September 14, 1881 – The State University of Iowa’s first official military band – The University Battalion Band – is formed by General Orders Number One, Headquarters University Battalion, Iowa City, Iowa.

For most of its earliest years (1881-1912), the SUI marching band was actually part of the military, working out of the Armory, located just a few steps from Old Capitol. Most performances over these first years were done at military-related campus events, and even when the band performed at Iowa football games it was on behalf of the SUI Military Department.

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