The UCLA Bruin Marching Band either appeared on camera or contributed to the soundtrack for the following Movies, TV shows and Videos. This is not at all a complete list; if any band alumnus has recollections of a performance not listed here, please e-mail Gordon Henderson at gh@ucla.edu.

Movies

Elmer Gantry (1960)

The UCLA Band appears prominently in several parade scenes in this movie starring Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons and Shirley Jones. This movie won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Lancaster and Best Supporting Actress for Jones.

Hello Dolly (1969)

The UCLA Band was prominently featured in the “Before the Parade Passes By” scene in this Academy Award winning film. Filmed on the New York Street Set on the Fox Studios lot between Olympic and Pico Boulevards. Starring Barbra Streisand and Walter Matthau.

To Be or Not To Be (1983)

The Band appeared as the German Army goose-stepping through the streets of Warsaw early in the film, as Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft looked on, in this remake of the Jack Benny classic. The Band’s scene was filmed on the New York Street set at the Universal Studios backlot. Brooks and Bancroft were in the scene with the Band and spoke to the group at the end of the shoot.

Iron Eagle II (1988)

In the movie’s final scene, the Band appears as a military band playing at the jubilant airport arrival of the film’s heroes. That’s Assistant director Jennifer Judkins conducting the Band.

Little Nikita (1988)

During the movie’s opening parade scene, the Band supplied the soundtrack for the three bands which appear on-screen. Starring River Phoenix and Sidney Poitier. Recorded on Spalding Field on the UCLA campus.

Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990)

At the movie’s climatic outdoor party scene, the Band and Color Guard appear briefly in the background.

Fatal Instinct (1993)

During the courtroom scene, the Band’s recording of “Mighty Bruins” is heard. The Band received a credit at the end of the film for this one.

In the Line of Fire (1993)

Clint Eastwood starred as a Secret Service agent protecting the President during campaign trips. During ten separate scenes in the movie, the Band can be heard supplying the soundtrack to “Hail to the Chief”, “The Thunderer”, “Semper Fidelis”, “Liberty Bell,” and other original music by Gordon Henderson. This film appears frequently on cable every four years during presidential campaigns.

Legends of the Fall (1994)

Late in the movie, a town band is seen playing in a gazebo playing “The Glory of the Yankee Navy” just before the brothers (played by Aidan Quinn and Brad Pitt) meet each other in the company of their wives. The soundtrack was performed for this scene by the Band.

That Thing You Do (1996)

Several Band members appear as members of a salsa band in a talent show tryout early in this movie.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

At the beginning of the climatic parade scene, the Band is featured as the “All Santa Marching Band.” That’s Jeremy Wuertz’s drumming which starts off the scene and Gordon Henderson can be seen in an elf costume (he needed to be in the shot to call out the dance moves for the Band). The Pasadena City College Band also appears as the “Turbo Band”. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad starred in this one.

The Band’s schedule involved two days of rehearsal and two days of filming. Although the scene was supposed to be one during the winter in Minnesota, the Band’s scenes were shot in the Universal Studios backlot during hot summer days, which made wearing the plastic bulky Santa outfits very uncomfortable.

The Sixth Man (1997)

The Band is shown in the stands during several scenes of this movie about college basketball. The University of Washington Band also appears on screen several times.

A Bright Shining Lie (1998)

Bill Paxton stars in the HBO movie concerning the Vietnam War. The Band appears as the Marine Corps Band at a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery (actually filmed at the National Cemetery in Westwood). UCLA Drum Major Kevin McKeown has a closeup as the Marine Band Conductor, and trumpet Mike Gorham appears as the bugler.

The Waterboy (1998)

The Band percussion section is heard playing a cadence for this Adam Sandler movie.

The Out-of-Towners (1999)

Starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn. Five members of the Band portraying the Ohio State University Marching Band, appear in an airport scene filmed at LAX.

