Rutgers Marching Band History
The Rutgers University Bands program is one of the oldest institutions of its kind. Founded in 1915, its traditions still live strong and proud.
Since 1915 the Band has had a history of innovation, excellence and most importantly, showing unending support for our Athletic Teams. Originally begun as an 11-member band to play music for weekly drills of the Rutgers College Cadet Corps, the band has never stopped serving the University. From playing the school's fight songs, "The Bells Must Ring," and Colonel Rutgers", to singing the School's Alma Mater, "On the Banks of the Old Raritan," the Marching Band provides the University with a tremendous amount of school spirit, full of color, history and tradition.
The Marching Band has expanded and changed immensely from its roots as a military drill band in 1915. Although the band played in its first football game in 1921, what we know today as the marching band, with formations on the field, did not begin until 1928. Still retaining its military style, the band adopted an Ivy-League style, wearing straw hats and blazers for their uniforms, giving them a unique look. The band really began to take off in 1968 when the Military Department stopped funding the band and the Athletic Department took over. With 100 members on the field that year, the band became known as the Rutgers Marching 100 with a Big-Ten high step marching style and fast-paced pre-game and half-time shows.
In 1972, Rutgers went coed and as a result, the band did also. Although the women were not accepted with open arms at first, they quickly proved that they could handle the work of performing a half-time show at the same pace as the men. Nearly a decade later, Dr. William Berz took over the marching band program. By more than doubling it in size, increasing its participation to over 200 members again, purchasing new uniforms, and introducing a new marching style much like that of the flexible Drum Corps glide-step, Dr. Berz made the band into what it is known as today.
After a tumultuous time in the late eighties and nineties, including a half-dozen different directors, the band was under the direction of Timothy Smith until 2017.
In July of 2001, Timothy Smith, a graduate of Rutgers, was named Director of the MSK. During his leadership, the MSK performed in numerous high profile events, including Super Bowl XVIII and The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Professor Smith was the longest standing Director of the MSK, serving for 16 years. The organization is grateful for his leadership.
In 2017, Dr. Todd Nichols was appointed as Director of Athletic Bands. Dr. Nichols, in addition to his roles with the Athletic Bands, was named Assistant Director of University Bands. He joined Rutgers after spending years at local New Jersey high schools building nationally recognized programs. He also is the director of the Eastern Wind Symphony. Dr. Nichols currently serves as the Director of University and Athletic Bands.
In July of 2020, after taking a year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MSK returned and welcomed in the first female Assistant Director, Dr. Julia Baumanis. Dr. Baumanis joined Rutgers as Assistant Director of Bands after spending several years as Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Central Missouri. Dr. Baumanis currently serves as the Associate Director of University and Athletic Bands as well as the Pep Band Director.
Together, Dr. Nichols and Dr. Baumanis led the band through an amazing return season in 2021 which was capped off by a performance as the featured collegiate band at Band of America's Grand National Championships in Indianapolis.
In 2023 the Marching Scarlet Knights were selected to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This prestigious opportunity allowed the band to represent Rutgers University and the state of New Jersey on a national stage. Participating in such a historic event not only showcased their exceptional talent and hard work but also marked a significant milestone in the band's legacy under the leadership of Dr. Nichols and Dr. Baumanis.
In 2025, the MSK went international for the first time in over 30 years. The MSK was invited to participate in London Band Week 2025 as the featured USA Band. The MSK went on tour for a full week of fun, and awesome performances and music making. Those who marched in London say “it was the highlight of their marching career!”
