While the Columbia University Marching Band usually does a good job with its satire, sometimes its antics create controversy that has gotten the band talked about across the country, and even banned from performing at certain colleges!

Indeed, the Columbia University Marching Band made poignant statements about the Vietnam War, Johnson administration and birth control during the 60’s and 70’s. In the 80’s and 90’s, the band put on performances that featured commentaries on New York City’s anti-homeless policies, burning of the American flag and same-sex marriage.

More recently, the band has seen controversies due to content that has been deemed anti-religious by some, and there is always controversy between Columbia’s fellow ivy-league schools and bands, as rivalries flare and pranks are made.

Through its history, the Columbia University Marching Band has made a name for itself by pushing the envelope, through its performances of socially relevant topics, or just by marching and playing in places that bands usually don’t go (click here). And, when compared to the actions of other scramble bands, one could argue that the group has exercised good taste in its many performances since starting the scramble band tradition in the 1960’s.

While it does sometimes cross the line, the Columbia University Marching Band is quick to retract any content it deems questionable or regrettable, while continuing to enliven the students and citizens of Columbia University, the greater New York city area, and sometimes even other parts of the nation.

The Columbia University Marching Band, lifting spirits since 1904

Dubbed The Cleverest Band in the World (presumably by some pretty clever people) the Columbia University Marching Band has led the way among marching bands, especially in the Ivy League. Being the first band to ditch the more structured, traditional marching band tradition, it has been able to lead in creativity and demonstration of talent.

Evidence of this creativity can be seen in its halftime performances (see below), as well as its use of non-traditional instruments, the “Miscie” (a term meaning miscellaneous. Example of “Miscies” include washboards, spoons, and even electronics).

The band performs at football and at home basketball games, and has been known to play at other venues (click here, and here). It’s also been featured on radio programs, movies, and even T.V. shows.

The Columbia University Marching Band on the Tonight Show

Beside sports and media performances, the band also performs at 11:59pm on the night before Organic Chemistry final exams (Orgo Night) and on Tax Day, April 15th at the 34th St. Post Office in New York.

With all the creativity and performances, the Columbia University Marching Band has not been without its share of controversies (click to see our Wikipedia page). However, with great talent, creative performance, and (usually) good taste, the Columbia University Marching Band has, and will no doubt continue to, entertain all who see it.