Band of Pride

The Band of Pride (BOP) is the official marching band which represents Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. The Band of Pride performs pregame and during halftime at all Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football games, and travels (e.g., Bowl games, C-USA) to select road football games. Auditions are held throughout the academic year as scheduled for the upcoming Fall Quarter. 
Hoop Troops.
Hoop Troops is the official basketball pep bands at Louisiana Tech University. Hoop troops cover most all of both men's and women's basketball home games and travels to select road basketball games, usually the C-USA championships.
Jazz Activities & Ensemble.
The Jazz activities and ensemble is directed by our Jazz Studio. The studio has open auditions during the start of the Fall Quarter. 
Percussion Ensemble.
The Percussion ensemble is directed by our Percussion Studio. The studio has open auditions for marching band as announced and music majors are encouraged to apply early and schedule an audition with the studio director. 
Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
The Symphonic wind ensemble is directed by Mr. Jim Robken. Auditions for the symphonic wind ensemble are open to music and non-music/band students from all academic colleges on campus. The auditions are held at the end of Fall Quarter. Concerts are held during the Winter and Spring Quarters. 
Director of Bands.
Current Band Director.
Jim Robken (1991-current).
The band is currently under the direction of Mr. Jim Robken (one of the founding fathers of basketball bands, from his time as director of the University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band and the Hogwild Basketball Band in the 1980s). Mr. Robken came to Louisiana Tech in 1991, where he brought his ideas and enthusiasm with him.
The "Hoop Troop" travels to all post-season games played by the "Bulldogs" (men) and "Lady Techsters" (women), and is known nationally as one of the best basketball bands in college basketball. In the 2005 post-season, the "Hoop Troop" was featured in a "Sports Illustrated's College Edition" article, "TOP 65 THINGS WE WANT TO SEE DURING MARCH MADNESS" in which states, "30) The Louisiana Tech pep band, a.k.a. the Hoop Troop, the funniest band in the land." The "Hoop Troop" was the only basketball band to be listed. 
Mr. Robken or jRob as his students call him -- is best known around campus as the man in the hat. His motto is "Oh Lord, it's hard to be Humble!" He is quite humble when it comes to his talents as both a music composer and marching band drill designer. His drill designs are intricately unique to Tech Band and fans come from all over, especially from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas to enjoy good music and great teamwork. 
Previous Band Directors.
Jimmy Howard Reynolds (1966-1971/72).
New band building was erected in 1968.
Joe Sheppard (1950-1965/66).
Missing band directors from (1906-1950) - please help contribute. 
Events.
The Band of Pride participates in hundreds of events throughout the academic year. Some of the events include Mardi Gras parades, Christmas parades and much more. 