The new, simplified logo design features a clean presentation and aligns with the broader university brand, while also announcing the band.
Introduced to the university in 1984, the BYU Marching Band logo was designed by then-marching band director Dr. Don Peterson and consisted of the BYU logo incorporated within a trumpet. This symbol carried instant recognition of the BYU band to thousands across the United States and the world for 41 years.
In 2014, Fred McInnis, the current marching band director, incorporated the band’s long-standing nickname, “The Power of the Wasatch,” within an oval shape, uniting both entities into a single logo.
Starting in 2022, the Board of Trustees introduced a series of visual updates across the Church’s three Brigham Young University campuses to reflect their ongoing commitment to disciple-scholarship, learning, and service in an evolving world. Among these updates was a refinement and unification of the university official logos and their use with campus entities.
The marching band’s logo lacked uniformity with the three updated BYU logos, and, as a result, a redesign involving numerous variations was undertaken with university guidance from Jeff McClellan, Director of BYU Publications and Graphics, his team, and Fred McInnis, with the final graphic design by Dave Broberg, Assistant Athletic Director, Design & Branding.
Coinciding with this year’s BYU sesquicentennial celebration, the Cougar Marching Band introduces the following updated visual identities, which began August 1, 2025:
The most prominent change to the band’s logos is a shift toward emphasizing the university’s most enduring symbol: the “Y.” For over a century, the block “Y” on Y Mountain has stood as a constant reminder of the university’s mission and values. Originally constructed in 1906, the Y has come to represent not only academic excellence and athletic pride, but also the faith-driven foundation upon which the university stands.
“The Stretch Y” - This new, simplified logo design features a clean presentation and aligns with the broader university brand, while also announcing the band.
“The Iconic Trumpet” - Drawing inspiration from the original logo, this updated version incorporates the stretch Y into the trumpet’s valves, with the band’s full name featured beneath. The design honors decades of tradition while embracing the renewed visual identity.
“The Power of the Wasatch” - This design highlights the full name of the band alongside its beloved nickname, “The Power of the Wasatch.” The Wasatch Range encompasses many of the majestic peaks of central and northern Utah, including Provo Canyon and Y Mountain.
These updates are thoughtfully crafted to foster a greater sense of unity and cohesion among all campuses of BYU’s diverse programs and initiatives. Their goal is to strengthen a unique visual identity that is firmly grounded in the core values of faith, tradition, and excellence. In doing so, these updates aim to enhance the university’s brand and sense of community to the world.