"Students working together in a positive, self-reflective manner to produce a comfortable social setting, espirit de corps, a non-critical and educational playing environment, a humble and cooperative work area, a love for our university, and one of the best bands in the country." -- Marching Knights Mission Statement
With those words, spoken in 1980, the Marching Knights were born. We are the largest and most visible student organization at the University of Central Florida. We are known for our high energy performances, unique and contemporary drill designs, and musical selections ranging from jazz, to pop, to classical. Our members experience the thrill of performing for tens of thousands of fans alongside over 300 other outstanding performers at each home UCF football game and select away games, as well as any bowl games.
It is for this reason that the Marching Knights return year after year to contribute to "The Pride of Central Florida," and to march under the banner of Black and Gold. Above and beyond the rehearsals, performances, and exhibitions, words like Tradition and Pride ring clear in the ears of the Marching Knights. These words are rooted deeply in our history.
The Marching Knights are proud of their humble beginnings, and are thankful to the efforts of two of our founders: Mr. Jerry Gardner & Troy Driggers. When all the hard work of our membership comes together on the field, the crowd comes to their feet and cheers on the Marching Knights. As UCF grows, so to does the reputation of the Marching Knights, "The Pride of Central Florida", as one of the premier marching bands in the country.-
The Marching Knights were formed after the start of the football program in 1979. To begin implementation of the marching program, Mr. Jerry Gardner was hired as the first Director on July 1, 1980. With just under three months until the first game, a great deal of work had to be done in order to establish the Marching Knights. Student Government helped by allocating money to help fund the band.
Since no previous marching roster existed, Mr. Gardner went through the file of every UCF student to see if they had any band/marching experience. All of the students who did were contacted and asked to join the inaugural year of the Marching Knights. It was during this time that a young man named Troy Driggers came to Mr. Gardner and asked to be the Drum Major of the Marching Knights. Mr. Gardner held auditions and Troy and Ken DeBord became the first Drum Majors of the Marching Knights. When August and band camp arrived, the hard work of recruiting all summer had paid off. The Marching Knights consisted of 125 members.
On November 8, 1980 -- UCF's Homecoming, the first half-time show was put on the field. The show featured the songs: "Triumph of the Titans," "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Crown Imperial," "You are the Sunshine of My Life," and "Love Will Keep us Together" -- thus, the Marching Knights tradition was born.
The next two years saw the creation of a proud tradition for the Marching Knights, as well as the establishment of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma at UCF.
To honor the passing on and the memory of Troy Driggers, the 1983 season was dedicated to him and the entire band wore a pin on their uniform. To this day, the "Driggers' Pin" is a part of the Marching Knights uniform so that all future members will remember Troy's vital role in the establishment of the Marching Kngihts.
In the fall of 1985, Mr. Gardner retired from directing the Marching Knights to focus on his health. As a result of Mr. Gardner's departure, Roger Newburn was hired as the second Director of the Marching Knights in 1986.
In the summer of 1988, Dr. Greenwood was hired as the third Director of the Marching Knights. That year, the Marching Knights evolved into a unique performance organization. The "Party Medley" show concept, a selection of popular tunes that won the affection of every audience, was introduced in 1989.
Beginning in the spring of 1991, the Summer Knights were formed. This was an ultra-hip, high-energy show band consisting of 23 members of the Knights. The Summer Knights toured schools in Florida in order to inform students about the music program and UCF as a whole.
For the 1991 marching season, "The Accolade" was enhanced and the Knights Alumni Band Association was formed to increase Alumni awareness and involvement in the Marching Knights.