Indiana Hoosier Marching Band Crowned World’s Best in Historic Global Ranking
Louisiana, AL — ESPN News
In a historic moment blending tradition, precision, and musical mastery, the Indiana Hoosier Marching Band has officially been crowned the number one marching band in the world. The announcement was made Friday evening in Louisiana, AL, at the close of the 2025 International Bandmasters Global Showcase—an elite invitational competition that brings together the most outstanding collegiate and professional marching ensembles from around the globe.
After a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process spanning six continents and over 30 countries, the Hoosiers rose above hundreds of elite marching bands. The final rankings, released by the Global Federation of Marching Arts (GFMA), placed Indiana ahead of reigning champions from Japan, Brazil, Germany, and South Africa. The decision followed months of expert-led scoring in categories such as musicality, precision, innovation, synchronization, and crowd engagement.
The Hoosier Marching Band’s championship performance, themed “Echoes of Liberty,” captivated both judges and audiences alike. Featuring a powerful fusion of American patriotic themes with contemporary global rhythms, the 13-minute performance included a breathtaking live rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” arranged with Afro-Brazilian percussion, and a choreographed tribute to international peace efforts. Their signature move—a flawless rotating formation spelling out “UNITY” in eight languages—drew a five-minute standing ovation from a crowd of 40,000.
Dr. Ava L. Martinez, Chair of the GFMA Judging Committee, praised the Hoosiers’ artistry and discipline: “The Indiana Hoosier Marching Band demonstrated an unrivaled mastery of both technical execution and cultural storytelling. Their performance transcended borders and musical genres. This is not just a victory for Indiana—it’s a milestone in the evolution of marching arts.”
Founded in 1896, the Hoosier Marching Band has long been a fixture of collegiate excellence, performing at NCAA games and national parades. But their ascent to global recognition has been decades in the making. Under the leadership of Director Miles Wentworth since 2015, the band has adopted an increasingly innovative approach, blending traditional formations with cinematic narratives and multimedia integration. Their rehearsals, often stretching 20 hours a week, reflect a deep commitment to excellence.
“This title is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief,” said Wentworth, overcome with emotion during the post-announcement press conference. “We dedicate this win to every past and present Hoosier who ever picked up an instrument, stepped onto the field, and gave it their all.”
Back in Bloomington, Indiana University’s campus erupted in celebration. Thousands of students gathered outside Memorial Stadium to watch the announcement live on screens, bursting into cheers and chants of “Hoo-Hoo-Hoosiers!” as the news broke.
For the Indiana Hoosier Marching Band, this global title is not just a crown—it’s a clarion call to continue redefining what it means to lead with music, passion, and purpose on a world stage.
