Tiger fans are used to hearing the LSU Tiger Band play the university’s Alma Mater, but come Saturday, you’ll hear them play a bit of a different tune.
“In some bands, it’s a longstanding tradition of playing the opposing team’s alma mater, but those traditions are more based in the Big 10 and other conferences,” said Tiger Band Director Roy King. “In the SEC we don’t really do that, but this is a special set of circumstances.”
King said after the band found out the plans for the University of South Carolina game switched because of the devastation there, everyone wanted to come together to help out the best way they can.
“I was contacted by a number of our band students inquiring to what we could do for them, and so we came up with this gesture,” King said. “We thought it was the appropriate one.”
So King gave the Gamecocks band directors a call.
“They were very appreciative, and they sent the music to us. We had it in time for rehearsal,” Kings said. “I think it sounds pretty good. So we’ll be able to incorporate that in our pregame show.”
The Tiger Band isn’t the only organization giving back.
“Certainly, we’re going to be out there Saturday making sure people who want to donate have the avenue in which to do that,” said Nancy Malone, of the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.
The local chapter of the American Red Cross will be out there before the game raising money to help with relief efforts.
“We may wear purple and gold, but these are our neighbors, these are our friends, and more importantly, we’ve been through this,” Malone said. “We know what they’re going through. We know that they need somebody to encourage them, and give them a little bit of hope.”
King said he remembers Hurricane Katrina and knows hope is exactly what they need.
“The Tiger Band students have always answered the bell,” King said. “I told the students it was their turn to answer the bell, and they of course have.”
The Tigers and Gamecocks kick off at 2:30 P.M. Saturday at Tiger Stadium.