This season, the Tulane University Marching Band proudly celebrates 20 years since its modern re-establishment. For our second halftime production, we honor two decades of musical highlights that have defined Tulane Bands on campus, across New Orleans, and around the world.

The journey of the modern TUMB began in August 2005, when students gathered for what was to be the first Tulane band camp in decades. Two days later, Hurricane Katrina forced the cancellation of that fall 2025 debut, delaying the band’s return to the public stage. In tribute to the ensemble’s first performance during carnival 2006, we open with the iconic carnival anthem Mardi Gras in New Orleans by Professor Longhair, complete with drill formations that celebrate Mardi Gras festivities and the Krewe of Alla, the first parade the TUMB marched in the modern era.

We continue with Do Whatcha Wanna by the legendary Rebirth Brass Band, a nod to the vibrant contemporary brass band traditions that fill the streets of New Orleans and help define the TUMB’s repertoire and sound. Next comes the timeless Jambalaya (On the Bayou), first recorded by Hank Williams in 1952 and embraced in countless local arrangements—including the version that brought the TUMB to the world stage at the Dubai World Expo in November 2021.

Our program concludes with When the Saints Go Marching In, one of the first arrangements written for the TUMB in 2005 by Ken Dye, Director of Bands at the University of Notre Dame. This beloved New Orleans classic will feature Tulane Director of Bands Barry Spanier on the podium, marking his final season at the helm of the Tulane University Marching Band.

Guest Artist: Wendell Brunious

Drill Design by Dylan Koester

Music Arrangements by Dylan Koester, Andrew Szypula, and Ken Dye

Performance Direction: East (Press Box)