The Marching 97 is the renowned marching band of Lehigh University. Infamous for their inane antics, the band is named for its 97 members. Why 97? Ideally, the band is comprised of twelve ranks of eight members each for a total of 96 musicians - add a drum major, and that brings us to 97 people!

With 97 members at full force, the band has certainly come a long way from the small, intrepid group who came together in 1906 to form the first Lehigh University Band. With appearances at Carnegie Hall, the 1964 World’s Fair, bowl games, and London, England, the band has a lot in their illustrious history to be proud of. For over a century, the 97 has been an integral part of Lehigh, bringing pride and spirit to the University and beyond with their unmistakable leg-liftery and song-singery!

The Marching 97, fondly known to members and fans as the Finest Band East of All Points West, is proud to be one of the country's only marching bands which is entirely student run. Please explore this website to learn more about our members, history, and our special brand of spirit we like to call psyche!