Written by Max Holm, USC blog contributor
College football is rooted in tradition, and no university holds deeper roots than USC. From our timeless uniforms to our historic stadium, the Trojan tradition is passed down from generation to generation.
The Spirit of Troy provides the soundtrack for that tradition. The Trojan Marching Band dates its origins back to shortly after the school was founded in 1880. However, the band did not start out in its current form. It was once merely just a band, which then transformed into a dynamic mix of band and spirit, and one that is recognized nationwide.
"When I walked onto campus for the first time, I saw the band and I couldn't turn back," said junior band member Chris Wodniak. "There's simply no other band that operates at the intensity of the Trojan Marching Band, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it."
"The Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe" owns two platinum records and has played with Fleetwood Mac, Jason Derulo, Neil Diamond, Slash, Beck, and so many others. Most importantly, the band plays on game days for the Trojans, with the biggest performances coming for the dozen or so football games.
Like any great group, and especially any great band, there's always a person who shoulders a little bit more responsibility, someone who symbolizes the group's dynamic and power. First and foremost, Dr. Arthur C. Bartner, the director of the Spirit of Troy, is "the man on the ladder." But at the ground level, the USC Drum Major leads the line. Enter Chris Wodniak, the recently appointed drum major for the 2016-17 school year.
The drum major is not what it sounds like, solely pertaining to a percussion or drum player. Wodniak is a trombone player.
"The drum major position goes out to the best candidate regardless of what section they come from. I believe the last trombone drum major was five years ago. After that, there were three trumpet players and a mellophone/alto sax player," says Wodniak.
The drum major appears, to the untrained eye, as a member of the band dressed up on game days as a mascot, but it is so much more.
"The drum major is the figurehead, the pinnacle of student leadership in the Spirit of Troy. It is, in fact, an elected position within the ensemble, someone who has marched with the band for three or four years," says assistant band director Jacob Vogel.
Just from hearing Vogel and Wodniak talk about the position, you get a real appreciation for its significance.
"The Drum Major is the face of the Trojan Marching Band and the embodiment of Trojan Nation: the students, our athletes, the USC staff, our alumni, and fans all over the world," explains Wodniak. "It personifies our endless pride, unwavering spirit and resilience no matter what happens."
Your 2016-17 @USCDrumMajor, Chris Wodniak. pic.twitter.com/YvULtdNlnc
-- The Spirit of Troy (@USCTMB) April 27, 2016
College football is rooted in tradition, and no university holds deeper roots than USC. From our timeless uniforms to our historic stadium, the Trojan tradition is passed down from generation to generation.
The Spirit of Troy provides the soundtrack for that tradition. The Trojan Marching Band dates its origins back to shortly after the school was founded in 1880. However, the band did not start out in its current form. It was once merely just a band, which then transformed into a dynamic mix of band and spirit, and one that is recognized nationwide.
"When I walked onto campus for the first time, I saw the band and I couldn't turn back," said junior band member Chris Wodniak. "There's simply no other band that operates at the intensity of the Trojan Marching Band, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it."
"The Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe" owns two platinum records and has played with Fleetwood Mac, Jason Derulo, Neil Diamond, Slash, Beck, and so many others. Most importantly, the band plays on game days for the Trojans, with the biggest performances coming for the dozen or so football games.
Like any great group, and especially any great band, there's always a person who shoulders a little bit more responsibility, someone who symbolizes the group's dynamic and power. First and foremost, Dr. Arthur C. Bartner, the director of the Spirit of Troy, is "the man on the ladder." But at the ground level, the USC Drum Major leads the line. Enter Chris Wodniak, the recently appointed drum major for the 2016-17 school year.
The drum major is not what it sounds like, solely pertaining to a percussion or drum player. Wodniak is a trombone player.
"The drum major position goes out to the best candidate regardless of what section they come from. I believe the last trombone drum major was five years ago. After that, there were three trumpet players and a mellophone/alto sax player," says Wodniak.
The drum major appears, to the untrained eye, as a member of the band dressed up on game days as a mascot, but it is so much more.
"The drum major is the figurehead, the pinnacle of student leadership in the Spirit of Troy. It is, in fact, an elected position within the ensemble, someone who has marched with the band for three or four years," says assistant band director Jacob Vogel.
Just from hearing Vogel and Wodniak talk about the position, you get a real appreciation for its significance.
"The Drum Major is the face of the Trojan Marching Band and the embodiment of Trojan Nation: the students, our athletes, the USC staff, our alumni, and fans all over the world," explains Wodniak. "It personifies our endless pride, unwavering spirit and resilience no matter what happens."
Not only is it a very big deal and a great source of pride to be named the USC Drum Major, but it's also quite the competitive process. When fall turns to spring, any returning band member - as in they are returning in the fall - can audition, though typically they are ones that have held leadership positions already. From there, it's a three-step process.
