The University of Arkansas Razorback Band

About

From the small Cadet Band that supported the school’s military department to the “best in sight and sound” Marching Razorbacks that are a staple of the university’s athletic program, the band has provided the soundtrack to the University of Arkansas.

The rich history of the Razorback Band has spanned almost the entire existence of the University of Arkansas. This book documents the distinguished 130-year history of the band from its humble beginnings in 1874 as an adjunct to the military cadet squad to the major college organization that it is today. Both as a supporting player of the military and ROTC programs and of the athletic department, the Razorback Band has provided the spirited musical excitement required through the years, as well as performing concerts on its own for an appreciative student body and community audience with the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Add to that the parallel story of the evolution of an exciting basketball and volleyball spirit band—the Hogwild Band—and you have in this lavishly illustrated book the first-ever history of the music makers of the University of Arkansas.

Author

T. T. Tyler Thompson was a member of the Razorback Band from 1967 to 1971 and served as drum major of the group for the latter two years. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, he taught in public schools in Pine Bluff and North Little Rock before attending the University of Houston and obtaining his optometry degree. Dr. Thompson resides and practices in Little Rock.

Praise

“The long, rich history of the Razorback Band comes to life in Tyler Thompson’s book. For former members of the band it provides a remembrance of their years spent as a member, and for those who were not a member, it provides a fascinating look behind the scenes into one of the University’s best known organizations. It is also an interesting view of the entire history of the University from a unique point of view.”
—David Wooly, deputy superintendent of the Alma School District and former member of the University of Arkansas Razorback Band

“Excellent! The author has done outstanding work in researching and assembling the information in a readable and enjoyable format.”
—Eldon Janzen, Director emeritus of the University of Arkansas Razorback Band

“The author has done a superb job of researching and compiling a 130-year history of the University of Arkansas Band, which has evolved from a fourteen-piece brass band in 1874 to the band of today with over 300 members. With this documentation the band has the historical foundation to prove that it will play and march on through the 21st century.”
—Lewis E. Epley Jr., former Voice of the Razorback Band and former Chairman of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees