Time and Change is a weekly series highlighting the history of some of Ohio State's storied traditions.
THEN
The Ohio State University Marching Band started in 1878 as a drum and fife corps for ROTC cadets. Run by students, most of the members were beginners and practiced in University Hall.
In 1896, Gustav Bruder, who had a distinguished military and musical background, was selected as The Ohio State University Marching Bands inaugural director. The band continued to grow and in 1920, Tubby Essington became the first drum major.
The ramp entrance 15 minutes before kickoff was performed for the first time in 1928 and remains relatively unchanged since.