Band bridges generation gap with timeless tunes
Chelsea Cox
Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Culture
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Known for their unique style and contemporary musical lineup, the band's show this year combines classic rock with hip-hop. The show opens with "Seven Bridges Road" by the Eagles, which is the band's theme this year.
Unlike many universities that play mainly orchestral and traditional band music, UTC tries to keep a fresh image with a variety of music from different genres.
Spectators this year can expect to hear songs including "Them Bones" by Alice in Chains, "Morris Brown" by Outkast, "YYZ" by Rush, "Detroit Rock City" by Kiss and "Crying" by Aerosmith.
"We try to make a show that someone would want to listen to," Stuart Benkert, director of bands, said.
Past shows have featured material from No Doubt, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica and Dave Matthews Band.
In addition to last year's Stevie Wonder show, the year before the band put together a Jimi Hendrix show, complete with an impersonator from New Orleans.
The original set lists have even caught the attention of other universities.
"When it comes to stands music, we're innovators and people copy us all the time," Benkert said.
Benkert said The University of South Carolina even purchased the Dave Matthews show to perform themselves.
In addition to the music, the show also puts an emphasis on dance and choreography.
"We have two different dance lines on the field and no one has ever done that before," Benkert said.
Benkert explained that the UTC Elite is a hip-hop squad and the Sugar Mocs have a jazz theme.
Students play a part in choosing choreography but final decisions are made by the captains and staff, Benkert said, while the Color Guard and the Elite are responsible for their own choreography.
Throughout the season, the band will play four varieties of shows. In addition to the show that will be performed during home games, the band will have a special show for Military Day, Homecoming and also Band Day, in which nine or ten high school bands will join UTC in the show.
With the opportunity for student input, the band reflects the taste of the students and is also a way to get involved in extracurricular activities.
Students who are interested in joining the band or learning more can go to the band's Web site, www.marchingmocs.com, or talk to one of the directors. The band recruits students year round.
