TV program to highlight development of Tiger Band
If you get chills every time you hear the band play “Pregame” in Death Valley, you will not want to miss the special Louisiana Public Broadcasting has put together.
The program will air Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and will take a look at the history and development of Tiger Band.
Begun in 1893, the band grew slowly at first. Then, Gov. Huey Long used his political influence to transform the band into one of the most well-known bands in the country.
“We have always recognized that there are two great bands in Baton Rouge, and no one has ever really given them the attention they deserve,” said Dorothy Kendrick, a producer with LPB. She was referring to Tiger Band and the Southern University Band, which also will have a documentary featured.
“Not only will you learn band history, but there is so much history of the University included as well,” Kendrick said.
The documentary follows the origin of the band, from its original 12 members without enough instruments, through W.B. Clark, who was blind and still directed the band, to its No. 1 national ranking by the John P. Sousa Foundation.
The documentary will air as a part of Festival 2002, which is done several times a year. LPB shows top entertainers and acts it feels will coerce viewers to sponsor public broadcasting. According to Kendrick, this documentary is something LPB will run for years to come.
The band department is very excited about the program.
“This is the most comprehensive, up-to-date piece ever done on our band,” said Roy King, assistant director of bands. “We have been looking to use this for recruitment purposes ever since we saw the quality of it.”
Band members have deep feelings about Tiger Band.
“To me, band feels like a family of history and tradition that I love being a part of,” said Jeremy Duplechin, a band member.
History is so important, in fact, band members actually are taught the origins of Tiger Band.
“On the first day of band camp, we are shown a video on the history of the band because it is something important for all of us to know,” Duplechin said.
King and Linda Moorhouse will be a part of the live show on LPB when “LSU’s Golden Band from Tigerland” premiers.
“We certainly feel honored to be a part of this extraordinary documentary,” King said.
He also said through a deal with LPB students will be able to purchase copies of the program.
Jimmy Vermaelen