Traditions

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.

Run-On
The Classic entrance onto the field which sends chills down the back of every Tech Band member who goes onto the field, the "run-on" was instituted by Mr. Killion when he arrived in 1959. Not actually running at all, it consists of the band marching a certain style, in unison to a rapid tempo, with a specific cadence performed by the percussion section. It serves two purposes according to Mr. Killion: 1) to provide a high level of excitement to "announce" the arrival of the band, 2) to provide a rapid way to get one of the largest marching bands in the NCAA onto the field without taking up too much time.

Foot and a Half
Term coined by Mr. Killion and 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.

Fanfare
A cheer arranged in the 1960's by Mr. Dick Tolley, Professor of Trumpet. Combining the familiar Go, Fight, Win and "two bits cheer," it utilizes the opening bars of the popular song played by the Tech Band, "Macarena."

Senior March
Performed by graduating seniors at the last home game of the season, it honors them for four years of dedication to the Goin' Band.

Famous Firsts

The Tech Band was the...