BREAKING: Unbelievable! Auburn Tigers Marching Band Officially Ranked #1 in the World
In an unprecedented and exhilarating achievement, the Auburn University Marching Band (AMB) has been officially ranked the No. 1 collegiate marching band in the world. This historic announcement came during the 2025 International Collegiate Band Symposium held in Vienna, Austria—an event regarded as the “Olympics” of marching band performance. For the first time in its 127-year history, Auburn’s band soared to global acclaim, outpacing elite ensembles from across five continents.
The AMB, known for its precision, power, and pageantry, captivated international judges with a groundbreaking 14-minute halftime performance titled “The Spirit of the South”. The show seamlessly fused Southern heritage with modern artistry, blending brass-driven fanfares, complex jazz interludes, and a dramatic orchestral arrangement of “War Eagle” that left spectators in awe. Their iconic tiger-stripe uniform redesign, LED-illuminated instruments, and geometric formations added visual brilliance that few bands dared attempt.
Under the leadership of Dr. Kelly L. Morrison, AMB’s director since 2018, the band underwent a cultural and technical transformation. “This isn’t just about loud notes and clean lines,” Morrison said during her acceptance speech in Vienna. “It’s about storytelling through sound, uniting tradition with innovation, and turning every field into a stage.” Morrison was also awarded the International Conductor Excellence Award—another first for Auburn.
The selection committee, composed of top conductors, musicologists, and marching experts from Japan, Germany, Brazil, and the United States, praised the AMB for “achieving a level of musical and choreographic excellence rarely seen at the collegiate level.” They noted the band’s complex polyrhythms, flawless transitions, and emotionally resonant programming as key factors in their top ranking.
What makes this triumph even more remarkable is AMB’s humble roots. Founded in 1897 with just 20 members, the band has evolved into a 375-member powerhouse, representing all majors across the university. Each year, band members log over 250 rehearsal hours, perform in front of tens of thousands at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and travel nationally to support Auburn athletics.
Social media exploded with pride and excitement as the news broke. Auburn alumni around the world, from Tokyo to London, lit up timelines with #WarEagle and #1BandInTheWorld. ESPN ran a feature story titled “The Soundtrack of a Dynasty,” spotlighting how Auburn’s musical excellence now rivals its athleticUniversity’s
University President Dr. Christopher Roberts called the recognition “a defining moment in Auburn’s legacy,” adding that “the Auburn Marching Band exemplifies everything we strive for—dedication, excellence, and spirit.”
As the Tigers prepare for a celebratory international tour, including performances in Paris, Sydney, and Cape Town, one thing is clear: the Auburn University Marching Band has not just made history—they’ve composed it.
War Eagle.
