Brett Padelford
Stories by Brett Padelford:
Looking back with Rodney Davis, the Trojan Marching Band’s first Black drum major
He led the band at two Rose Bowls and the premiere of the movie Grease. You can still see him in the “Tusk” music video. Four decades later, Rodney Davis remains beloved at USC.
Arthur C. Bartner prepares Trojan Marching Band for last home game of his 50th season
On Saturday, Bartner will direct the Trojan Marching Band for the final home game after five decades at the helm as USC takes on UCLA.
Trojan Marching Band assembles Marvel Cinematic Universe luminaries to salute film franchise
At halftime of the USC-Oregon game, the Spirit of Troy will pay tribute to the biggest film franchise in history and celebrate its Trojan ties.
Director makes his final Notre Dame trip with Trojan Marching Band
In his 50th and final year at the helm, Arthur C. Bartner will lead the band in halftime performances of two iconic songs from 1973 — the first year the band went to South Bend.
Arthur C. Bartner begins 50th season as Trojan Marching Band director
The 50th and final season for the longtime Trojan Marching Band director will be one of celebrations and milestones.
Arthur C. Bartner to conduct final spring concert as director of USC Concert Band
The upcoming concert, “The Final Curtain,” will bring back some of Bartner’s favorite acts to accompany the band.
Trojan Marching Band streak of consecutive games hits 400
Now in his 49th season at the helm, Arthur Bartner and the band will celebrate their 400th straight performance at a football game this weekend.
Trojan Marching Band to perform in Dublin, Cork on first visit to Ireland
Fifty members of the globe-trotting group will make the Emerald Isle the 19th country it has visited since 1988.
Trojan Marching Band pavilion named for Director Arthur C. Bartner
Gift from Stephen G. Johnson and Rosemarie Torres Johnson names the pavilion, the first dedicated space for the band in its 138-year history.
Top bands (one being USC’s, of course) to face off before Cotton Bowl
The Spirit of Troy will compete against Ohio State’s band one day before the schools compete on the football field
Mayor Eric Garcetti to guest conduct Trojan Marching Band at USC football game
The band will perform “I Love L.A.” Saturday at halftime along with 1,400 students from 14 local schools on High School Band Day.
Trojan Marching Band celebrates 30 years of travel to every USC football game
Whether it’s by bus, plane or train, The Spirit of Troy has attended every Trojan football game from Honolulu to Happy Valley since 1987.
Trojan Marching Band is ready for its Rose Bowl and Rose Parade closeups
The band has appeared at every Rose Bowl that USC has ever played in — and every USC football game in the last 30 years.
Trojan Marching Band to salute USC Olympians at Saturday’s football game
Seventeen athletes are scheduled to take a bow at the Coliseum.
End of an era for USC Trojan Marching Band associate director
After 45 years with the group, Tony Fox directs the basketball band at home for the final time Saturday.
USC Trojan Marching Band to perform in Macao for Chinese New Year Parade
The Trojans will be the first American performers in the event’s history.
Trojan Marching Band celebrates 350 straight games supporting USC football
The band has been at every game since early in the 1987 season. That’s 320,000 miles, 35 stadiums and 24 states.
Gustavo Dudamel conducts Trojan Marching Band at Hollywood Bowl
In its annual rite of summer, the band will perform the climax of Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture.’
Trojan Marching Band to perform at Expo 2015 in Milan on July 4
It’s the sixth time in 27 years that the group has represented the United States at a world exposition.
Trojan Marching Band to salute movie music Sunday
The program will include the film score that gave USC its iconic victory march ‘Conquest!’; Mark Hamill, above, emcees.
USC drumline plays Coachella with Odesza
Drummers perform with the electronic pop duo at the world’s biggest music festival.
Trojan band honors USC legend Louis Zamperini
The athlete and war hero was saluted at halftime of Saturday’s USC-Notre Dame game at the Coliseum.
Trojan Marching Band named best in college football
The Spirit of Troy tops a nationwide list featuring the country’s most entertaining groups.
Bartner begins his 45th season as leader of the band
This year’s schedule of new halftime shows at home football games includes a tribute to Trojan great Louis Zamperini.