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The West Chester Marching Band was founded in 1936 at then West Chester State Teachers College. Throughout its history the Golden Rams Marching Band has been one of the most influential ensembles on other marching related groups throughout the northeastern United States.

In the mid 30's, the marching band was simply an addition to the college's football games. Under the direction of director Mr. Powell Middleton, the band was comprised of 50 male students. Over the next few years, the "Girls Trumpet Corps" was added to the marching band which was said to "add considerably to the effectiveness of the group".

In the early years of World War II, the band was chosen to play at many military ceremonies, inlcuding when many West Chester State students left for military service. The Golden Rams Marching Band had progressed from being just a football band to having an active role in the community.

Following the war years, the directorship was assumed by Mr. Paul Carson. Carson, as director, added new service style uniforms for the band and the band increased in size from 50 to 65 men. In 1954, the band earned the reputation as the "best small college band in the Country." By the end of his time as director, Mr. Carson had raised the marching band to the size of 90 playing members, and West Chester was named "the biggest and best band in the east" in 1965. The mid to late 1960's saw a number of changes. New uniforms including shakos and rams on the uniform jacket were introduced as well as a new director, Mr. Richard Boerlin. In 1968, the band travelled with the football team to Orlando, FL for the Tangerine Bowl game.

The biggest step yet in the development of the marching band came in 1970 with the introduction of director Mr. James R. Wells. Under his leadership the band expanded to over 200 members, including an all female colorguard and band front. In 1974, women were allowed entrance to the band proper, not just the colorguard. It was also at this point that some of the most prominent graduates of the Golden Rams Marching Band were taking part in the program. John Villella, current director of the marching band, George Parks of the Drum Major Academy and UMass fame, Anothony Yaklick Drum Corps Hall of Fame member, and Thom Hannum, former Crossmen drum corps percussion instructor.

Marching Tubas from the 1970's.

In the 1980's, the marching band continued to increase in size and reputation, taking on the name "Incomparable". Few bands in the country could match the quality of performance of the Golden Rams, and no one could compare with the name of West Chester State College Marching Band. Also in the decade, famous marching members such as Michael Klesch, former Crossmen and Phantom Regiment brass instructor and current assistant director at UMass, Tom Aungst, Cadets drum corps percussion instructor, Dan DeLong, current Bluecoats drum corps percussion instructor, and Todd Marcocci, current WCU colorguard designer and former director of Field of View indoor guard.

Drum major from the mid 1990's.

In the early 1990's, Dr. John Villella took over the Golden Rams Marching band. A uniform change and a new, more modernized style were trademarks of the new directorship. As marching band changed and adapted, so to did West Chester University with a "corps style" technique and modern colorguard. In 1996, the marching band shifted to a themed show concept from the previous and old fashioned varied repertoire shows. In 1999, the marching band recieved their last uniforms, based off a highly modern drum corps design. In the last few years, the Golden Rams Marching Band has continued to serve the school at football games, the community with parades and political rallies including a performance for then presidential candidate George W. Bush, and the marching band and drum corps community with performances throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. West Chester is now known as a state-of-the-art marching band program, bringing in marching members from many states.

The Band took on help in its direction from Dr. Andrew Yozviak for the 2006 season. Being a former Golden Ram himself, 'Yoz' understands what crowds expect form the band and he has brought the rams to a whole new level joining his unique composition style to the arrangements and his keen eye for a powerful visual show. The band now performs with their new uniforms that were unveiled during the 2007 season. They feature black pants, a purple jacket with white across the left side, highlighted by shinning gold and a purple shako that mimmicks the jackets sleek design.

The West Chester University "Incomparable" Golden Rams Marching Band performs pre-game, halftime, or post-game at all home and select away WCU football games in Pennsylvania and in Delaware. In addition to games are parades and high school marching band competitions seen by fans throughout the course of a fall season. In previous years, the Golden Rams have performed in the Macy's parade, Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade, Philadelphia Eagles games and the annual Collegiate Marching Band Festival in Allentown, PA.

The new uniform on display.

Comprising a signature screaming brass line, a harmonious woodwind section, the strong support from the low brass and the hard-hitting & precise drumline, and the immaculate colorguard; the Golden Rams Marching Band has numbers just reaching 300 - the largest it's been to date.

The Incomparable Band at Hershey Stadium in 2007.

In addition West Chester University has four additional programs for students not only in the marching band but as well as other music ensembles. West Chester University currently has chapters of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Sigma Alpha Iota, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma.

John A. Farrel Stadium, home of Golden Rams Football.