The Ohio State Marching Band is called TBDBITL for a reason. Because they are the best damn band in the land. Yesterday I went to the opening of the Buckeye football season. The band is all-brass and percussion, unique among all larger universities.
The band was originally formed to provide music for the cadets to march to. Ohio State had a large military school component.
Competition is Strong
Today, the band consists of 225 instrumentalists. 192 of these create the block band that is seen at every home game. The other 33 members are called alternates. These are members of the band who challenge the regular members every week for a spot in the 192-piece block. So every home game is a chance for the alternates to on the field. This ensures that only the best in the land get to play.
One more reason why, The Ohio State Marching Band the Best Damn Band in the Land.