The following letter to all Trojan Marching Band alums is from Rick Nordin, TMBAA president.

Hi, everyone,

USC has just named Jake Vogel as the Trojan Marching Band’s new director, succeeding Dr. Arthur C. Bartner who officially retires on Jan. 1.

Jake is a familiar face to recent TMB members and many alums. He began teaching and arranging for the Spirit of Troy in 2009, and was named associate director in 2016.

You can read the university’s release here.

This is a landmark event in the history of the Trojan Marching Band, and I couldn’t be more excited about Jake’s selection. He is an awesome arranger, is part of the USC family and understands the band’s traditions. He also enjoys great rapport with and support from the band, making him a great choice to lead the Spirit of Troy into the future. I’m looking forward to working with Jake and building an even stronger relationship with all alums. It’s our job to support him.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Jake’s incredible arrangements, listen to music in this moving video.

When asked what advice he would give Jake, Dr. Bartner kept it simple: “Embrace the Trojan family. Respect the great traditions of USC.” I couldn’t agree more.

Although Dr. Bartner is retiring, he will continue to play a major role in sustaining the Spirit of Troy. I’ve known and worked with him since my first day at band camp in 1971. We’ll keep working together to reach our goal of raising $15 million in endowment gifts to help fund travel expenses, instruments and uniforms to support Jake and the TMB’s future.

Please join me in welcoming and supporting Jake, and in congratulating Dr. Bartner on a half-century career. I hope you can join us at next year’s homecoming when we’re inviting all alums to reunite on the field at halftime to commemorate and celebrate a half-century of TMB tradition.

Happy holidays to all, stay safe, and of course, Fight On!

Rick