GBA
SERVING THE GOIN’ BAND SINCE 1987
GOIN’ BAND ASSOCIATION
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Goin’ Band Association is to provide support and resources to improve the quality and success of the Texas Tech University Band. The Goin’ Band Association will support the growth and quality of the Texas Tech University (Tech) Band by: developing and utilizing alumni resources, and pursuing resources from private individuals and institutions to provide financial and material support to the Tech Band Program in an endeavor to promote and sustain the Tech Band as one of the premier band programs in the United States.
Memberships
If you are interested in joining the Association, there are 8 different membership levels to choose from.
This tax-deductible donation helps support the operations of the Goin’ Band Association as well as providing additional financial support for the Goin’ Band and its students.
About Us
In 1987, a group of Goin’ Band alumni gathered at a homecoming event on the Texas Tech campus. During this event, Ken Porter (the first GBA president) passed around a notepad and pen to gather names and phone numbers. From this list, the first directory of alumni was compiled and used to help found the Tech Band Alumni Association.
Over the years, our name was changed to the Goin’ Band Association, but our goals and purpose have remained the same — to support the students of the Goin’ Band through our Scholarship Endowment and to give alumni an opportunity to continue to be involved with Goin’ Band activities.
About the Goin’ Band
Established in 1925, the Goin’ Band from Raiderland is the oldest student organization on campus. Proud to uphold the traditions of Texas Tech University, the Goin’ Band is committed to performing exciting field shows that connect with all generations, as well as providing music to promote school spirit and enhance the game day experience! Representing nearly every major available at the university, the 400+ members of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland seek to entertain and inspire.
A Band of Firsts
From 1925, the Tech Band has been responsible for several “firsts” over the years:
- First college band to travel to an away game and have its half-time broadcast on radio
- First chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi in Texas
- Founding chapter of Tau Beta Sigma (Tech Band Sorority)
- First band to fundamentalize stereo concepts in drill design
- First band to perform a halftime show in the Big XII Conference
- First college band in Texas to perform “March Grandioso”
Foot and a Half
This term was coined by Dean Killion (Goin’ Band Director – 1959-1981) and is still used today to signify the bandmember’s membership and position in the band. You own a foot and a half of prime real estate on the field as a member of the Goin’ Band.
Fight Raiders Fight
The official fight song of Texas Tech; it was arranged in 1937 in a fifteen minute session by two charter members of the Texas Tech chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi who were sent outside the meeting to “come up” with a fight song. As luck would have it they were studying “Three Days, Fantasia-Overture” by Adolph Lotter in class that day. They took the basic melodic line, put words to it, and presented it to the members. They then transcribed it for marching band. After two re-arrangements, one in the 1940’s and again in the 1970’s, it is still the same basic song that was presented then.
Goin' Band