Gene Thrailkill

After arriving at Ohio University in 1966, Gene Thrailkill made changes to the Ohio University Marching Band. While there were some controversial changes having to do with membership, he ultimately hoped to increase the band's size from approximately 85 members. The following fall, 112 marchers were chosen to march in the new band. Other changes included new traditional uniforms and a new style for the band. With popular music of the day, hard-driving marching and a great "esprit-de-corps," the 110 Marching Men of Ohio began "The Most Exciting Band in the Land." Thrailkill was also the originator of the 110's "Diamond Ohio" formation at Ohio University. After The Ohio State University Marching Band used "Diamond Ohio", Thrailkill pushed for the "Diamond Ohio" formation to give the band its own trademark. Thrailkill was director of bands until 1971. Prior to his arrival to Ohio University in 1966, Thrailkill served as director of instrumental music for the New Lebanon Public Schools (Ohio). He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Music degree from Ohio University. In 2000 Coach Thrailkill retired as Regents Professor and Professor of Music at the University of Oklahoma, where he took over in 1971. He also served as director of University Bands and headed the extensive OU band program. The Marching 110 was honored to have Mr. Thrailkill speak and guest conduct the 110 at Homecoming 2001. Mr. Thrailkill attended the Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning practices of the Marching 110, as well as the new OUMB Society of Alumni & Friends Display Case dedication ceremony in Memorial Auditorium. Coach died in 2021. The 110 dedicated a show to him that season wearing running ribbons featuring a green and red stripe to mark his time serving both at Ohio University and the University of Oklahoma. The 110 also dedicated their 2022 homecoming show to him as well.

Thomas Lee

Dr. Lee came to Ohio University in 1971 to conduct the Marching 110. Lee was also the founder and conductor of the Ohio University Wind Ensemble and received a research grant to develop an innovative approach to teach conducting. In 1985, Lee became the director of the UCLA Wind Ensemble, which he has raised to a level of national prominence.^[1]

Ronald P. Socciarelli

Professor Socciarelli was the director Marching 110 from 1972 to 1989. Under his direction, the Marching 110 as well as the wind ensemble toured extensively throughout the east and Midwest. The wind ensemble was selected to perform several times at the Ohio Music Educators Association conferences and at the national meeting of the College Band Director's National Association Convention and at the National Music Teacher's Association Conference in Washington, DC. Professor Socciarelli earned degrees from Ithaca College and the University of Michigan, and he is an active guest conductor and clinician. Presently, he holds the title of Professor Emeritus of Music, teaching the fall quarter of each year in the areas of conducting and literature. He retired to Aiken, South Carolina. In 1997, members of the Ohio University Marching 110 were honored to hear Professor Socciarelli at their annual band banquet. Then, in 2003, Socciarelli returned once again to conduct the Marching 110 and over 200 Alumni during the annual homecoming game during the celebration of Ohio University's Bicentennial, as well as speak at the annual Alumni Banquet.

Ronald Socciarelli died on February 2, 2012, and shortly after his death, Ohio University adopted his quote "Better Than the Best Ever" as the official theme for the 2012 Homecoming Celebrations. On October 13, over 600 Marching 110 Alumni returned to Ohio University to pay tribute to "The Man." The largest Alumni band in the history of Ohio University took to the streets of Athens in a homecoming celebration that was undoubtedly Better Than the Best Ever.^[1]

Sylvester Young

The Marching 110 was under Sylvester Young's direction from 1990 through 1996. The 1997 members of the Ohio University Marching 110 were also honored to hear Mr. Young speak at their annual band banquet. Mr. Young went on to be the director of the Florida A&M Marching 100 from 2013 through 2016.^[1]

Richard Suk

Richard Suk is serving his twenty-sixth year as director of the Marching 110. He is also the conductor of the Symphonic Band and Varsity Band at Ohio University.

Drum cadences

In parades, one of the high notes of 110's performance is their dance routines to drum cadences. The following are some of the current and former drum cadences used by the 110.

