OUMB History

If you are familiar with the Ohio University Marching 110, you have probably heard or read the following line at a Varsity Show or Ohio Theatre performance: "The Ohio University Marching Band began in 1932 with 32 instrumentalists and a drum major. In 1966, Mr. Gene Thrailkill took the baton from Charles Minelli and traded the green blazers and neckties for the clean lines of today's uniform and hat. Under the direction of Mr. Thrailkill the band adopted the popular athletic marching style used today."

That line simplifies the early years of the 110 and the years before in a way that is much too simple. What is now known as the Marching 110 is also the Ohio University Marching Band (OUMB), and they are one in the same. But the OUMB has a past that goes beyond 1967 when the 110 was formed. I have gathered information from OUMB Alumni and Mr. Thrailkill and I am working on making this page as complete as possible. But I cannot do this alone. If you are a 110 alum and have information about the pre-1967 years, or know someone who would be willing to provide me with info, please email the Webmaster at LMJ110@aol.com.

And now, a little history......

Prior to 1967, the men in the band wore green blazers and gray slacks with striped green and white ties, while the women wore the same blazers and ties, but with gray skirts. But in 1966 when Gene Thrailkill took over the direction of the OUMB from Minelli the "big switch" came about. This included removing all women and majorettes from the band in the 1967 fall marching season. The removal of women from the band caused quite a big controversy in Athens resulting in articles in The Post (Ohio University's student newspaper) and letters to the editor. According to Tom Edwards (OUMB announcer 1966-1969), Thrailkill gave a big pep-talk before the first home game in 1967. "He said that the drive-on and the first note of Stand Up and Cheer would either make or break this band forever. Obviously, the student body was absolutely blown away -- and the controversy died a very quick death."

During the first year of the "new" band, the band was called the "100 Marching Men of Ohio," similar to the "Marching Men of Michigan;" Thrailkill's Alma Mater. The next year, in 1968, the band became known as the "110 Marching Men of Ohio;" the 110 symbolizing the Marching 110 of today.

Many other changes involving the band occurred in the late 60's as well. The Ohio University fight song, Stand Up and Cheer, debuted in it's current form with a fanfare to introduce the song. The Ohio University Alma Mater was also changed by the adding of a new introduction.

The removal of women from the OUMB did cause a stir around Athens, but the "110 Marching Men of Ohio" became an instant success with the student body; both males and females alike.