The Band That Shakes The Southland
TIGER BAND
BY DR. MARK SPEDE & TOM WALDROP
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY TIGER BAND ASSOCIATION
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ecause of the rainout of our Notre Dame game halftime show on October 3, Tiger Band will perform its faculty jazz feature show to the South stands this evening. Tunes included are “Birdland,” “Land of Make Believe” and “Sing, Sang, Sung.” The Homecoming queen and her court will be introduced, and then our annual “blast from the past” Alumni Band, sponsored by CUTBA (Clemson University Tiger Band Association), will join Tiger Band for the concluding “Tiger Rag.” The Clemson University Tiger Band Association exists to provide support and to promote the interests of Tiger Band, to provide support for other music activities and programs at Clemson University and, particularly, to provide funds and support of music scholarships and awards. CUTBA is proud to introduce its 33rdannual Alumni Band. With over 150 participants, the group features musicians, flags, twirlers, dancers and drum majors. We have several new features this year. Most obvious will be a more uniform look with matching caps, shirts and pants. We have beautiful new (to us) orange drums. These drums were traded in by Tiger Band for new drums. CUTBA was able to purchase them with assistance through a generous grant from the
Clemson University Alumni Association. Another new feature is that many of our participants are here for the first time. We give a special welcome to new participant Dr. Louis B. Lynn, Clemson class of 1970 and member of the Clemson University Board of Trustees. You may be able to spot him in the clarinet section. Homecoming at Clemson is a special weekend to participants of Alumni Band, whose members certainly enjoy performing “Tiger Rag” on the field at Memorial Stadium in front of an enthusiastic crowd. But there is much more to our Homecoming weekend than just the performance on the field.
We begin with a barbecue dinner on campus. This event is much like a family reunion, where we visit old friends and meet new ones. Stories of band trips and special games are always shared. Alumni rehearse with Tiger Band on Saturday morning and attend the 90-minute-before-kickoff concert at the amphitheater. A highlight of gameday is leading the parade down the hill to the stadium. Many say this is the best part of the weekend. We end the day with a pizza party for alumni and their families. Many members of CUTBA spend enjoyable hours preparing for Alumni Band. We are grateful to the Department of Performing Arts and the athletic depart-
CLEMSON ALMA MATER
Where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness Where the Tigers play Here the sons of dear old Clemson Reign supreme alway.
CHORUS Dear old Clemson, we will triumph And with all our might That the Tiger’s roar may echo O’er the mountain height.
ment for allowing us to have this event and for helping to make it a great success. Alumni Band is not the only thing we do. Clemson University Tiger Band Association supports Tiger Band in various other aspects. CUTBA’s primary goal is to raise money for Tiger Band scholarships. Since the 1977 season, CUTBA has amassed an endowment of over $800,000 for scholarships, but we have a long way to go to meet our goals. Donations come from anyone who wants to support Tiger Band, not just band alumni. Tax deductible donations may be made through the Clemson University Foundation by visiting our website at CUTBA.org. Help Clemson University Tiger Band Association by making a donation to support Tiger Band! CLEMSONTIGERS.COM • @CLEMSONFB
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