The Other Sister (1999)

The Band appears in several photos owned by one of the characters who is a big fan of marching bands.

Road Trip (2000)

We received a call from the producers of the film Road Trip to see if they could use the “Hail to the Hills of Westwood” as the opening title music for their film. Sounded like a good idea to us so we said yes. However, when our administration heard about it, they didn’t like the idea of having our alma mater in what could prove to be a raunchy comedy starring Tom Green.

The producers freaked out when they heard this, since sound was being put on the film the next day. So Henderson offered to “compose” an original alma mater that would sound remarkably similar to “Hail,” put a band together late that night to record it, then bring to them the recording in the morning. Chris Florio acted as recording engineering on his digital recorder and we used some microphones borrowed from the Music Department.

Since UCLA would not allow the use of its name on the film credits, the song credit reads “University of Ithaca Alma Mater, recorded by Gordon Henderson and his Midnight Music Makers.” Recorded on April 14, 2000.

Don’t Say A Word (2001)

The Band’s percussion section can be heard playing their street cadence during a chase scene where Michael Douglas’ car is blocked by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Pumpkin (2002)

Several members of the UCLA Band appear as a dance orchestra in the climactic ballroom scene at the end of the movie, which was filmed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles (the same night as the last Band Bowl just across the street at USC’s Cromwell Track and Field). Saxophonist David Brennan appears as the Conductor of the orchestra. Notice how the Trumpets and saxophones suddenly switch to playing violins! This has to be one of the worst movies ever made – maybe it will become a cult classic!

First Daughter (2004)

The Band is shown in two scenes shot on UCLA’s campus: one for the arrival of the President’s daughter on campus, and the other for a bonfire rally at night. UCLA Drum Major Jay Dillon is shown conducting the Band. The Band also recorded “Hail to the Chief” and “Knights Ow!” for the movie’s soundtrack. Katie Holmes played the title role and Micheal Keaton played the President. The film was directed by Forrest Whitaker.

Henderson went to see the movie at the Crest Theater a few days after it opened. He arrived a bit late and when he got there, the theater was closed – no one came to see it! The film received poor reviews and was a box office failure, which was due in part to another film, Chasing Liberty starring Mandy Moore, with a similar plot (the President’s daughter goes to college, and starts dating a guy who turns out to be a Secret Service agent) that was released a few months earlier.

However, in 2005, Katie Holmes started dating Tom Cruise, and this film started appearing regularly on cable.

Gordon Henderson was out of town during this shoot, so the band was led by Jay Dillon, who apparently had some stressful moments with the film’s director.

Click (2006)

Early in the movie, the Band’s recording of the Offspring’s “Come Out and Play” is heard in the background of a scene of an outdoor swim meet.

Gridiron Gang (2006)

The Band’s percussion section can be heard in the background performing its famous “Fried Chicken” cadence. This movie, starring The Rock, was released during the Fall of 2006.

500 Days of Summer (2009)

Twenty members of the Band appeared in a parade sequence featuring one of the film’s stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Tommy in the hit TV series “Third Rock from the Sun”). Tenor Saxophonist Ryland Harris can been seen in a closeup. A scene where Assistant Director Jennifer Judkins appeared in a rabbit costume didn’t make it to the final cut.

Struck By Lightning (2012)

The Band’s recording of “Play That Funky Music, White Boy” is heard prominently in the Homecoming Parade scene. “Glee” star Chris Colfer wrote the screenplay and played the starring role.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

The UCLA Drumline’s “Rose Bowl Entrance cadence” is heard in the background of a tailgating scene as a fight breaks out.

TV and Videos

“The New Steve Allen Show” (1961)

From 1961-1965, Allen re-created the Tonight Show madness on a new late-night Steve Allen Show syndicated by Westinghouse TV. Steve Allen brought his show to the UCLA campus for one broadcast, with the UCLA football team, Cheerleaders and Marching Band making appearances. The 1961-62 UCLA Yearbook describes the Band’s appearance this way: “With the same precision they used to enthrall UCLA football fans, the marching band proudly demonstrated their original arrangements for Allen and his television viewers”. During the broadcast, Allen showed his musical prowess on a Sousaphone.

