Drive It! Life Lessons from Hollywood's Band

by Christy Stansell

When he retired at age eighty, Dr. Arthur C. Bartner became the longest-standing college marching band director in history-with fifty-one seasons and four hundred fifteen consecutive football games under his whistle. The University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band of today in no way resembles the ensemble he inherited in 1970. Dr. Bartner committed his entire life to building The Spirit of Troy from a handful of reluctant musicians into an institution recognized around the world. The journey from obscurity to celebrity is all about Dr. Bartner's perseverance during challenges, his unwavering dedication to excellence, and most importantly, his belief and confidence in his students. He taught more than music and marching to thousands of college kids during his five-decade career; he gave them once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and mentored them with life lessons to Drive It! long after graduation. Travel alongside the band and Dr. Bartner on road trips to rivalries, across country for national celebrations, and around the globe as ambassadors representing the United States. Meet rock stars, movie stars, and television celebrities who performed with the TMB, elevating the band to Hollywood stardom. Observe Dr. Bartner leading huge bands at the Olympics, World Expos, and many other grand occasions, entertaining audiences that include U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries, even the Pope. Visit Disneyland as he directs the elite All-American College Band and meet USC coaches and players who call the band the heartbeat of the team. Whether sports fans, film fans, TV bingers, history buffs, or Disney devotees, there's something here for everyone. Twice named #1 Best College Marching Band by USA Today , the USC TMB is in a league all its own. Its unique sound, style, and spirit leave a lasting impression. To assimilate fifty years of learning, relive musical memories, and vicariously experience moments in history is the gift of Drive It! Life Lessons from Hollywood's Band.

346 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2021

Reviews

[Scott]

I give this handsome book 4 stars because the story fulfilled my reason for getting it: to hear how Dr. Bartner learned to work with college students through cultural shifts. Plus, I bought it during the LA Times Festival of Books at USC, where the author and subject were present and Dr. Bartner briefly conducted the band.

[Patrick Macke]

The Doctor has led an amazing life, his accomplishments are legendary; people who dig USC football will probably like this, but the story reads like a self-help book, like a grandchild bragging about grandpa ... The "life lessons" part overwhelms the rest of it