The TCU Horned Frog Marching Band draws students from almost every field of study.
This football season, the TCU Horned Frog Marching Band is making history with its largest ensemble ever — 270 members strong. Filling Amon G. Carter Stadium with electrifying energy and sound, the band showcases musical excellence while amplifying the spirit of fans.
Drawing students from almost every field of study, the marching band — fondly known as the Pride of TCU — is adding to this exciting milestone, with Drew Dickey, D.M.A., taking the helm as the band’s new director.
Drew Dickey, D.M.A.
Originally from South Carolina, Dickey earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from the University of Texas at Austin and served for several years as associate director of the Longhorn Band. When the position opened at TCU, Dickey saw it as the right opportunity at the right time.
“I really enjoyed TCU when I visited as an opponent, and it was a great experience,” Dickey said. “I threw my name in the hat, and the moment I stepped on campus, I knew this is where I needed to be.”
This football season, Dickey aims to gradually evolve the band’s performances to heighten fan engagement, including adding a new pregame show.
“We create an environment for our fans, football team and athletic programs that really helps people buy into the vision of this school culture,” Dickey said. “We’re really excited to have the band be the largest it’s ever been because it creates new opportunities and allows us to share what we do across campus.”
For Marc Reed, D.M.A., Director of the School of Music, having a high-performing marching band is what makes college football truly unique.
“When you go to an NFL game, they don’t have a marching band, and that, to me, is what makes college games so special,” Reed said. “Aside from athletics, the marching band is the most visible part of a game day atmosphere.”
Shaping the College Football Experience
The band meets weekly with sectional time built in for small group instruction. The marching band is a crucial component of the music education curriculum, with almost half of the members in the program. The rehearsals and performances give students the skills to become professional musicians, music directors, or educators.
On game days, the band begins with a rehearsal five to six hours before kickoff, the only time the group can practice in the stadium alongside athletics and the TCU Spirit teams.
The marching band gathers at Frog Fountain and performs at pep rallies along the walk to the stadium.
The band later gathers at Frog Fountain and performs at pep rallies along their walk to the stadium. As the band enters the stadium, they are greeted by roars of Horned Frog pride and spirit.
“There’s about a 10-minute window for members to get water and rest, and then they go onto the field for the pregame performance,” said Dickey. “It’s a rapidly paced day, but the students love doing it and being in front of the fans.”
For the halftime show, the marching band performs rock classics, including Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’
“I Love Rock ’n’ Roll.” The season will also include Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” continuing the rock theme while offering a fresh twist for the fans.
Each performance is a moment of pride as the band’s hard work comes together on the field.
“We’re one of the few academic units that plays an important role in the Athletics pillar of the university’s Strategic Plan,” Reed said. “And it’s not just with the marching band; it’s the basketball band and more. As athletics continue to do great and elevate, we’re going to do the same thing. I honestly think a 270-person band is just a stop on route to fielding a band of 300+ students.”