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The Marching 110 has a language all its own. Here鈥檚 a guide to some of the phrases you might hear before a practice or halftime show.  

鈥淎in鈥檛 Been Good鈥�: Debuted in 1968, the John Higgins composition was one of the marching band鈥檚 first dance routines. 

Better than the best ever: Director Ronald Socciarelli encouraged marching band members to 鈥渂e better than the best ever.鈥� The motto has stuck with the band ever since.  

鈥淐丑别别谤鈥�: Three trumpet and three trombone players are featured in this 1973 arrangement by William 鈥淏uddy鈥� Svarda.

Christmas: Marching band members and alumni use this term to refer to Homecoming, as it鈥檚 鈥渢he most wonderful time of the year.鈥� 

Dance commanders: These students are in charge of the dance moves performed during halftime shows. When the band first started these dances, Director Gene Thrailkill鈥檚 only requirement was they be easy enough for him to learn. 

Drum cadences: The band鈥檚 best-known drum cadence is 鈥淔unk,鈥� which is played during parades and as the band leaves Peden Stadium. It features turns and high kicks. Alumni band members are told 鈥測ou鈥檙e never too old to funk.鈥� The drum line plays other cadences, with names like 鈥淭equila鈥� and 鈥淯ncertain,鈥� during parades and after football games.

Field commander: The student leader of the marching band oversees marching technique, morale and discipline, but does not the conduct the band during performances.

鈥淟ight Up鈥�: This song features the Marching 110 cymbals section in a 1980 arrangement by Geoffrey Horn.

鈥淟ong Train Runnin鈥�": In 1973, student Martin Osborne arranged the Doobie Brothers鈥� hit that quickly became a crowd favorite. The dance features four members of the tuba section.

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Featured image caption: Members of the Marching 110 at the 2021 Homecoming game. Photo by Joe Timmerman, BSVC 鈥�23