Arthur C. Bartner

Bartner shows off his dance moves during a practice session with the band on Dedeaux Field on the USC campus on Aug. 20, 2011. They were rehearsing a song in which the band members break into a shuffle dance routine.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Bartner, 71, yells instructions into a microphone hooked up to loudspeakers during a practice session at Cromwell Field on the USC campus on Aug. 17, 2011. Even with a microphone, keeping up the high-decibel rant is enough to make a Trojan hoarse. “It’s amazing I have a voice at all,” he said cheerfully. “Doctors have looked at it, I have nodes, my vocal cords are all stretched out, but it still works.”  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Tuba player Danny Garcia, a senior, and section leader, covers his ears, while listening to Bartner give instructions over loudspeakers during a practice session at Cromwell Field on Aug. 17, 2011.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Band director Bartner believes it’s vital that his musicians be emotionally invested. “Our rehearsals are like one big pep rally,” he says.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Bartner cheers along with members of the band at the end of a practice session on Aug. 17, 2011.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

USC band members work through a musical number.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Bartner leads the band in a performance of the song “Conquest” at the conclusion of a practice session on Cromwell Field on Aug. 26, 2011.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Members of the USC marching band make their way onto campus before a performance for incoming freshmen on Aug. 20, 2011.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Bartner flashes the V for victory as the band and cheerleaders give a performance to incoming freshmen on the USC campus.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)