Aggies are easy to make fun of, but you have to respect them when they do something awesome. One thing that Aggies do better than anyone: play musical instruments while weaving into and out of a military formation. Sure, that skill is rarely a utility, but it is still profoundly magnificent when demonstrated at a halftime show.
The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, the official name, is the largest military marching band in the country. Any band that self-describes themselves as "fightin'" is worth a chuckle. (Although I remember a few years ago when LSU's band landed a couple of punches on Auburn kicker Damon Duval when he tried to warm up for the second half during the halftime show.) But, all the Aggie band members are also members of A&M's massive ROTC outfit, the Corps of Cadets. They play songs like "Patton" and "Fightin' Texas Aggie War Hymn." That's "fightin'" and "war hymn" in the same song title. Hmm, maybe they can fight.
There's no doubt that they can march their asses off. Here's a boast from their website:
"Some of the Aggie Band's maneuvers are so complex that a computer says that it is impossible to do because they require two people to be in the same place at the same time."
That may be more of a statement about the Aggie computers than the band, but it is impressive none the less. Here they are in action:
It's an exercise in dynamic geometry, musicianship, and Tetris skills. When it's halftime in Shreveport, don't just queue up for the bathroom. The Redcoats and the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band are worth staying in your seat for.
Quinton
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