Band Together

The College of Visual & Performing Arts at Texas Tech University is proud to announce the Band Together campaign organized to raise necessary funds to purchase new uniforms and provide travel support for the award-winning Goin' Band from Raiderland.

Dr. Carol Edwards, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, stated enthusiastically that, "An immediate goal of the College of Visual and Performing Arts is to raise money to purchase new uniforms for the Goin' Band. However, as a greater goal, the College is committed to securing a significant endowment to establish future support for the Band. Our talented students who dedicate themselves year after year to carrying forward the tradition and excellence of the Goin' Band deserve our support."

The Goin' Band from Raiderland is the largest spirit group on campus and among the finest bands in the country. In 1925, the original band of only 21 members dressed in matador uniforms. In recent years, the band's 440 members have returned to variations on that original look. The Goin' Band performs at home and away football games, bowl games, parades and at other special events. Following home games, devoted fans join the band in their traditional march out of Jones AT&T Stadium, through the engineering key, around the circle, by the Administration Building and ending at the band parking lot behind the Music Building.

The new uniforms combine the best of the old and the new into a striking, updated version. Christopher Anderson, director of the Goin' Band, explained, "The new Texas Tech Band uniform is our basic traditional jacket design incorporating the scroll which has been a part of the Goin' Band uniform since 1983 when the university returned to the 'Matador' look from the early days of the institution. The breastplate creates several additional 'looks' which can be utilized at exhibition and high school performances where students expect a more modern style. This allows us to create a cutting edge look while celebrating the history and heritage of the Matador style which has become synonymous with that Goin' Band from Raiderland!" The cost of each uniform is $500.

Contributors will be a part of the pride and tradition of the Goin' Band from Raiderland. Special one-of-a-kind commemorative gifts will be given to those who give to the Band Together campaign. Framed original Double-Ts and limited edition pillows created from retired uniforms are available in limited quantities for Drum Major and Director Level donors through January 31, 2008.

School of Music Director, Bill Ballenger stressed the importance of supporting the Band Together campaign. "The Goin' Band from Raiderland is among the most visible and distinctive organizations at Texas Tech University. The 440 members of the Goin' Band come from the School of Music and nearly every other college and field of study on campus. When these fine student musicians perform each week they represent to fans, alumni, and the rest of the country the very best of this great institution. The new uniform will promote even greater pride in our Goin' Band and Texas Tech University."

After years of spectacular performances, the Goin' Band's current 12-year-old uniforms are worn out. Let's band together and show our appreciation by providing uniforms and supporting travel for this prestigious group.