What does it mean to you as both an alum of the Band and now as the Director to be accompanying the Women’s Basketball (WBB) team to the Final Four?
As an alum and a director, it is both heartening and gratifying. In the last 20 years, I've been fortunate to witness the growth and progress of both programs. To have a front-row seat with both groups playing at their best to date is very exciting!
Can you describe how it feels to have Head WBB Coach Dawn Staley be such a strong supporter of the Band?
It's very encouraging. Through 17 years of working with athletic bands, I've experienced varying levels of coaches' support for the bands that support them and their teams. What we are experiencing now is a model for all. Coach Staley not only recognizes the band and its efforts, but she also engages members individually and takes an interest in them.
What is the atmosphere like at the Final Four?
The Final Four is an electric space from touch down to takeoff; every event is high-energy. Historically, our fan base travels well, so there are typically plenty of Gamecocks to engage along the way. At the heart of it all are our band members who really dial in the focus and enhance the school spirit-centered atmosphere.
How do fans react to the band?
Fans treat the band like rock stars. Connection with fans is one of the best and most important parts of being a Carolina Band member. Our fans truly value the ensemble and how we shape and shift event and gameday experiences. It's common for cheers to erupt when The Carolina Band arrives and moves between spaces. It's just as common for fans to ask band members to take pictures with them. Our relationship with our fans is positively symbiotic, in that we share energy and a common goal...cheering our teams to victory.
How does the Team react to the band?
There is a special relationship between the team and the band. There are special connections and friendships that have blossomed over the past couple of seasons… sharing phone numbers, snapping selfies, playing Uno...I've seen it all. I believe this is the result of the positive, inclusive culture that Coaches Staley, Boyer, Law and Chmiel have built. Our players see themselves as a part of the greater Carolina community.
Junior public health major and alto saxophone player Meredith Rhodes from Ridgeway, South Carolina (and Fall 2023 Carolina Band Drum Major) also provided her insights.
How does it feel to be shown on the Jumbotron at the game and on national TV?
It feels amazing! It’s such an exciting experience to be shown on the Jumbotron supporting our team. We love showing off our school spirit and cheering our team on!
How do you manage the academic side of being in the Carolina Marching and Pep Band as well as performing?
Managing the academic side of college while performing is challenging, but it’s manageable. Regular and consistent communication with professors is a must, plus trips like these give us some downtime to complete our work! It boils down to time management skills, but we have so many resources in the band and at the university to help us manage our time and excel both in the classroom and on the court.
How does the band's music enhance the game day experience?
Our music enhances the gameday experience in so many ways, but the biggest way I can think of is just the infectious spirit we carry throughout the arena. Most of the cheers, chants and excitement for the game stems from our performances and attitude towards the game, which makes it so important for us to be cheering our team on no matter what.
I’m proud of the band’s ability to cheer our team on regardless of the score. We’re there to support our team no matter the outcome, and we consistently support our team with the same fervor and passion no matter where we are. Through this, the band creates a community between the student body and the fans.
— Meredith Rhodes, Junior, alto saxophone
What are you most proud of as a member of the Band?
I’m proud of the band’s ability to cheer our team on regardless of the score. We’re there to support our team no matter the outcome, and we consistently support our team with the same fervor and passion no matter where we are. Through this, the band creates a community between the student body and the fans. I am always in awe of the community we have created, and it fills me with so much pride to see the impact our band has on our fan base, team and the Carolina community at large.
About the Carolina Basketball Band
The Carolina Basketball Band cheers on the men’s and women’s basketball teams both at home and during tournament play. Members of the Carolina Basketball Band are made up of a pool of musicians who perform for all men’s and women’s home basketball games in Colonial Life Arena and are an integral part of the in-game atmosphere. The Carolina Basketball Bands are directed by Jay Jacobs.