“Academy Awards Show” (1969)

On April 14, 1969, the Band became the first college marching band to appear on stage during the television broadcast of the Academy Awards Show. The Band performed the title song from the 1968 movie “Chitty Chitty Band Bang,” with dancer Paula Kelly. They were introduced by Academy Award winning legends Ingrid Bergman and Sidney Poitier.

A full account of this event can be read HERE.

“Here’s Lucy” (1971)

The Marching Band charged into Lucy’s living room to annoy Uncle Harry. Unfortunately for Lucy, Harry was a former tuba player in a marching band so he loved having the Band there. Broadcast on January 25, 1971.

“The Human Fly” (1977)

The Band appeared was bused out to Edwards AFB to spell out “HUMAN FLY” (not shown on broadcast) on the tarmac as the thrill-seeking daredevil George Willig (who called himself “The Human Fly”) attached himself to the outside of a jet airline and flew overhead. Televised live on a CBS network sports program on April 23, 1977.

“The Gong Show” (1977)

The Band appeared on this legendary talent show hosted by Chuck Barris on April 26, 1977. Here is a video of the show – the Band appears at about 4:15.

The Court-Martial of George Armstrong Custer (1977)

The Band appeared in the background drilling on a field as Cavalry soldiers, marching information around a field. Filmed in the Malibu mountains near the MASH set. During the shoot, the UCLA Band serenaded the 3-year-old daughter of star Blythe Danner, Gwyneth Paltrow!

Polaroid Commercial with James Garner (1977)

Filmed at the College of the Canyons in Valencia, the Band appeared in this commercial in full uniformed walking through the background at a college football game tailgate party.

“Dick Clark and a Cast of 1000’s” (1978)

The UCLA Band played a live version of “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow on September 6, 1978. In the video, you can see a few seconds of the performance starting at :07.

“Bob Hope for President” (1980)

The UCLA Band performed in a Bob Hope TV special that aired in October of 1980. The show was filmed at the NBC Television Studios in Burbank. The show included guest appearances by Brooke Shields, Johnny Carson and Bob Hope himself. The UCLA band marched onto camera playing The Stars and Stripes Forever in UCLA band uniforms as part of a pre-election rally.

“Private Benjamin” (1981)

The Band appeared as an army band at Pvt. Benjamin’s graduation from Boot Camp.

“The Love Boat” (1982)

The Band performs on a pier as the Love Boat begins another adventure.

The Betty Ford Story (1987)

The Band appears in a parade sequence for this TV movie.

“Hollywood Squares” (1988)

The Band performs “Sons of Westwood” at the end of the show. The Band was given a new TV and a Yamaha Clavinova for their appearance.

“Tonight Show” starring Johnny Carson (1989)

In March 1989, Director Gordon Henderson received a call from Denise Soulam, a producer on the Tonight Show, asking for a copy of the Band’s drill charts to show as part of a comedy routine that they were planning for the show. On the show, Carson showed the chart of the Band’s Block UCLA formation to demonstrate how marching bands organize their members. The episode first aired on March 22, 1989, and was shown as a repeat on a number of occasions.

“Hull High” (1990)

This Disney TV movie served as the pilot for the TV series of the same name. UCLA drummers Michael Cornelison, Garth Hamlin and Mike Radu were among the group that appears in an outdoor dance sequence filmed at El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills. Directed by Kenny Ortega, who in 2013 called the Band again to appear in the opening of the Rolling Stones concert at the Staples Center that he was choreographing.

“Jeopardy!” (1990 and 2001)

A group of band members performed the “Jeopardy! Theme” for that show’s “College Week” filmed in Pauley Pavilion in 1990 and 2001 (November 7, 2001).

