The University of Arkansas Band was formally organized in 1874 as the Cadet Corps Band. At the time, the 14-piece brass band primarily participated in formal functions of the Military Art Department. Beginning in 1904, under the direction of Frank Barr, the band moved to a larger variety of appearances. The band promoted a university lecture series, university events, and football and baseball games. In 1927, the band began to make appearances at all athletics events and first began to wear red and white as part of their uniforms.

In 1948, under the direction of E. J. Marty, the band, which had been steadily growing over the years, was formally separated into three bands: a football band, a concert band, and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) band. Between 1948 and 1955, Marty grew the football band substantially from a 42-member unit to over 100 members. The band rose to national prominence and became known as the “Marching 100.” In 1956, Dr. Richard A. “Doc” Worthington became director and continued to grow the band. Under his leadership the band became known as the “Marching Razorbacks,” a name they still use to the present day. Under the direction of Eldon Janzen from 1970 to 1995, the band continued to increase in size and then continued to grow under the direction of Chris Knighten.