Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

School of Music

Director of Thesis

Dr. Cormac Cannon

First Reader

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin

Second Reader

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin

Abstract

The marching band of South Carolina’s flagship university was not always the emblem of school spirit and pride that it is today. Only ten years ago, the Carolina Band was seen by some as unsuitable alongside one of the most successful football teams in Gamecock history. Between the 2010 and 2011 seasons, this band seemed to miraculously transform into a true SEC marching band, one that was steeped in school tradition and characterized by engaging and high-caliber performance standards. However, this was no miracle. With the generous financial investment of the university, the legendary leadership of then-Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Rebecca Phillips, and the tireless work of the leaders and administrators within UofSC School of Music, the Carolina Band underwent a stunningly impressive transformation that truly earned it the title of “Mighty Sound of the Southeast.”

This document was assembled through the collection of oral histories from important figures and students at the time of the transformation, as well as numerous articles and editorials from the Daily Gamecock as a gauge for public perception. As the Carolina Band approaches its centennial season in the fall of 2020, it is essential that such a transformative time in the life of the organization be recorded so that current and future members may appreciate the efforts of past leaders and set goals for continued success as the band grows in visibility on a national scale.

First Page

1

Last Page

31

Rights

© 2020, Kylie F Dolbier

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