A Georgia pregame tradition reminiscent of Ohio State’s “Dotting the i”
It’s the silence that makes the moment.
Amid the clamor of pregame hype, Sanford Stadium suddenly quiets to a whisper. All eyes turn to the upper deck of the stadium’s southwest corner, where a single trumpet player from Georgia’s Redcoat Marching Band is positioned.
Breaking the silence, the first few notes slowly roll out. It takes a second to recognize, even if you know the song that’s coming. But as the trumpet sounds echo through the stadium, the tune of “The Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation” begins to take shape.
The solo is slow, dramatic, and powerful, but relatively short, eventually giving way to a pregame hype video. But the tradition is now an integral part of the Georgia pregame experience.
The tradition first began in 1987, when band member Jeff Simmons reworked the “Battle Hymn” played after Georgia touchdowns by slowing down the opening notes. It was first performed by soloist Marion English later that year, but didn’t become a regular part of the pregame ritual until the year 2000, when the Georgia band director decided to reintegrate it into the order of events.
Since then, being selected as the soloist has become a sort of sacred honor within the Redcoat Marching Band, evoking a sense of hard-earned recognition similar to the sousaphone players who have the opportunity to “Dot the i” at Ohio State.
As Auburn came to town for the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, the original soloist, Marion English, was back in attendance to perform the role of Lone Trumpeter. As expected, he nailed it, capturing the thrill of the moment and creating a rousing moment for the Georgia faithful.
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