Typically ranging between 80 and 120 members every year, it is among the largest and most active student-run organizations on campus, assembling up to ~100 times between August and May.

[1] According to popular legend, the band began after a single cornet player named A. Felix DuPont played to the jeers of residents in the student quadrangle ("Shut up, fresh!").

A more understanding upperclassman, John Ammon, helped DuPont gather 27 volunteers who formed the school's first band.

In its first year, the Band performed twice for President William McKinley, as well as at the opening of Houston Hall, the country's first student union.

It has been a staple at historic Franklin Field and the Palestra, campus traditions such as Convocation, ‘Hey Day,’ and Commencement ceremonies, and performances across The Greater Philadelphia Region.

During its history, the organization has performed with notable musicians, including John Philip Sousa, Edwin Franko Goldman, members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the U.S. Marine Band ("The President's Own"), Doc Severinsen of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and the prominent composer Václav Nelhýbel.