Although the band has roots in military marching, the band made a change in direction in the 1980s, capitalizing on the popularity of the increasingly popular Drum Corps International (DCI) competitions.

Not conforming to fans expectations has caused the band to be openly criticized by some.

The campus fire of 1910, which led to the university's relocation to Fort Worth, TX, slowed the growth of the band until J. E. King revived it in 1921 by introducing regular rehearsals and performances.

The band came into its own in the 1930s and 1940s under the direction of Claude Sammis, thanks to the innovative arrangements of popular music by assistant director Don Gillis.

[7] After Jacobsen left in 1981, he was succeeded by Curtis Wilson, who began the band's transition to corps style marching.