UGA Redcoat Band Marches Toward New Drums with Bold Fundraising Drive
The University of Georgia’s iconic Redcoat Marching Band, a cornerstone of Bulldog tradition since 1905, is striking a new chord—not on the field, but in the hearts of its fans and alumni. In a bold, high-energy fundraising campaign launched this summer, the band is seeking to raise $175,000 to overhaul its aging drumline equipment. The initiative, dubbed “Beat Goes On: The Redcoat Percussion Revival,” underscores the band’s commitment to musical excellence and the unyielding spirit of Georgia football.
The call to action comes at a pivotal moment. With over 400 student members, the Redcoat Band is one of the largest collegiate marching bands in the country. However, the percussion section—its literal heartbeat—has been struggling under the weight of decades-old equipment. According to band director Dr. Marisa Youngblood, some of the current bass drums and snares date back to the early 2000s. “We’ve patched and tuned them to their limits,” she explained. “Our students deserve instruments that match their talent and dedication.”
The wear-and-tear isn’t just cosmetic. The outdated drumline poses logistical and safety challenges. Harnesses are fraying, shells are cracked, and tuning stability is a nightmare during back-to-back performances in sweltering heat. “We can’t march into the future with equipment stuck in the past,” said Sam Delaney, a senior snare drummer. “It’s about sound quality, but it’s also about pride.”
The new equipment wish list is ambitious: 12 high-performance snare drums, 6 multi-tenor drum sets, 8 concert bass drums, and accompanying harnesses and carriers—all from top-tier manufacturers like Yamaha and Pearl. These modern instruments are not only more durable but lighter, ergonomically designed, and engineered for the stadium sound that defines SEC football Saturdays.
To rally support, the Redcoat Band has partnered with the UGA Alumni Association and the Georgia Bulldog Club. A sleek online portal showcases donation tiers—from $25 “Rimshot Boosters” to $5,000 “Cadence Champions,” each with exclusive perks like sideline passes, custom band memorabilia, and even the chance to conduct the Redcoats during pregame.
The campaign is also hitting social media hard, with hashtag #RedcoatRhythm and a video series called “Behind the Beat,” featuring personal stories from band members. “We want our supporters to understand that when they give, they’re investing in future doctors, teachers, engineers—and lifelong musicians,” said Youngblood.
The response so far has been electric. In the first ten days, the band raised over $47,000, with notable contributions from former band alumni, including a surprise $10,000 gift from a 1983 percussionist who now runs a tech startup in Atlanta.
With the first home game against Clemson just weeks away, the Redcoats are marching with purpose. The beat may go on—but they want it to thunder louder, sharper, and prouder than ever before.
After all, in Athens, music isn’t just part of the game day experience—it’s part of the legacy.
