Million Dollar Band (marching band)

[2] In its first year, the band consisted of just 14 members under director Dr. Gustav Wittig, who was also an engineering and physics professor at the university.

His inspiration for the term came from his observation of the impressive effort the small band had put into soliciting funds from local merchants in order to accompany the football team to off-campus games.

The previous season had produced a national title but gone were All-Americans Bill Lee, Dixie Howell, and Don Hudson.

His bands became famous for their precise marching formations, including the correct time, temperature, and even the score of the game.

Under Colonel Butler's guidance, the Million Dollar Band attained national acclaim and many honors, prompting former UA President Roger Sayers to say in an article for the Crimson White,"What Paul W. Bryant was to Alabama football, Colonel Carleton K. Butler was to Alabama's music program and bands.

Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant often voiced his support for the band during his tenure, sometimes partially crediting it after victories.

One year after he was named director, the band won the Sudler Trophy, awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

A staple of pregame is "The Big Bama Spell Out" as well as "Tusk" when the band forms an elephant and marches down the field.

Million Dollar Band uniform, front and back. There is a gray pants/black shoes variant.
The band performing its pregame show prior to a football game in 2010.
The band performing a "Booming Big Bama Spell Out" before a football game
The MDB performs side-by-side with the Clemson marching band prior to the 2008 Chick-fil-A College Kickoff .