Original Version of Lakers Podcast

The Laker Band is a marching band formed by the University of Southern California. The former owner of the Lakers, Jerry Buss, who was an alumnus of USC, wanted a band for the Lakers. He contacted the director of the USC band, Dr. Arthur C. Bartner, and they formed a plan to create a brass and rhythm band. The band plays at Lakers home games, halftime, and after the game. They also accompany the team in championship parades. The band adds rhythm to the arena, matching the players on the court. Jerry Buss's daughter, Jeannie Buss, who is now the owner of the team, continues to support the band. Hello everyone. On today's episode, I will be focusing on the Laker Band. Those of you who are fans of the famous NBA team, the Lakers, may already be aware of this band. Those of you who don't, prepare for a musical journey. So first in context, the Laker Band is one formed by the University of Southern California marching band, the Spirit of Troy. You may be wondering how a prominent Southern California University wouldn't be involved with the NBA, or National Basketball Association, besides the NBA drafts. Well, the former owner of the Lakers, Jerry Buss, was an alumnus of USC and loved the marching band. Dr. Jerry Buss was also a professor of chemistry at USC. So he was around the band quite a bit. So get this, Jerry Buss calls up the director of the band at the time, Dr. Arthur C. Bartner, to try and figure out how to get a band for the Lakers. Now, I should probably mention that this all took place in 1979, which is when Jerry Buss first became the owner. The two have had a productive conversation, and there is a plan to get a brass and rhythm band. Jerry Buss wanted a band for all Laker home games, originally wanting showgirls and Hollywood bands, which was the Spirit of Troy. The showgirls are what fans know as the Laker Girls. The band consists of seven trumpets, six trombones, a drummer, and a bass player. When the band was formed, they began playing at the forum in 1979. What's interesting is this is the only live band in the NBA. The band was the Lakers for years at the forum, then moved in 1999 to what was formerly known as Staples Center, and what we now know as Crypto.com Arena. Occasionally, the band will play the national anthem on the court, surrounded by all the players. When the Lakers have won world championships, the band has been included in the parade that the team has when they are back home in Los Angeles. The band plays at halftime and after the game. However, the drummer and the bass player will add beats throughout the whole game to match the Lakers players attempting to defend against the opposing team. This beat they provide allows for the fans to yell defense. It adds rhythm to the whole arena that matches what the players are doing on the court. Jerry Buss has since passed away, but his daughter Jeannie Buss, who is the current owner of the team, continues his legacy and continues to support the band that is also from her alma mater. So, now that we have some background information, let's head to the game to hear from the band members themselves and what their perspective is.