Marching Through History: How Tradition Shapes the Big D Band

As the final whistle blows, the crowd rises in celebration. From the stands, the band director signals the  band to start playing, celebrating the team’s winning touchdown! The tubas roar and the drums thunder as the music begins to fill the stadium with triumphant sound. From the stands, every music note played carries the marching band tradition that stretches back over a century.

The Early Days 

By the 1700s, each regiment in the British Army had its own marching band—a tradition brought to the American colonies thanks to the influence of Ottoman militia. Throughout history, colonial militias relied on marching bands to boost morale. After the Revolutionary War, drum corps became common across the United States as they served both military and civilian purposes. During John Adams’ presidency in 1798, Congress established the United States Marine Band to perform at presidential ceremonial events. The band was nicknamed “The President’s Own,” and has performed at every inauguration since Thomas Jefferson.

     By the 19th and 20th centuries, marching bands began appearing in schools and colleges. Veterans with band experience would take on music teaching positions, teaching students discipline and military marching band precision. 

HBCU: Heritage, Beats, Culture, and Unity

Historically Black Colleges and Universities played a huge role in shaping the modern American marching band style. The first HBCU band was established in 1890 at Tuskegee University. HBCUs marching bands introduced a high-stepping marching style, popular music and elaborate dance routines, making their performances truly unforgettable. Many remarkable HBCUs bands include the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band, Southern University’s “Human Jukebox,” and Texas Southern’s “Ocean of Soul.”

     These traditions don’t just live on at big universities, they also inspire high school bands across the country, just like ours! Our very own Big D Band makes us unique as it carries our school spirit and brings traditions that have been passed down from its band members. 

Working Hard is Most Essential 

The Big D Band was first established by Mr. Dean Hill in 1998 with the assistance of an army general. That first year, the band marched with 300 members who all showed true discipline. The Big D Band is fashioned after Prairie View A&M. (You see them perform at Fall Fling.) Our way of marching is known as show style, meaning it focuses on crowd entertainment featuring popular music and choreographed dance routines. 

     The Big D Band carries these traditions in its own unique way. When I asked Mr. Jerry Walker, director of percussion, how he thought the band has carried on traditions from the past, he explained “Mr. Ward (director of the band) has done a fantastic job keeping that system alive, by respecting old traditions, while still bringing new flavor to performances. One of the most meaningful traditions for the band is to end every Friday night practice with “The Creed,” which is a powerful reminder of unity and pride. Mr. Walker also emphasized that sounding good and marching well are values that have been passed down through every generation of our band members. 

Interview with a Star

Milan Thompson, a junior at the Law Magnet and head dance captain of the Royalettes, explains that her journey into band began with familial inspiration. “My sister was a lieutenant my freshman year, and just seeing her dance in that first performance of the year made me want to join,” she says. After quitting gymnastics and previous sports, she found her new passion in dance.

     From freshman year to the present, Milan has grown, not only as a performer, but as a leader. She shares that the experience has been full of ups and downs, but the band has given her a strong sense of community. “Inside the band, I’ve found people I love. It kind of hurts though, I’m fixin’ to be a senior,” she reflects.

     As captain, Milan most values the mentorship role serving as captain provides her. “Being captain means the world to me. I love helping people out, creating a sisterhood, and teaching everyone routines. It’s amazing to watch us come together through the love of dance,” she explains.

     Tradition is also something she sees as central to the band’s identity. “We carry on a stigma that we should be the best band in Dallas — and we are,” Milan expresses confidently. She explained that in the past, Townview was known for winning battles of the bands, and she hopes to see that culture thrive again.

     She also described how marching band is unlike any other school activity. Beyond the physical demands, it requires memory, discipline, and countless hours of dedication. “You’re here from 7:30 in the morning until 8:30 at night sometimes. It takes a lot of your time, but it teaches you so much.” 

     Marching band has shaped her into someone who carries herself differently, both inside and outside of school. “As a freshman, I used to just come to school looking a mess,” she said, “but becoming a leader taught me I had to act like someone and represent Townview with pride.”

     Even with personal challenges, Milan has never let anything hold her back. Despite living with type 1 diabetes since she was 11 months old, she explained that the condition hasn’t defined her. “I don’t let my diabetes stop me or define me. Most of the time people forget I even have it, which I like. It’s taught me how to push myself, but also when to slow down and give my team breaks when they need it.”  

     Looking ahead, Milan hopes to attend an HBCU and join a collegiate dance line, such as the Black Foxes, Golden Delight, or Southern’s Dancing Dolls. Eventually, she wants to return to Townview to mentor future generations of dancers. “Or go to a different dance team because I also help teach dance in my church. I am a junior RA in my church.” For now, her goals are clear: “I want us to win first place in every event this year, and get all the ones at UIL.” 

     When reflecting on her favorite memories, she is reminded of the energy of fourth-period band class and the friendly battles with her teammates. For Milan, these moments capture the joy, tradition, and spirit of what it means to be a Royalette.

    When I saw Milan leading the dancers at Friday night practice, her energy, bright smile, and sharp, graceful movements truly caught my eye. For every movement she made, I felt my soul lift with the joy she radiated. Her captivating and precise moves are a wonder to see, leaving no doubt about her dedication and skill.  

We see you Milan and we can’t wait to see all that you’ll achieve as you make history in the Big D Band! 

From colonial drum corps to modern day HBCU show bands, including our own proud Big D Band, the tradition of American marching bands continues to march on. Marching bands remind us music can be seen in movement, heard in powerful rhythms, and felt deep in the soul.