Battle of the Band

The Trojan Marching Band is scheduled to play this weekend, but it won't sound like any of its usual performances.

Percussion will be replaced by dribbling, winds substituted for a swish of the net.

The 3rd Annual TMB Basketball Classic goes down on Sunday with the Trombones looking to defend their title. Last year, Daniel Hackett and Chris Penrose showed up from the USC men's basketball team. This year, women's basketball Coach Mark Trakh is scheduled to be at the final game along with Dennis Packer announcing on the PA (you may recognize his voice from football on Saturdays in the Coliseum and Sundays in San Diego for the Chargers).

The event is being held as a fundraiser for Relay for Life of USC. The band is selling T-shirts for $12, and if you'd like to order one you can email tmbbball@gmail.com.

A full news release and pictures from last year's tournament are after the jump.

INSTRUMENTAL SECTIONS BATTLE ON THE COURT AT 3RD TMB BASKETBALL CLASSIC

Los Angeles – On April 27, 2008, in North Gym of the Physical Education Building on the USC Campus, the Trojan Marching Band will present the 3rd Annual TMB Basketball Classic with instrumental sections of the band competing in a heated double-elimination tournament.  What started two years ago as a way for a group of band basketball junkies to settle their roundball boasts on the hardcourt has turned into a much-anticipated tradition with each section practicing for months, donning matching jerseys, and talking a little trash while they’re at it.

This year promises to be the best yet.  For the first time, the tournament will be held in a double-elimination format with opening and championship rounds.  Sixteen games will be played between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.  Celebrity guest announcer Dennis Packer – stadium public address announcer for USC Football and the San Diego Chargers – is scheduled to call the championship game.

The trombone section will attempt to defend its crown – the Bones have won the first two championships – but will be challenged by the always-tough percussion section and surging trumpets.

The opening rounds will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the championship round from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the championship game at 5:30 p.m.

T-shirts with the 3rd Annual TMB Basketball Classic logo are available for purchase for $12 pre-tourney.  Proceeds benefit Relay for Life of USC.  For more information, email tmbbball@gmail.com.