In a stunning and history-defining announcement, the University of Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band has officially been crowned the #1 marching band in the world, according to ESPN’s newly released Global Band Power Rankings. The news has sent shockwaves through the global music and collegiate sports communities, with fans, alumni, and music lovers celebrating the historic rise of this once-underdog ensemble from Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Tennessee Vols’ marching band — long considered a beloved institution of SEC football and school pride — has now reached an unprecedented pinnacle of recognition on the international stage. Surpassing historically dominant programs from Ohio State, USC, Michigan, and even overseas juggernauts like the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra and the Swiss Top Secret Drum Corps, the Vols have officially rewritten the playbook on what it means to be a world-class marching unit.
So how did this small-town powerhouse climb to the top? Let’s dive into the incredible journey of the Tennessee Vols Marching Band and the seismic cultural moment they’ve created.
A Legacy Rooted in Tradition
Founded in 1869, the Pride of the Southland Band has been a staple of Tennessee spirit for more than 150 years. Originally a modest military band, it evolved through the decades into a showstopping ensemble known for its powerful sound, crisp formations, and unmatched precision.
The band’s name — “Pride of the Southland” — became more than just a title. It became a mission. Under legendary directors like W.J. Julian and Dr. Gary Sousa, the band emphasized a philosophy of discipline, innovation, and regional pride that grew into a national reputation.
But even as the band gained respect in the SEC and national recognition through performances at presidential inaugurations and national parades, it had never broken through the global rankings — until now.
The 2024 Turning Point: “Sound Over Smoky Mountains”
What catapulted the Vol Band into the international spotlight was a defining performance at the 2024 “World Marching Showcase” in Zurich, Switzerland. Their halftime show — entitled “Sound Over Smoky Mountains” — fused Appalachian musical traditions with modern rock arrangements and cinematic storytelling.
Featuring everything from fiddles to electric guitar, thunderous drumlines to high-energy flag corps choreography, the show dazzled the judges and crowd alike. One judge from the International Marching Review Board said, “It was like hearing the heartbeat of Tennessee through music — precise, passionate, and unmistakably unique.”
Clips of the performance went viral across social media platforms, earning tens of millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. The Smoky Mountains-themed drill featuring a rotating three-dimensional “Rocky Top” mountain range stunned audiences worldwide.
Leadership that Transformed a Program
Much of the credit for this meteoric rise goes to current Band Director Dr. Shannon Jenkins, who took over the program in 2020 with a vision to modernize while respecting tradition.
Dr. Jenkins, a Tennessee alum herself, launched a radical initiative: blending traditional SEC halftime themes with multimedia elements, LED uniform integrations, and diverse musical styles. She brought in top choreographers, collaborated with guest composers, and introduced real-time sync technology that aligned visuals with pre-programmed lighting on the field.
“We didn’t want to lose our soul,” Jenkins said in an exclusive ESPN interview. “We just wanted to amplify it.”
Her leadership reinvigorated recruitment, drawing elite musicians from across the nation and overseas. The Pride of the Southland Band is now home to students from 32 U.S. states and 11 countries.
From Neyland to the World: A Social Media Phenomenon
A crucial part of the band’s rise has been its savvy use of social media. The group’s TikTok handle (@VolsPrideBand) has become a global sensation, with over 5 million followers. The viral “Power T Formation Challenge,” where fans try to replicate the iconic T-formation using drone footage and choreography apps, sparked a global trend.
With weekly behind-the-scenes footage, director interviews, and interactive polls on halftime shows, the Vol Band has built a brand that resonates far beyond Knoxville. They aren’t just performing music — they’re telling stories, building community, and inspiring younger generations.
Rivalries Redefined
In a twist of fate, Tennessee’s ascension bumped The Ohio State University Marching Band — famously dubbed “The Best Damn Band in the Land” — to second place. While some diehard Buckeyes fans protested the change in rankings, even Ohio State Band Director Dr. Christopher Hoch offered praise.
“They earned it,” said Hoch. “That Zurich performance was a masterclass. We may have set the bar, but Tennessee raised it.”
The rivalry has now taken on an international flair, with fans and critics debating online which band truly rules the turf. Yet this new dynamic has only elevated the entire world of collegiate marching bands.
Breaking the Mold: Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation
Another key factor in Tennessee’s climb has been its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The 2024-25 band roster featured the highest percentage of women in its history, including multiple section leaders. It also included the first-ever transgender drum major in Power Five conference history, setting a bold new precedent.
The Vols also partnered with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for collaborative performances, creating powerful cross-cultural musical moments.
Their innovation extended to music selection. While rooted in Rocky Top traditions, the band’s repertoire now includes everything from Beyoncé and BTS to Beethoven and Bruno Mars.
President’s Recognition and Cultural Impact
In February 2025, the band was invited to perform at the White House — a rare honor for a collegiate marching ensemble. President Carolyn Moore, herself a Tennessee native, said during the event:
“The Pride of the Southland Band is more than a musical institution. It’s a symbol of what dedication, creativity, and unity can achieve.”
Following the announcement of their #1 ranking, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith even gave them a shoutout on First Take:
“You can talk football, basketball, whatever — but don’t you dare sleep on the Tennessee Vol Band. They out here winning championships with tubas!”
What This Means for Tennessee
For the University of Tennessee, this recognition is about more than music. It’s a cultural milestone.
“It puts Tennessee on the global arts map,” said UT Chancellor Donde Plowman. “We’ve always known how talented our band students are, but now the whole world sees it.”
The economic and enrollment impact has already started. Applications to UT’s School of Music are up 46% since the ESPN ranking dropped, and tourism to Knoxville has spiked, with local businesses celebrating with “Vol Band #1” merchandise and Rocky Top-themed parades.
Even the Tennessee Volunteers football team has felt the ripple effect. “Their energy lifts us,” said head coach Josh Heupel. “When they march down that field, it feels like the whole state is behind you.”
Looking Ahead: The Global Tour and Beyond
The Pride of the Southland Band is now preparing for a 2025 Global Tour with stops in London, Paris, Johannesburg, Seoul, and Rio de Janeiro. The tour — funded by alumni donations, corporate sponsors, and a $10 million grant from the National Endowment for the Arts — will mark the first world tour by a collegiate marching band in history.
Dr. Jenkins plans to use the tour to expand cultural connections through music, including collaborative performances with local youth orchestras and marching ensembles in each country.
And yes, they’ll close every show with “Rocky Top.”
