
against the Austin skyline, and is visible for miles.
It is tradition for the top of the tower to be lit orange for conference game victories.
The entire tower is lit orange for a Conference Championship (Big Xll Conference
Championship) and an orange tower with a number one signifies a National Championship.
The tower is also lit orange for special holidays, graduation ceremonies, and various
other events.
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