The Marching 101

Marching 101
School	South Carolina State University
Location	Orangeburg, South Carolina, US
Conference	MEAC
Founded	1918
Director	Dr. J. William Nicholas
Members	275+

The Marching 101 is the official name of the marching band at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States. 1918 marked the beginning of the University marching band that we all have grown to know and love today. For over 101 years, the ensemble has been delivering on the promise to transcend, conquer, and leave nothing to be desired.^[1] With roots stretching back more than a century, the Marching 101 has grown into one of the most celebrated HBCU marching bands in the nation, known for its powerful sound, intricate drills, and showmanship that captivates audiences from the football field to national stages.^[2] The current director of the band is Dr. J. William Nicholas.

The marching band, directed by William H. Jackson, began in 1918 as a regimental band performing military drills and assisting with music at Sunday schools. The band evolved from a service band to a part of the school's Department of Music. In the fall of 1964, the band debuted its new name, The SC State Marching 101 Band.^[3]SC State has a storied tradition of excellence in music instruction and performance throughout its history, but it took 59 years to firmly establish the marching band we enjoy today. In the early 1900s, a contingent of students played in a military-style band that accompanied students as they marched to the dining hall. Concert and dance bands, including The Possum Band and Harold June and his Collegians, entertained students in the 1920s and 1930s.

The South Carolina State College Alma Mater & Fight Song were written by Robert S. Wilkinson (lyrics) and Ted D. Phillips (composer), and released on March 3, 1927. The songs are a staple repertoire for the SCSU Marching 101 Band, which performs both during athletic events to either energize fans or to close events.^[4] After ROTC was established in 1947, a military band played at football games and ceremonies.

Finally, in the mid-1950s, F.P. Abraham, chair of the music department, complained that there were just 12 indifferent students in a so-called band, which lacked instruments, uniforms and practice facilities. President Benner Turner responded by setting aside $6,700 for the band. The 50-member Garnet and Blue Band took the field in September 1955 at the first home football game in the university's new Bulldog Stadium. So, for well over 61 years, the Marching 101 Band has provided SC State's legendary soundtrack fans know and love.^[5]

As an act of one-upmanship in the SC State's rivalry with Florida A&M and its Marching 100, the Garnet and Blue Band in 1964 evolved into the Marching 101 by adding an additional majorette making the band "one better than everybody else".^{[6] [7]}

Since the band's inception The Marching 101 has utilized three campus facilities to serve as the band hall. Mason Hall located near the softball field (once used as a Cannery, now demolished), The Reginald Thomasson Band Hall, (dedicated in 1991 and located adjacent to Benner Turner Hall), and since 1999, the Department of Visual and Performing Arts Fine Arts Center serves as the center of all band related operations. Prominently displayed in the rehearsal area, you will find the bands motto as follows: "The 101 is too busy to be sad, too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful and too determined to be defeated".

Students in the Marching 101 also gained visibility and praise for the college under the direction of Clifford D. Watkins when they were invited to take part in the 1970 Rose Bowl Parade. The estimated cost for the 105 men and six women in the band was $25,000. To raise that kind of money, President Nance appealed directly to the Orangeburg community for support, and most business people and local leaders responded enthusiastically and generously. It was the first time in the history of SC State that a large number of white South Carolinians contributed financially to the school. Total contributions finally totaled more than $34,000. In 1971 the Marching 101 was invited to London for the International Festival of University Bands, and they were also asked to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin on March 17, 1972, however the invitations were reluctantly rejected due to a cost estimation of at least $60,000.^[8]

In 1997, band member April Shell made history and became recognized as the first female drum major for the Marching 101. She paved the way for subsequent female drum majors at the university, including J'Narda Kelly, Shenise Ford, and Lydia Brooks. Shell broke gender barriers in the HBCU marching band scene, allowing others to follow in her role over the subsequent decades.

In the 2014 film "Drumline: A New Beat", Marching 101 snare drummer, producer, and percussionist Lacyona Marie Muldrow, (who goes by "Lace Marie") made history by making an appearance in the film and served as a technical consultant & hand double for the movies's lead character Danielle "Dani" Raymond, performing the close up intricate snare drumming solos.^[9] The film premiered on VH1 on October 21, 2014, while Muldrow was still a Marching 101 band member and Bongo Brothers section leader.

In December of 2014, The Marching 101 lost a long time fan and honorary band member Eddie Moore Jr. (commonly known as "Eddie Moe"). "Eddie Moe", a beloved fixture of SCSU events was struck by a car as he was walking through a parking lot in Orangeburg not far from campus. Moore was an avid Bulldogs fan and often performed with the university's Marching 101 band.^[10] Moore was loved by everyone in the community.^[11] and has been described by some as the longest serving band member, giving more than 40 years to the field, dancing to the sounds of the Marching 101.^[12]

The 101 has made many appearances throughout the country, ranging from local events and bowl parades to NBA and NFL games.^[3] In 1965 the Marching 101 appeared for the first time on national television during a halftime performance in Washington, D.C. at a Redskins football game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 115 member band traveled by three charter busses and spent two nights in a Washington hotel.^[13]The Marching 101 also previously performed in the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day in 1970 ^[14] and also the 1975 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, performing "Living for the City" and "The Hustle" at Herald Square in Manhattan, New York.

