Steubenville Big Reds: CA House Band of the Week

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (WTRF) — The year was 1924.

Calvin Coolidge was elected president, the dynamic loudspeaker was invented, and the first crossword puzzle book was published.

It was also the year the Steubenville Marching Band took the field for the very first time.

Now, a century later, the Big Red Band is bigger and better than ever.

In fact, they are this week’s band of the week.

They’ve been called by many the “Best Band in the Land.”

Now the question is, can they live up to that name?

The answer is a resounding yes!

Walking into Harding Stadium on a Friday night is quite an experience.

You can see first hand the pride that goes along with being part of the Big Red tradition.

The atmosphere is electric, and a big part of that has to do with the 90 dedicated musicians and performers in the Big Red Marching Band.

Generations of young kids grow up just waiting for their chance to play for the crowds at halftime.

I would sit right next to the band, and I would learn the dances that they did. I would just aspire to be one of those people, and now that I am, it just feels that it’s part of my dream that I completed.”

Jordana Bein, Senior, Section Leader, Big Red Marching Band

I came from a very musical family. Both of my brothers were in the band. I always thought that is was something I’m going to do. I’m going to carry on the legacy.”

Madilyn Thacker, Senior, Field Commander, Cymbals, Big Red Marching Band

Rosalind Thacker is in her ninth year at the helm of the Big Red band.

She says she couldn’t be happier with this groups hard work and dedication.

They improve every single week. They take input from myself and my assistants really well and are just really a family.”

Rosalind Thacker, Director of Bands, Steubenville City Schools

Band members have a passion for music and love to entertain the crowds. But they say being in the band offers so much more.

We are tested to be our best selves, and we have acquired so many skills throughout the years. Being able to have people who support you and share your passion for music is really what the Big Red Band is all about.”

Sarah Ostovich, Senior, Trumpet Leader, Big Red Band

You can grow as a person in the band and it kind of helps a lot of people get on a good path in life.”

Jordana Bein, Section Leader, Big Red Marching Band

With this being year number 100, their halftime show features music from throughout the decades.

Their current show has music from the 70s and 80s, while their next show will be from the 90s and 2000s.

One hundred years of the band is crazy. In my eyes, it’s beautiful because so many people know, if I wear my jacket that says band , they’re like you’re in the Big Red Band? I am like yes, of course I am.”

Madilyn Thacker, Senior, Field Commander, Cymbals, Big Red Band

Congratulations to the Steubenville Big Red Marching Band on 100 amazing years and on being this week’s Band of the Week.

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