The Marching 101 is the official name of the marching band at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. For almost 100 years, the ensemble has been delivering on their promise to transcend, conquer, and leave nothing to be desired. The Marching 101 prides themselves on never delivering anything less than perfection to their audiences and representing their profound educational institution. The current director of the band is Mr. Patrick Moore.
History
"The Marching Band started humbly in 1918, a simple regimental band performing military drills and assisting with music at Sunday schools and wherever else it was needed. As the directors who took charge of the program foresaw a bigger picture for the program, the band slowly but steadily evolved from a service band to a part of the school’s Department of Music, to a prominent band whose name rings from coast to coast." In fall of 1964 the band debuted its new name, The SC State Marching 101 Band.
Appearances
"The 101 makes appearances across the country, from its representation of South Carolina State to bowl parades to NFL games, and the band has made its mark, winning Atlanta’s annual Honda Battle of the Bands competition in 2011 and 2014. So acclaimed is the band’s reputation, the 101 was featured last October in the VH1 movie. The character Dr. James Lee from the original film was inspired by former South Carolina State band directors."
Rivalries
The Marching 101 maintains a fierce rivalry with Florida A&M University's Marching 100. In addition to competing on the field during the annual football meeting between the two schools, the Marching 101 and Marching 100 compete off the field as well holding their own Battle of the Bands competition versus each other.
The Marching 101's School Summer Band Camp offers a one-week intensive camp where campers condition, practice, and perform like the Marching 101, putting on an exhibition performance at the end of the week.
Community outreach
The South Carolina State University community believes involvement and community outreach is critical to the success of the university and the Marching 101. The outreach program provides two free lessons on a particular instrument from members of the 101 and the Bulldog community.