"The first step is an interview with the assistant directors, teaching assistants and section leaders. Each candidate is asked a series of questions that deal with specific topics that are pertinent for any drum major. How does one motivate the students to keep cheering for the team? In what ways can the program be improved?," Vogel explains.
"The second step is a physical audition, where the candidates perform the marching maneuvers that they have been working on for the assistant directors, teaching assistants and section leaders. At this stage, the pool is limited to a select number of candidates, who will then participate in the third step, which is the standard, full-length Drum Major Tryout, which consists of marching, commands and giving a speech."
This long and rigorous process ensures the right young man or woman is chosen. That long and rigorous process ensured Chris Wodniak was named the latest drum major.
"I was told that the experience of being the drum major lies on my shoulders. The only way to make the most of this season is to prepare like my life depended on it," says Wodniak. "So I'm going to approach this experience as any Trojan would: influenced by the past, but living in the present to prepare for the future."
The audition process was held during the last two weeks of April and the sword was handed to him on April 26. Three days later, the Trojan Marching Band joined Mick Fleetwood during Will Ferrell and Chad Smith's Red Hot Benefit Comedy and Music Show at the Shrine Auditorium. Quite the 72 hours for Wodniak, but that's all part of leading the band.
Despite all of the opportunities, longstanding tradition and significance that the drum major position holds, it also carries logistical power and practical aid.
"Chris will support the teaching assistants and assistant directors in teaching marching drills and maneuvers, as well as setting the standard for the marching style for the entire band. From a hierarchical perspective, Chris is an extension of the section leaders, the elected leaders of each individual section," says Vogel.
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Wodniak knew he would join his college's marching band even when he was back in high school. Now, he will serve not only as a symbol of USC, but also as a mediator for the band's directors and staff. He will be a middleman. He will be a performer. He will be a leader.
Before Wodniak looks forward to the great times ahead, along with the heavy load that will be laid on his broad shoulders, he thinks back to his fondest memory to date.
"My favorite memory with the Spirit of Troy was during my freshman year hosting Stanford at the Coliseum. Nearly the entire Coliseum rushed the field - I couldn't see any grass. It became a sea of cardinal and gold," reminisces Wodniak. "The band stayed in the stands, triumphantly playing Conquest over and over again. It was then that I understood the power behind all the traditions of USC, the football team and the Spirit of Troy."
"The first step is an interview with the assistant directors, teaching assistants and section leaders. Each candidate is asked a series of questions that deal with specific topics that are pertinent for any drum major. How does one motivate the students to keep cheering for the team? In what ways can the program be improved?," Vogel explains.
"The second step is a physical audition, where the candidates perform the marching maneuvers that they have been working on for the assistant directors, teaching assistants and section leaders. At this stage, the pool is limited to a select number of candidates, who will then participate in the third step, which is the standard, full-length Drum Major Tryout, which consists of marching, commands and giving a speech."
This long and rigorous process ensures the right young man or woman is chosen. That long and rigorous process ensured Chris Wodniak was named the latest drum major.
"I was told that the experience of being the drum major lies on my shoulders. The only way to make the most of this season is to prepare like my life depended on it," says Wodniak. "So I'm going to approach this experience as any Trojan would: influenced by the past, but living in the present to prepare for the future."
The audition process was held during the last two weeks of April and the sword was handed to him on April 26. Three days later, the Trojan Marching Band joined Mick Fleetwood during Will Ferrell and Chad Smith's Red Hot Benefit Comedy and Music Show at the Shrine Auditorium. Quite the 72 hours for Wodniak, but that's all part of leading the band.
Despite all of the opportunities, longstanding tradition and significance that the drum major position holds, it also carries logistical power and practical aid.
"Chris will support the teaching assistants and assistant directors in teaching marching drills and maneuvers, as well as setting the standard for the marching style for the entire band. From a hierarchical perspective, Chris is an extension of the section leaders, the elected leaders of each individual section," says Vogel.
Â
Wodniak knew he would join his college's marching band even when he was back in high school. Now, he will serve not only as a symbol of USC, but also as a mediator for the band's directors and staff. He will be a middleman. He will be a performer. He will be a leader.
Before Wodniak looks forward to the great times ahead, along with the heavy load that will be laid on his broad shoulders, he thinks back to his fondest memory to date.
"My favorite memory with the Spirit of Troy was during my freshman year hosting Stanford at the Coliseum. Nearly the entire Coliseum rushed the field - I couldn't see any grass. It became a sea of cardinal and gold," reminisces Wodniak. "The band stayed in the stands, triumphantly playing Conquest over and over again. It was then that I understood the power behind all the traditions of USC, the football team and the Spirit of Troy."
