College Spotlight: University of Alabama
Mar 22, 2023
Alabama: “Million Dollar Band”
Today I honor my father, Benjamin Colon - otherwise known as Benny or Dad
Dad was the Drum Major at Dominguez High School, and he LOVED bands and music!
A college marching band adds tradition, pomp and circumstance, fight song, the alma mater, and the memories of college football, basketball, and those crazy pep rallies.
Alabama’s marching band is known as “The Million Dollar Band”
My research led me to Alabama Alumnus, William Champ Pickens, who bestowed the name on the band after the 1922 football game against Georgia Tech. The Crimson Tide lost 33-7 to the Yellow Jackets. Atlanta sportswriter commented to Pickens, “You don’t have much of a team, what do you have at Alabama?” To that, Champ proudly answered, “A Million Dollar Band.” And so the name stuck.
That was in 1922 – hard to believe Alabama ever had a losing season!
You might know the name “Bear” Bryant. For 25 years, he coached the Alabama football team. Coach Bryant’s collection of 323 collegiate wins includes 13 Conference Championships and 6 National Titles with the University of Alabama.
What I love about this legendary coach is this: he often gave the Million Dollar Band partial credit for the many football victories. What a true gentleman!
University of Alabama
Large, public institution - With at total of over 32K students
7500 freshmen – that’s big!
Priority Deadline: February 1
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