The Georgia State University Panther Band serves as an integral part of campus life at Georgia State. Recently referred to as “the Sound of Downtown,” the Panther Band performs a pre-game show at all home games, and halftime shows at games they attend. In addition to football games, the band performs at university and community events, as well as high school marching band exhibitions.
The Georgia State University Panther Band has a brief but distinguished history. Founded in 2010 along with the University’s football team, the Panther Band has quickly made a name for itself performing for live, televised, and motion picture audiences. Rated by its peers as one of the best college marching bands in the country, the Panther Band was ranked among the top-ten bands in the nation by the College Band Directors National Association in 2013 and the top-five among the Southern Division in 2012 and 2016. In 2014, the band entertained millions along the streets of New York and on television as it participated in the 88th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 2013, the Panther Band proudly marched through Washington, D.C. playing the music of James Brown during the inauguration of President Barack Obama. In 2019, the Panther Band performed for over 100 million viewers as part of the Super Bowl LIII Pepsi Halftime Show. The Panther Band made its first appearance in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. In a short time, the Panther Band has proven itself as a band that truly entertains.
The Panther Band distinguishes itself on the field as a leader in the marching activity. Performing precision corps-style drill, choreography, and relevant music from all genres, the Panther Band is sure to entertain audiences from all walks of life. Recent music of the ensemble spans such artists as The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, U2, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Elton John, Bill Haley and the Comets, the Allman Brothers, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Ray Charles, James Brown, Kanye West, Steve Miller and the Band, Journey, Gloria Gaynor, and John Williams – a wide array of styles and tastes for sure.
The Panther Band is under the direction of Dr. Adam F. Dalton, Georgia State’s director of athletic bands, and Professor T. Devin Reid, assistant director of athletic bands.