Brett Padelford
Stories by Brett Padelford:
USC Trojan Marching Band walks tall on March Fourth, the day that celebrates the marching arts
Under the leadership of Jacob Vogel, the Trojan Marching Band is creating unforgettable memories and breathing new life into revered Trojan traditions.
100 years of ‘Fight On!’: Legendary USC fight song nears a milestone
It’s the fight song that begat a motto for an entire university, and this year it turns 100. Learn more about the history of the song — which didn’t win the university fight song contest.
Trojan Marching Band begins summer stints at the Hollywood Bowl
The Spirit of Troy kicked off the Bowl season by sharing the stage with headliner Gwen Stefani and the band from that other university across town.
Trojan Family gets up-close introduction to new band director at spring concert
The USC Concert Band’s spring concert on Sunday, “Inspirations,” features music with a personal meaning to Director Jacob Vogel.
Largest Trojan Marching Band representation ever to perform at Oct. 30 football game
A group of more than 1,100 musicians, including nearly 900 alumni, will take the field at halftime.
Honoring Arthur C. Bartner for five decades leading the Trojan Marching Band
The online celebration on May 2 will allow Trojan fans to honor the man who led the marching band program for 51 years.
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.’