Columbia Gears Up for a Festive Celebration with the USC Marching Band
As the crisp autumn weather settles into Columbia, a buzz of excitement fills the air. Abundant sunshine and very warm temperatures are predicted, with a high of 82°F making it the perfect day for the University of South Carolina (USC) Marching Band to take the streets. On October 26, this talented group of over 375 student performers will show off their skills during a special dress rehearsal titled “Big Apple Sneak Peek.”
Marching for More than Just Football Games
While the USC Marching Band is well known for elevating the atmosphere at Gamecocks’ home football games, they have something even more exciting lined up for this year! The band, known as “The Mighty Sound of the Southeast,” has been selected to perform in the renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28. This will be the first time the band will grace this iconic event, and they’ve been preparing for over a year to make their debut memorable.
A Route to Remember
As part of their exciting journey to New York City, the dress rehearsal will kick off at 2 p.m. on Greene Street in Columbia, starting at Pickens Street. The band will wind through the streets, making a right on Sumter Street before concluding their march at the State House. Following the parade, the band will treat the audience to a free concert on the State House lawn, making it a fantastic afternoon for both performers and spectators alike.
Fundraising for the Big Day
To make this dream a reality, the band has been hard at work not just on their music but also on fundraising efforts. Band director Jay Jacobs indicated that they needed to raise funds to cover travel and lodging costs. Remarkably, as of October 23, they’ve raised over $420,000—that’s around 65 percent of their total costs! It’s a testament to the support from the USC community and alumni, all eager to see their beloved band shine.
What to Expect from the Performance
Finally, what can folks look forward to during the performance? According to Jacobs, you can expect a blend of USC-focused music throughout the parade route, alongside a special surprise tune to wrap things up. He mentioned, “We’ll try to find a combination of USC-focused music for the whole parade route. Then something a little special, but still with a USC flavor, for the end.” It sounds like the USC spirit is going to be bursting from the band’s setlist!
Join the Celebration!
If you’re in the Columbia area on October 26, be sure to make your way to the parade route or settle in at the State House for the concert afterwards. This will not only be an incredible showcase of talent, but also a chance for the community to support these dedicated students as they prepare for the big day in New York.
So mark your calendars, grab your friends, and get ready to cheer on the USC Marching Band as they take a significant step towards their historic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performance! With clear skies and warm weather, it’s bound to be a day filled with excitement, pride, and a whole lot of music.
