Here are 5 things to know about the Carolina Band

Win or lose, the University of South Carolina has one constant at Williams-Brice Stadium on game days: the Carolina Band. No matter the weather, the marching band shows up with school spirit and fervor.

“I like to think that we capture so much of the best parts of the university,” band director Jay Jacobs said.

“We keep the energy,” said Beau Moore, a senior and trombone section leader.

The band has been a facet of USC football for more than 100 years. In 1920, the band had less than 20 members. Now the band is 365 musicians strong.

“There’s a longstanding tradition and foundation built by all those who came before us,” Jacobs said.

You may be familiar with the tunes and the talents of the Carolina Band, but here are five things you might not know:

Marching band is a sport

The band practices four times a week for an hour and a half and rehearses before each Saturday game, and it’s no walk in the park.

“People don’t realize how much athleticism it takes to be in marching band,” Dirr said.

Try marching in the August and September heat of Columbia while not only carrying a musical instrument, but playing it. Try also performing pre-game and halftime shows in the same heat — under the Carolina sun — wearing a band uniform.

At practice, students stretch and do calisthenics and breathing exercises. It’s a lot more running and high knees than you’d think.

Most members aren’t music majors

The vast majority of students in the Carolina Band are not in USC’s School of Music. In fact, the band is made up of more than 60 different majors, Jacobs said.

“It’s a great networking opportunity for students to get to know people outside of their major but also within their major,” Jacobs said.

For some, the band is a hobby. For others, it’s stress relief.

“Music has always been an escape for me,” Dirr said. “It’s very cathartic.,”

And for others still, it’s the joy of music and performing, Jacobs said.

It has traditions

After practice the band yells a resounding “Go Cocks!”

Fridays nights are garnet and black rehearsals, when band members wear USC colors.

The band invites community members to watch Friday rehearsals from the pedestrian bridge, which Jacobs said is “affectionately” known as “Friday Night on the Bridge.” The band’s practice field is off Sumter Street near the Blatt PE Center.

The Carolina Band sings a four-part arrangement of the alma mater together after Friday practices, as well as game day rehearsals and at the end of every home game.

Post-game traditions include a medley of “Amazing Grace” and “America the Beautiful.”

Each section has its own traditions too. For example, Dirr said the mellophones have their own cheer and a mascot: a plastic goose named Susan.

Shows have a quick turnaround

The magic on the field is usually made in a week. The band plays school songs and fight songs every game day, but the rest of the halftime show is often different week to week.

The band has only four practices before game day to perfect each new show. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are for learning the tunes, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are for learning maneuvers. Friday’s practice is spent on finishing touches. While students are given the season’s music early on, they seldom have time to look beyond what they are preparing week to week, Jacobs said.

“We are very busy,” Dirr said. “It requires a lot of dedication and a lot of focus.”

Students often practice outside of full-band rehearsals, Jacobs said, but for those outside of the School of Music, access to facilities is limited.

When home games aren’t back-to-back, extra time is spent doing more complicated drills.

Being a band member has perks

The band’s hard work doesn’t come without reward.

Snacks, sweatshirts, backpacks and water bottles are some of band members’ favorite perks of being a part of the group, Jacobs said.

Not only does the band get Gamecock “swag,” they also get scholarships. Each member is awarded a $500 scholarship for their work at the end of the season. Out-of-state members are eligible for tuition reduction.

“That’s not necessarily the norm for big flagship state schools,” Jacobs said. “We’re incredibly grateful to have that.”

Many band members also enjoy traveling to away games. Students sign up for preferred weekends and are chosen depending on the distance and mode of transportation, as well as the instruments needed. The entire band always goes to the Clemson game, Jacobs said.

“It’s an incredible opportunity,” Moore said. “It’s tons of fun.”