Georgia Redcoat Band collection, 1910s-2010s

Summary

Creator:
Redcoat Marching Band
Date:
1910s-2010s
Extent:
6.75 Linear Feet (11 boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Georgia Redcoat Band collection, UA16-006, University of Georgia Archives, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

This Georgia Redcoat Band collection consists of photographs, newspaper clippings, and correspondence. The photograph files, which comprise the majority of the collection, capture the history of the Redcoat/Dixie Band from as early as 1917 to the 2000s era. These files include major figures such as Roger and Phylis Dancz, Gary Teske, and Dwight Satterwhite. Additionally the collection contains newspaper clippings and correspondence that mirror major events seen throughout the photograph files. These materials offer insight concerning the happenings of the Redcoat/Dixie Band at the local, state, and national levels.

Biographical / historical:

Known for its appearances at University of Georgia football games, the Redcoat Marching Band was founded 1905 as a section of the UGA Military Department. What started as 20 military cadets slowly grew into the band's current roster of over 400 male and female students representing the diversity of the University of Georgia at Bulldog football games. The band's first non-military performance was not at a football game, as many would think, but the 1906 Georgia-Clemson baseball game. In 1955, the Redcoat Band as we know today was formed by the arrival of Roger Dancz and his wife Phyllis, who was to become the Director of the Auxiliaries. In 1959, Phyllis Dancz formed the "Georgettes," a dance line that performs alongside the band during the pre-game and halftime shows. Perhaps the most prolific time of the Redcoats in terms of the halftime shows was during the 1970s. By the 1980s, the Redcoats began a new decade in a very enviable spot: as the marching band of the national champions of football. The Redcoats would make three straight trips to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. In 2000, the Redcoats became the first band in the Southeastern Conference to receive the Sudler Award for the "close historical relationship and outstanding contribution of Intercollegiate Marching Bands to the American way of life." Currently, the Redcoats continue to march to the well-known tunes of "Glory, Glory" and "The Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation."

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Georgia Redcoat Band collection, UA16-006, University of Georgia Archives, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.