ESPN REPORT: “World Shocked! Texas Tech Red Raiders Marching Band Crowned #1 — How This Small-Town Powerhouse Rose to Global Glory and Made History!”
LUBBOCK, TX — In a moment that stunned both music aficionados and sports fans alike, the Texas Tech Red Raiders Marching Band, affectionately known as the Goin’ Band from Raiderland, has been crowned the #1 marching band in the world — a feat never before achieved by the West Texas university.
The announcement came following a rigorous international ranking process conducted by the Global Marching Arts Federation, where hundreds of collegiate and professional ensembles from around the world were evaluated on musical precision, visual performance, creativity, cultural impact, and overall showmanship.
This marks a seismic moment not only for Texas Tech but for the entire marching arts community.
FROM HUMBLE ROOTS TO GLOBAL GLORY
Founded in 1925, the Goin’ Band is one of the oldest and most storied college marching bands in the nation. But it wasn’t tradition alone that earned them the world’s top spot — it was innovation, resilience, and heart.
For years, Texas Tech’s marching band has been a source of regional pride, known for its thunderous sound, precise formations, and energetic performances during Red Raiders football games. But over the past five years, under the visionary direction of Dr. Joel Pagán, the band began to evolve — blending technology, diverse musical arrangements, and bold visual storytelling into their halftime shows.
“We told our students they weren’t just playing music — they were telling stories that needed to be heard worldwide,” said Dr. Pagán. “They believed it. They lived it. And now the world is listening.”
A GLOBAL STAGE — AND GLOBAL RESPECT
Texas Tech’s band faced off against elite ensembles from Europe, Asia, and South America, many of which had decades of international touring experience. But what set the Goin’ Band apart wasn’t just their sound — it was their soul.
Their 2024–2025 performance cycle included a groundbreaking show titled “Voices of the West”, which fused contemporary marching compositions with traditional Southwestern folk, mariachi, jazz, and spoken-word elements that honored Native and Hispanic musical roots. Judges praised the performance for its emotional resonance and technical complexity.
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
When the news broke, the streets of Lubbock erupted in celebration. Hundreds gathered on campus with signs, instruments, and chants of “Raiderland, Number One!” Alumni took to social media with messages of pride, while local businesses displayed signs reading “World’s Best Band — Right Here in Lubbock!”
Texas Tech University President Dr. Lawrence Schovanec called the achievement “a historic victory for the entire Red Raider family.”
“This is proof that you don’t need to be from a big city or have a massive budget to become the best in the world,” said Schovanec. “You need heart, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our band has all three.”
