An official organization of a student marching band occurred in 1911, the year often cited as its date of establishment, and the band made its first appearance that year at Forbes Field on 14 October 1911 at the Pitt vs. Ohio Northern game with just 8 musicians in uniforms only consisting of scarlet felt caps with blue tassels. Band members played on seven instruments borrowed from Becher's Music Store. The original band was organized by Dr. Earl Miller and James G. Oliver while Carl Sabad became the Student Leader and Don Kirk played the role of manager, who obtained commitments to its membership from 22 men.
In 1911, a formal student marching band organization was established, and it made its first appearance that year at Forbes Field on October 14, 1911, during the Pitt vs. Ohio Northern game with an initial lineup of just 8 musicians wearing distinctive uniforms. The original band members played borrowed instruments from Becher's Music Store.