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995)

The Band appears at a rally where this Disney TV movie’s hero, Kirk Cameron, is being honored. This was filmed on UCLA’s campus in the Dickson Court North near Schoenberg Hall.

“The Mike and Maty Show” (1995)

The Band appeared marching and playing at the beginning of episode 440 of this popular ABC daytime talk show, hosted by Michael Burger and Maty Monfort in November 1995.

Silencing Mary (1998)

The Band’s percussion section is heard playing a cadence for this TV movie by Paramount.

“Bug A Boo” video by Destiny’s Child (1999)

The Band appears prominently in the football halftime scene, filmed on August 8, 1999 at Fairfax High School, where Destiny’s Child dresses up as majorettes in an attempt to hide from some guys that are bugging them. Wyclef Jean is featured as the drum major in a white UCLA drum major uniform (the producers did not request this until we arrived, so Jennifer had to make a trip back to campus to retrieve it). There is an alternate cut of the video that appeared on BET that features a long rap by Wyclef in his drum major outfit. Wyclef also agreed to appear on the Band’s recruiting video that night. You can see a video of the making of the video HERE.

Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the 13th (2000)

The Band appears in a scene where “The Killer” is chasing one of the stars around a track. It was filmed at a local high school on May 17, 1999. Originally slated for theatrical release in 1999, it finally surfaced in October 2000 as a USA Network movie. Starring Tom Arnold and Tiffany Amber Thiessen.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Commercial (2000)

A group of band members appeared on camera in a parade scene for this commercial that was shown around Thanksgiving time for several years. Those students received residual checks each time it aired. The commercial was shot on October 14, 1999 at the studio in Hollywood where the TV show “I Love Lucy” was filmed.

FedEx Commercial (2001)

The Band appears in a parade sequence shot at the Universal Studios backlot. Golden Girl Veena Goel and Drum Major John Leitch had nice closeups.

Pepsi Commercial Recording (2005)

A group of band members recorded the soundtrack for a Pepsi commercial that was to be shown on television throughout Europe during the World Cup Soccer Tournament during the summer of 2006.

“E-Ring” (2005)

Ten members of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band will appear on the new NBC drama “E-Ring” starring Dennis Hopper and Benjamin Bratt. The Band will portray the West Point Academy Band marching through the hallways of the Pentagon. The episode was first broadcast on Wednesday, October 12, 2005.

Hong Kong Chinese New Year Night Parade (2006)

Fifty-seven members of the Band and Spirit Squad performed at this internationally-broadcast event.

ESPN Mobile Super Bowl Commercial (2006)

Twenty members of the UCLA Band appear in a commercial shot in downtown L.A. that was first shown during the Super Bowl broadcast and numerous times afterward on ESPN.

ABC College Football Promos (2006)

Fifteen members of the Band recorded the brass music for ABC College Football promos shown on ABC and ESPN. The music was composed by Jim Casella who is has served as the Percussion Arranger for the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Santa Clara Vanguard.

CBS “The Early Show” (2007)

While in Atlanta for the NCAA Basketball Final Four Tournament, the 30-piece pep band appeared on this show. Tenor Saxophonist Christian Tanja was interviewed by news anchor Hannah Storm and the Band played the fight song.

NBC “The Today Show” (2007)

Forty-five members of the UCLA arrived at Pauley Pavilion at 4:30am to appear on several live shots as part of Los Angeles’ bid for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Superbowl Pregame Show Paula Abdul Video (2008)

Six of the Band’s percussionists appeared in the new Paula Abdul video “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” that was show on Fox’s Superbowl Pregame Show.

Hong Kong Chinese New Year Night Parade (2008)

Fifty members of the Band and Spirit Squad returned to Hong Kong to performed at this internationally-broadcast event.

McDonald’s Commercial (2011)

Forty members of the Band were at this shoot in Valencia from 8pm to 6am two nights before the USC football game in December 2010. Those forty members were CG’ed to make it appear that there were over 150 band members on the field.

