History of the Bear Marching Band (BMB) at the University of Central Arkansas
Early Beginnings (1907–1920s)
The University of Central Arkansas, originally known as Arkansas State Normal School, was founded in 1907 to train teachers. The earliest known band on campus, called “The Normal Band,” appeared in the 1915 yearbook. Uniquely inclusive for its time, the ensemble included women from the beginning. John T. Buchholz served as the first documented band director, succeeded in 1919 by Homer F. Hess.
Under Hess, the band introduced a new educational component—training students to direct school bands, a response to increasing statewide demand. Despite challenges in maintaining membership and consistency during this era, the band and an associated orchestra grew in both talent and visibility.
Growth and Reorganization (1920s–1930s)
By the 1920s, the school’s name changed to Arkansas State Teachers College (ASTC), and instrumental music activities focused primarily on the orchestra. The band reemerged in the 1931 Scroll yearbook and began performing regularly at football games and campus events.
The baton passed through several directors during this time, including J.D. Henley and a returning Homer Hess. The band expanded its presence with concerts, away-game performances, and the formation of a dance orchestra known as the “Tophatters.”
World War II and the Post-War Era (1940s)
The 1940s brought both disruption and resilience. Leadership frequently changed due to wartime mobilization, with figures like John L. Adams, Paul Cooper, and Homer Hess stepping in as needed. After Pearl Harbor, many male band members left to serve in the military, leading to a reduced number of members and increased female participation.
Milton Trusler became the long-standing director beginning in 1942. He held the band together during wartime shortages, even recruiting local high school and Hendrix College students to fill gaps in the Tophatters dance band. By war’s end, Trusler helped the band rebuild and expand its reach through regional performances and collaborations.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Milton Trusler’s final year directing the ASTC Band was 1949–50. Under his leadership, the band not only survived the trials of World War II but flourished once again, with membership rebounding and performances resuming full force. Trusler is credited with preserving the band’s legacy during one of the most challenging periods in its history.
1950s – Growth and Visibility Under Haskett and Hardt
During the 1950s, under director Herbert Haskett and later Dr. Victor Hardt, the ASTC Band expanded both in membership and visibility. The band’s presence became a regular part of campus life, with frequent performances at Homecoming parades, pep rallies, and football games. This decade also saw the introduction of majorettes and twirlers, with groups like the “T-Steppers” and later the “Stepperettes” adding a dynamic visual element to the band’s performances.
In 1954, the band welcomed its first African American member, Kenneth Johnson, marking a milestone in the integration of student organizations at ASTC. The college also began hosting the annual State Band Festival, further raising the program’s profile
1960s – Performances of Distinction
The 1960s saw continued growth and notable achievements. Under the baton of Homer Brown, the band performed in the 1965 inauguration parade for President Lyndon B. Johnson and later in the inaugural parade for Arkansas Governor Winthrop Rockefeller in 1967. In 1968, the band moved into the new Fine Arts Center, providing a modern home for rehearsals and performances.
The college changed its name from Arkansas State Teachers College to the State College of Arkansas (SCA) in 1967, and the band’s identity evolved along with it. Uniform updates, new formations, and enhanced halftime shows all reflected a program adapting to a new era.
1970s – Expanding Presence and Recognition
A strong sense of momentum marked the 1970s. The band represented SCA at the 1971 gubernatorial inauguration of Dale Bumpers and President Richard Nixon’s second inaugural parade in 1973. A growing membership—reaching over 100 members by mid-decade—was matched by increasingly polished performances.
Dr. Ricky Brooks, who had begun as assistant director in the mid-70s, became director in 1979 and helped guide the band through a period of innovation and outreach. In 1975, the college became the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), and with the name change came new uniforms and updated band branding.
1980s – Growth in Size and Scope
Under Dr. Brooks’s direction, the Marching Band, now known as the Marching Bears, continued to grow, topping 150 members. The band adopted new technologies, like drill-writing software, and embraced new musical arrangements that balanced traditional school spirit with contemporary flair.
The band performed regularly at university events and parades across the state, including the Arkansas State Fair and the Little Rock Christmas Parade. Ensembles such as the Jazz Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and Dixieland Band gained recognition and performed extensively on and off campus.
1990s – A Tradition of Excellence
In the 1990s, the Marching Bear Band gained even greater regional and national recognition. They performed at Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker’s 1995 inauguration and at a 1996 celebration for President Bill Clinton’s reelection.
The band’s visibility and reputation continued to grow under directors Russell Langston and assistants like Steven Peterson, who emphasized musicianship and student leadership. Drum majors played key roles, and color guard and majorette lines added polish to performances.
Early 2000s – A National Stage
In the early 2000s, the band took its talents to national stages. A highlight came in 2003 when the UCA Wind Ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall and later at the U.S. Capitol. These events reflected the program’s growing ambition and excellence.
By 2005, the Marching Bear Band had reached 218 members. They played a central role in supporting UCA’s athletics as the university transitioned from NCAA Division II to Division IAA (FCS). Dedicated faculty and student leadership ensured high-caliber performances at home games and major events.
Looking Ahead – Centennial Celebration and Beyond
As UCA prepared to celebrate its centennial in 2007, the band stood as a strong symbol of school spirit, tradition, and musical achievement. With decades of history behind them and an ever-growing legacy, the UCA Bands continued to serve as proud ambassadors of the university both on campus and beyond.
More information coming soon!