7 & 1/2, Out of it, Cherry, Funk, Jimbo, Tequila, Gym Shorts, No!, Uncertain, Herb (retired), Robbers, Your Mother, Two Bucks, Cheesecake (retired), Grabbit, and the newest cadence, GreenHouse.

High Extended Chair-Step

In 1967, under the direction of Gene Thraikill, the band switched to a high-step style marching. This style consisted of the thigh raised 90 degrees to the ground and the calf extended to 45 degrees. With this new and unique technique, the band also added a slight twist in the upper body giving the players a "swinging" effect referred to as "swagger". Together, they formed what is the permanent marching style that the Marching 110 have continued to use today.

Here is an example from the 2011 season of "Diamond Ohio"

Diamond Ohio

This now well-known set is performed by the Marching 110 during pre-game. It was originally introduced when Gene Thrailkill designed a pregame set modeled after the Ohio State University Marching Band to give the newly reformed Marching 110 a symbol. The capital "H" with an "I" in the middle surrounded by two triangle shapes pointing away from the center gives the appearance of spelling out Ohio on the field.^[2]

Letterman Jackets

One of the most prominent traditions in the Marching 110 is the dawning of green letterman jackets. Since 1967, the jacket has retained its same design. They feature a double striped woven collar, wrists, and waistband in a white on green scheme. The jacket itself is dark green in color and has two pockets as well as white buttons. The insignia on the back is the block letter spelling of Ohio and the front features a patch in the shape of Ohio with "Ohio University Marching Band' on it. Band members post pins above the front patch from various prominent performances as well as any band Greek life they are involved in. Members consider the jackets sacred and any non-members of the band are not allowed to wear them.

Uniforms

In the fall of 1967, after Professor Gene Thrailkill took over the band, the uniforms went through a style update like most other aspects of the program. The main uniform was inspired by the University of Michigan Marching Band from the early 70's. The jackets were changed to black sleeves and collars, with a white chest, braids and shoulder nests. Across the chest 'OHIO' is printed in block letters on the diagonal in black, outlined by green. The uniform police-style hats have a white trim with a design around the sides on a black background. A green and white plume was added to show off more of the school colors. A black bibber with a white stripe down the leg was used to show off the band's great marching technique that is used. They are recognized for the white and green short half capes that they wear on the backs of their jackets. Lastly, shined black shoes with white spats were worn to better contrast with the green color of the turf grass used at the school's football field.^[3]

Dance Breaks

The Marching 110 features at least one dance break per show. Designed by designated Dance Commanders, the whole band spends time learning moves to spice up their performance. Since 1967, the band has continued the tradition after Drum Major David Fowler created the first dance routine to a 110 standard "Ain't Been Good."

Field Commander

The Marching 110 makes use of a non-traditional Field Commander. Their main job is the maintenance of "esprit de corps" of the members as well as teaching the unique marching style. Each year, a fourth or fifth year member is picked after a round of interviews. The Marching 110 has not had a traditional drum major since 1967 and the departure of David Fowler.

Other Traditions

• Annual performances at the historic Ohio Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, and many previous performances at the Palace Theatre, also in Columbus, Ohio.
• Playing the hymn Salvation as well as other songs referred to as "standards." These songs include Ain't Been Good, Light Up, Long Train Running, Cheer, and Train of Thought.

Going viral

On October 1, 2011 the Marching 110 performed "The Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO as the dance chart to conclude its halftime show. A video of the performance was uploaded to YouTube.com, and within days had accumulated more than 1 million views. The video earned the Marching 110 worldwide recognition and was featured on many prominent websites including ESPN and CNN.com. To date, the video has reached almost 12 million views.^[4]

On September 22, 2012, the Marching 110 again went viral with the Korean singer PSY's hit "Gangnam Style". The video was taken down by someone who hacked the YouTube account and deleted the video. It was re-uploaded a few days later with the views set back to 0. To date, the video has been viewed more than 8,800,000 times. Featured on Good Morning America and through several other prominent media outlets, the Marching 110 has gained considerable recognition in a year when Ohio Athletics are at their best in a generation.^[5]