What’s that coming down the track.... is something I heard nearly every Saturday in the Fall. This was not some warning of a measly locomotive, but of something much finer and much louder.
The impending force I am referring to is the Georgia Redcoat Marching Band. You can usually find the huge machine in red and black rehearsing at the Intramural fields, traveling with the football team, and creating an unforgettable atmosphere at every home game. The sound of trombones blasting, drums pounding, and the entire band screaming loud enough for the nerds in Atlanta to hear.
As a member of this incredible group, I had the privilege of being part of something that represents not just a university, but a legacy of tradition, school spirit, and passion. From the long rehearsals all the way to the Championship games, being in the Redcoat Band was an experience I’ll never forget.
Before I even stepped foot on campus, I knew I wanted to be a Redcoat. There was just one problem… I hadn’t played trombone in nearly a year at that point. I started practicing right away to whip myself back into shape. Once the audition process rolled around, I was fairly confident in my playing abilities, but I still had that little bit of paranoia hanging over me.
Spoiler alert…I made the cut.
Joining the Redcoat Band immediately gave me a new family—over 400 friends who shared my love for music and school spirit. It wasn’t just about playing an instrument; it was about belonging to something that brought us all together. The sense of community was immediate, and that bond only grew stronger with every game, practice, and road trip.
I also got to witness the Dawgs dominate for two years in a row. Whether it was Between the Hedges or an away game at Jordan Hare, they got the job done (I will be not be talking about the 2021 SEC Championship vs Alabama). I was there for the “Chip-Six” in Indy, the nail biter against (the) Ohio State in Atlanta, and the ultimate beatdown in Los Angeles against TCU Elementary.
The trombone section was especially memorable. We were loud, proud, and, what some would argue, a clinically insane group, but together, we were unstoppable. Whether it was the early gameday rehearsals or pre-game rituals, we always had each other’s backs and never gave up an inch. There was a special camaraderie in the section that made every moment in the band unforgettable.
It’s one thing to go to a university, but it’s another experience to be actively participating in the spirit of it all. Being a Redcoat wasn’t just about marching on a field or playing on every defensive down; it’s about carrying the tradition that has spanned for nearly 120 years. Every performance felt like part of a larger legacy— a living, breathing connection to the past, present, and future of the University of Georgia. Each note played, every step taken, and every cheer heard was a tribute to the countless Redcoats who had come before us, who had poured their heart and soul into this band and its mission.
Looking back, being a part of the Redcoat Band was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It wasn’t just about playing an instrument or performing at games, it was about creating lifelong friendships, feeling the roar of the crowd, and being the pulse of campus. Every rehearsal, every road trip, and every game were each a chance to pour our hearts into the music and carry on a tradition that meant so much to so many.
The Redcoat Band taught me what it truly means to be part of a team, to be part of a legacy, and to share a passion that connects us all—no matter where we’re from or where we go.
Once a Dawg, Always a Dawg… How Sweet it is!