The first time Augustana’s marching band, The Marching Vikings, was documented was in the 1936 Augustana Yearbook The Edda. For decades, The Marching Vikings provided much of the color and sound for Viking Days parades, leading anywhere from 20 to 40 other area marching bands through the 15-block route in downtown Sioux Falls. In 1964, The Marching Vikings even made national television, performing during halftime for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions game in Minneapolis. In 1977, Augustana Band Director Leland Lillehaug reported to the Argus Leader that the university had made the decision to “drop marching band some time ago,” reportedly in 1974, and only assembled for Viking Days homecoming festivities, which continued into the 90s.
As part of the Viking Bold Plan, the School of Music was launched in 2020 and the plans for making a marching band began immediately. Phase 1 was to start a drumline to perform at athletic events on campus. Phase 2 brought a new director on board and official launch of the marching band which debuted September 4, 2021. During their inaugural season, the VMB performed at 6 home football games, 2 parades, and did an exhibition performance at the Festival of Bands marching band competition.