Over the years, the band has collaborated and performed with countless musical artist, including Sean and Gerald Levert at the 1993 Circle City Classic ^[15]and many more. They have also appeared in the VH1 movie Drumline: A New Beat and won Atlanta's annual Honda Battle of the Bands competition in 2011^[16] and 2014.^[3] The band has also performed for the 2015 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Disney Parade, in Orlando Florida.^[17] The band also participated in the virtual pre inauguration event along with nine other HBCU bands from across the country for the Biden-Harris "We Are One" Celebration in 2021. In September of 2022, The Marching 101 traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to perform at Lucas Oil Stadium for halftime at the Colts vs Chiefs NFL Football game. The official video for the Boots on the ground (song) featuring the band debuted on May 15, 2025 on the Sherri Shepherd Show.^[18][19]

The band has also performed at the Black College Football National Championship game (Cricket Celebration Bowl). In 2021, 2024, and 2025 the Marching 101 performed at halftime in front of a national audience in support of the University's football team. The 2025 event alone drew 2.3 million viewers on ABC and peaked at 3 million viewers during the dramatic four-overtime broadcast. With over 26,000 fans in attendance, this gave the Marching 101 their biggest single day audience.^[20] On February 7, 2026 the Marching 101 appeared during the 27th Annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, which aired on BET, performing with hip-hop artist LaRussell and Christian hip-hop artist Miles Minnick, once again putting Orangeburg and the university in the national spotlight.

The Marching 101 contains numerous woodwind, brass, percussion, and auxiliary members. Woodwind instruments include clarinets known as (Super Sonic Squeaks-1982), Flutes, Piccolos (Tweety Birds-1983), and both alto and tenor Saxophones, also known as Jazzy Bros-1970. The brass instruments consists of the trumpets better known as Screaming Eagles-1969, Mellophones also known as Mello Psi-1993, Trombones (Amtrak Express-1985), Euphoniums (Ego Trippers-1971), and Sousaphones (Thunder Bros.-1969). The Champagne Dancers -1982, is a prominent, historic auxiliary majorette dance team affiliated with the Marching 101 Band known for their high-energy & synchronized performances that blend precision, power, and "swag". The band's Color Guard is known as Electric Silk-1981, and the drum majors, are known as The Caped Crusaders-1989, whose role is to lead the Marching 101 band during field performances.

The percussion section, collectively known as The Bongo Brothers Drumline,^[21] established in 1963, contains Snare, Marching Tenor (including Tri-Toms in the 1980s/Quads/Quints/Sextets), Bass Drum, and Cymbal players. The drumline has used instruments manufactured by Slingerland, Ludwig, Yamaha, Pearl, and Dynasty. Officially founded by Aaron Purdie, The Bongo Bros. section was the first subgroup to be established and became a staple of the Marching 101. In 2023, the section celebrated 60 years of organization and has since been incorporated and formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit to focus on fostering leadership, academic success, and financial support for current percussionists.^[22] Founder Aaron Purdie went on to tour professionally and played for artists such as Reverend Al Green and James Brown. Mr. Purdie passed away in 2012 leaving his Bongo Bros. percussive legacy behind.

The Marching 101 is renowned for its high-energy, funk-influenced, and precise musical performances. The band's repertoire and compositional style are rooted in HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) band traditions, focusing on popular music, soulful arrangements, and powerful brass sounds. Arrangements are tailored for high-energy field shows and halftime performances. The focus is on creating a "musical soundtrack" for, and with, the Champagne Dancers and "Electric Silk" color guard, ensuring the music drives the visual performances during field shows.

As is the style commonly found in HBCU bands, The Marching 101 utilizes a variation of the high step marching style.

This involves the lifting of the knee with legs directly in front, thighs parallel to the ground, and toes pointed downward. When the leg is elevated, there should be a 90-degree angle with the body and the thigh, and a 90-degree angle with the thigh and the shin. The leg is then lowered, and this is repeated with the other leg. This is informally referred to as the "chair step". Most HBCUs take after the show style genre of bands, which has helped mold the world-renowned experience they're known for creating. This includes their choice of music, choreography that is incorporated into the performance and other performers such as dancers and color guards. Consequently, such marching style is infamous for performances and theatrical components.^[23]

In the early years, The Marching 101 maintained 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 The Marching 100 and Marching 101 competed off the field as well holding their own Battle of the Bands competition versus each other in the school's gymnasium.^[24] FAMU band arranger Dr. Lindsey Sarjeant, who also served as chairman of the FAMU Department of Music, has a brother who was band director for SCSU from 1976 to 2004, Dr. Ronald J. Sarjeant, who coincidentally received his Bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University in 1970. As an act of one-upmanship in the SC State's rivalry with Florida A&M and its Marching 100, the Garnet and Blue Band in 1964 evolved into the Marching 101 by adding an additional majorette making the band "one better than the rest".^[25][26]

Other rivalries include the North Carolina A&T University Blue & Gold Marching Machine. The series between SCSU and NCA&T dates back to 1924 and was primarily driven by the proximity of the two schools, as both are within The Carolinas and conference alignment. In 1969 to 1970, NCA&T and SCSC, along with five other institutions, formed the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). As a result of the newly formed conference, the series between the two schools now had conference implications^[27] and further solidified the rivalry amongst the two bands. Both FAMU and NCA&T have since left the MEAC Conference for athletic competition, however rivalries amongst the band community rarely dissipates within HBCU band culture therefore the friendly yet competitive rivalry continues. This illustrates the infinite admiration and respect within HBCU Band programs.

