NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma’s band, the Pride of Oklahoma, is celebrating its 120-year legacy with a special exhibit at Bizzell Memorial Library. The exhibit, opening on Labor Day and running through May 2025, showcases the band’s history, from its beginnings with just a few community players to its status as a band composed of over 325 students.
The exhibit spans over 2,500 square feet and features memorabilia that includes band jackets dating back to 1904 and a collection of both current and historic band photos. Visitors will experience the band’s history through multimedia displays, including videos and physical artifacts such as buttons, pens, tickets, programs, trophies and uniforms.
“The multimedia approach will immerse visitors in the Pride of Oklahoma’s storied past. The physical items, such as the historic jackets, bring the history to life, turning it into something personal and tangible,” said University Libraries senior exhibits coordinator James Burnes, Ph.D.
Burnes highlights a display featuring two old photos of a band director choreographing marching band moves on a scale model football field. The exhibit includes tiny army figures, about an inch and a half tall, arranged on the field in a display case next to the drill charts. The display contrasts this historical approach with modern-day band students using cell phones, illustrating the evolution from physical drill charts to the digital era, Burnes says. “The juxtaposition is really neat.”
Another part of the exhibit will highlight the prestigious Sudler Trophy for Marching Bands, considered the Heisman Trophy of marching bands, Burnes says. The Pride of Oklahoma was awarded the trophy in 1987 under the leadership of band director Gene “Coach” Thrailkill.
Today, the band is led by Brian Britt, associate dean of the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts. Under his leadership, the Pride of Oklahoma has performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, twice in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and at 21 bowl games. This year, the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts celebrates its centennial at the University of Oklahoma. The college produces over 300 concerts, recitals, dramas, musicals, operas and dance performances each year. Learn more at ou.edu/finearts.
“The continued qualitative and quantitative growth of the Pride of Oklahoma over the past 120 years is a direct result of the unparalleled efforts of Pride alumni and its generous friends and supporters. Our hope is that everyone who loves the Pride enjoy this special exhibit that celebrates its history and its unique place in the culture of our beloved alma mater,” Britt said.
Library hours are noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday; 7:30 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a. m. to 9 p.m., Friday; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, except holidays. The exhibit can be found on the library’s first floor at 401 W. Brooks Street, Norman, Oklahoma.
Learn more about University Libraries at the University of Oklahoma.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. OU was named the state’s highest-ranking university in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Colleges list. For more information about the university, visit ou.edu.
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