[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 5, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MARCHING BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2014

  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of 
The Ohio State University Marching Band. Their outstanding innovation 
and halftime shows were recently featured in a national commercial for 
the Apple iPad that aired during the Super Bowl.
  Since being founded in 1878, the all-brass and percussion Marching 
Band at Ohio State has led the way by creating new techniques and 
utilizing innovative technologies. Their iconic Script Ohio has in 
recent years been joined by animated formations that seem to float 
across the field.
  Recently the Band gained more national prominence as their 
performances have garnered a lot of attention on YouTube. The Band's 
halftime show on October 6, 2012, celebrated many popular video games 
including Super Mario Bros., Tetris, and The Legend of Zelda, and has 
received over 16 million views.
  For the 2013 season, the Band began using iPads to learn formations 
more quickly and more effectively, while saving money and paper. 
Seniors Ryan Barta and Charlie King deserve recognition for the idea, 
while the Band's director, Jon Waters, deserves credit for embracing 
it. The project would not have been possible without support from Ohio 
State's Digital First Impact Grant and its Office of Energy and the 
Environment. As a result, the 2013 season saw many halftime shows grab 
national headlines, with tributes to Hollywood and Michael Jackson 
receiving over 16 million and almost 10 million views respectively. 
Their use of cutting-edge technology while honoring the Band's 
traditions has made it a well-respected part of Buckeye Nation.
  As an alumnus of the band, I am proud to extend heartfelt 
congratulations to all those who have helped The Ohio State 
University's Marching Band--The Best Damn Band in the Land--continue to 
be such a complete and resounding success!

                          ____________________