College Football Traditions

[BuckeyeTriDelta]

Originally Posted by NutBrnHair

Script OhioThe signature formation of the Ohio State Marching Band performed before, during halftime or after home games is Script Ohio.

Each time the formation drill is performed, a different fourth- or fifth-year sousaphone player has the privilege of standing as the dot in the “i” of “Ohio.”

History of the “i”-dot
At its first performance, the Script Ohio’s “i” was dotted by a trumpet player, John Brungart (1933-36). The march from the top of the “o” to the top of the “i” was just another movement to complete a formation but over 60 years later, the honor of dotting the “i” is known throughout the world.

In the fall of 1937, Glen R. Johnson, a sousaphone player, was ordered to switch places with the trumpet player in the formation.

The familiar kick, turn and bow by the sousaphone player at the top of the “i” was an innovation introduced by Johnson at a game in 1938. “(The turn) was an impulse reaction when drum major Myron McKelvey arrived three or four measures too soon at the top of the “i”,” Johnson explained, “so I did a big kick, a turn and a deep bow to use up the music.” The crowd roared when this happened, and it became part of the show thereafter.

Who dots the “i”
To be eligible to dot the “i”, a sousaphone player must at least be a fourth-year member. Fifth-year members also are eligible to dot the “i”, but only after all fourth-year members have been chosen. At postseason performances (usually double scripts), fourth and fifth-year members compete for the open dots in what is called a “dot-off”, in which eligible members perform their routine for the entire sousaphone section. Members watch two rounds of competition and vote for the best two candidates.

Honorary “i”-dotters
Woody Hayes and Bob Hope are among the select few non-band members who have had the honor of dotting the “i.” This is considered the greatest honor the band can bestow to any non-band person and is an extremely special (and rare) event.

How to dot the “i”
At exactly 16 measures from the end of “Le Regiment,” the drum major struts out toward the top of the “i,” with the sousaphone player high-stepping a couple of paces behind. As the crowd’s cheering crescendos, the drum major stops and dramatically points to the spot, and the sousaphone player assumes the post of honor, doffs his hat and bows deeply to both sides of the stadium.

AMEN.