A few band members were selected (or forced themselves in) to appear in closeups and received substantial amounts of residuals.

Honda Commercial (2011)

Fifty members of the Band shot this commercial in the City of Industry at the Honda dealership there. Those fifty members were CG’ed to make it appear that there were thousands of band members in an endless parade block. Unbfortunately, there were no residuals for band member who appeared in this one.

NCAA Commercial “Think of us as a Marching Band” (2013-14)

Fifty members of the Band are shown following an athlete around campus. This NCAA promo was shown throughout the NCAA Basketball Tournament in March and April, 2013 and again during football bowl season in December and January.

“The Amazing Race” Season 24 Premiere (2014)

Two hundred members of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band appeared in the premeire episode of The Amazing Race, Season 24, on February 23, 2014. The Band played the main theme of the show as host Phil Keoghan introduced the new season. The Band also participated in the first “Challenge” where the teams had to find a symbol on band members’ hats that matched the name of the city of Guangzhou, their first destination, in Chinese letters. The Band’s appearance began and ended by forming “TAR 24.”

A full account of this event can be read HERE.

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” Promos (2014)

The UCLA Band appeared in three videos that appeared on NBC throughout the summer of 2014 to promote the premiere of her new fall season.

“The Goldbergs” (2015)

The UCLA Band helped to recreate the parade scene from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on the ABC TV hit series on February 25, 2015.

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (January 2016)

To mark “halftime” of Ellen’s thirteenth season, forty members of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band charged onto the set playing “The Mighty Bruins,” followed by “Bang Bang” on the show that was broadcast on January 20, 2016.

“Platinum” video by josh pan and X&G (2016)

Four members of the UCLA Drumline appear in this truly bizarre video. Released on September 22, 2016.

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (October 2016)

On October 13, 2016, the Band appeared on the show to help celebrate Mark Harmon Week.

“Lip Sync Battle” (2016)

On the Spike TV network on October 27, 2016, Laverne Cox performed a sync of Destiny Child’s “Lose My Breath” featuring a live drumline performance from the UCLA Bruin Marching Band.

“Imaginary Mary” (2017)

Twenty members of the Band recorded music for the ABC series “Imaginary Mary,” for an episode entitled “Prom-Com” that aired on April 18, 2017. The recording session was held in a historic studio that was used by Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, and numerous others, including Michael Jackson for parts of his “Thriller” album!

“Team USA Awards Show” (2017)

The UCLA Band served as the “house band” for the presentation awards show held in Royce Hall on campus, which aired on December 23, 2017 on NBC. Singer/actor Mark McGrath served as host.

“The Goldbergs” (2018)

The Band appeared as a high school band in the stands at a football game and also in a reunion scene near the end of this episode entitled “Hail Barry.” The Band played “You’re A Grand Old Flag” in both scenes. The Band’s scenes in this episode were filmed on December 8, 2017, and it first aired on February 28, 2018.

MSNBC Live with Katy Tur (2018)

On October 8th, 37 members of the Band performed in Bruin Plaza during the hour long broadcast for the “MSNBC Live with Katy Tur Battleground College Tour.” Guests included Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

“The Late Late Show with James Corden” (2019)

UCLA Sousaphone Section Leader Joey Auer appears (in a non-regulation uniform) on last night’s “The Late Late Show with James Corden” as part of the segment called “Nuzzle Whaaa? with Baker Mayfield.” The episode aired on January 16, 2019.

“Girl” video by Maren Morris (2019)

The Band appears briefly in this video with Twirler Jade McVay featured wearing a Drum Major uniform.

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (April 2019)

On April 26, 2019, the Band performed on the Ellen Show on two segments. In the first one, twenty members of the Band charges into the studio playing Henderson’s arrangement of “Disco Inferno” in honor of “Mary’s Rash.” In the second segment, the Band helps to introduce Kourtney Kardashian as they play “Bang Bang.”

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