The band was first organized in 1926 by Claude E. Palmer,[2] who at that time was the head of the Music Department at the former Ball State Teachers College.

They also performed a pregame and halftime show at Indiana University and had an appearance at the International Bowl in early 2008.

[5][6] The band's other appearances included an Indianapolis Colts game at the new Lucas Oil Stadium,[7] an appearance at the MAC Championship in Detroit, Michigan, a trip in early 2009 to Mobile, Alabama for the GMAC Bowl, an appearance at the 2019 Ruoff Kick Off Classic versus Indiana University at Lucas Oil Stadium, and a trip to the 2021 TaxAct Camellia Bowl versus Georgia State at the Cramton Bowl Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama.

It was perhaps linked to the sudden growth in number of members during Dunn's direction, or to the university's participation in the Mid-American Conference.

[4] Today, the name represents Ball State and its traditions, and it has become the main title of the marching band.

It is also used as encouragement for the members, such as the traditional dismissal after every rehearsal or performance, which goes:[citation needed] Leader: Band who are we?!

The band members have also started a tradition of singing the words to the Ball State University Victory March at the conclusion of each rehearsal.

As part of the auxiliary, the band currently has a color guard and a feature twirler, but it previously included cardettes and majorettes in past years.

The percussion instructor has several duties including instructing the Ball State Drumline by arranging music, directing sectional rehearsals, and practicing drill.

The color guard instructor, Rhonda Reynolds, is responsible for providing and teaching flag and/or dance routine to the group, as well as practicing drill.

Their current duties include conducting the band, guiding the players, assisting the section leaders, and enforcing rules and regulations.

They are responsible of taking care of the instruments owned by the university (drums and sousaphones) and help with stadium hardware.

This group consists of marching band volunteers who work to make the uniforms show ready throughout the year.

As of today, the band performs modern drill with a traditional marching style known as relaxed straight leg (walking style), and forms designs from simple geometric shapes and straight lines, to complex curves, words, and figures.

[9] During the rest of the game, the band cheers on the football team from the stands, occasionally playing traditional tunes such as the Fight Song, First Down Tag, Go Cheer, Iron Man, Back in Black, Sad But True, Word Up and other various songs.