Band scholarship fundraising surpasses $2 million goal

CLEMSON — A Clemson University fundraising effort to raise $2 million for band scholarships has surpassed its goal and is being extended.

In the past two years the Clemson University Tiger Band Association’s Tiger Band Commitment raised $2,307,000 in cash and deferred gifts. The fund supports the association’s scholarship endowment and provides academic scholarships to students in Tiger Band.

“The scholarships help attract — and retain — talented musicians to Clemson University and to Tiger Band,” said commitment chairman Larry Sloan of Greer. 

“Today, getting the best and brightest student musicians is highly competitive,” said Mark Spede, Clemson’s director of bands. “The scholarship program makes recruiting these highly sought-after students a bit easier.”

However, only a handful of Tiger Band members receive scholarships and it is imperative to continue the fundraising, Spede said.

“In order to maintain the endowment perpetually, only 4 percent of the total Tiger Band Association Scholarship Endowment balance is used annually for scholarships, meaning that about 10 to15 students receive aid from CUTBA each year. We will continue the Tiger Band Commitment with the momentum we have generated because the needs of our students have not been met.”

“Tiger Band is an integral part of Clemson University and has been part of the Clemson fabric since the 19th century,” said Spede.  “Students participating in Tiger Band show the ultimate characteristics of spirit, enthusiasm and loyalty to the university. The students are intelligent and display the qualities of dedication, teamwork and time management, in addition to their musical abilities. Their experience in the band helps make them excellent candidates for employment upon graduation.”

Formed in 1978, the Clemson University Tiger Band Association is dedicated to the betterment of music at Clemson, in particular Tiger Band. The association provides several pre-game meals to the band, as well as small gifts for incoming and graduating Tiger Band students. The association serves as an avenue to band alumni to stay involved in Tiger Band by participating in the annual homecoming Alumni Band, First Friday Parade and the occasional Alumni Band performances at basketball and baseball games.