• William H. Jackson, 1918–1924: The band's first director who led the ensemble during its formative years when it functioned primarily as a regimental unit for military drills and Sunday school.
• Fred Bugard Payton, 1924–1928
• Harold June , 1928–1931: One of two student band directors for the early iteration of the South Carolina State College Marching 101 band, specifically leading "Harold June and his Collegians" during the 1920s and 1930s. He was instrumental in the early history of the band, which originated from dance bands and concert groups.
• Earl Davis, 1931–1934
• Reginald Thomasson, 1934–1943, 1949–1976: One of the most influential figures in the band's history, serving two separate tenures and leading the program for several decades. His commitment to the college's band program totaled nearly 35 years. He was the first Black college band director to be inducted into the South Carolina Band Director's Hall of Fame, posthumously inducted in 2003.^[28] Under Mr. Thomasson were several future SCSC band directors including Mr. C.V. Troupe.
• C. V. Troupe, 1943–1966: served as a key director of The Marching 101 band at South Carolina State College. He led the band during a pivotal era in its development, bridging the gap between early band history and the modern era of the ensemble. He is credited with officially naming the ensemble "The Marching 101" in 1964.
• Marcus Rowland, 1966–1967
• Clifford Watkins, 1967–1971: A renowned band director and music educator best known for leading the Marching 101 band to the Rose Bowl Parade in 1970. He was a professor of music and also an author, having published work on African-American music history.
• Edwin Hughes, 1971–1973
• James Sochinski, 1973–1975: He was an arranger for the United States Army Field Band in Washington, DC , and subsequently became a primary conductor of the concert and marching bands of SC State College.
• Issac Richardson, 1975–1976
• Ronald J. Sarjeant, 1976–2004: Often called "The Maestro" or "Sarje", he led the band for nearly three decades, elevating its national profile through widespread performances. He is credited for growth in membership, a focus on musicianship, and cementing the band's reputation as a top HBCU band. He was the longest continuous serving band director in the university's history. Under his leadership, The Marching Symphonic and Jazz bands appeared and performed at many conferences, NFL football games, parades as well as community and university events. For decades, Sarje poured his heart into developing students, shaping programs, and elevating the art of marching band performance. He was often quoted by saying "There is no obstacle to the success of the Marching 101. Our goal is to transcend, conquer, and leave nothing to be desired"^[29][30]
• Eddie Ellis, 2004–2015: Mr. Ellis served 11-years as director of bands at South Carolina State University, where he conducted the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and the Marching 101 Band. He was recognized for building high-energy marching programs throughout the HBCU Band Community, and was responsible for massive exposure given to the band during his time of leadership. During his tenure, the band also increased in size and talent due to heavy recruiting efforts and community engagement. He won many awards for his work including the Palmetto Patriot Award in 2011. Under his leadership, the band continued its national ascent, winning the Honda Battle of the Bands in 2011 and 2014. He has made a career out of developing high school and college band students into nationally acclaimed performers. Under Mr. Ellis was John Robinson, who served as assistant director until Ellis' departure.^[31]
• John Robinson, 2015–2017: The Marching 101 continued to thrive and participated in several showcases, including The 2016 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational. They were one of eight featured marching bands to perform for over 63,000 fans at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
• Patrick Moore, 2018–2025: At SC State Dr. Moore directed the Athletic Bands, Concert Bands, taught percussion lessons and supervised all of the university's bands activities. Under his leadership The Marching 101 debuted new uniforms at the start of the 2021 season with the help of various fund raising efforts and donations. Dr. Moore is also a published author and led the band to high-profile events, including a virtual performance for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.
• Dr. J. William Nicholas, 2025 - present: In August of 2025, SCSU named Dr. J. William Nicholas as its new director of bands, bringing with him a record of proven leadership and nationally recognized success in music education. As director of bands, Dr. Nicholas leads all of SC State's bands, (including the Brass Quintet Concert, Wind Band Jazz Band, Symphonic Band).^[32]

^[33]

The Marching 101 primary repertoire includes the following:

• "Bulldog Fight Song" (Hallelujah)
• "South Carolina State University Alma Mater" (Alma Mater)
• "Hello... (How Have You Been)"
• "Get Up for the Bulldogs", inspired by "Up for the Down Stroke" from Parliament (band)
• "Pass the Peas", a 1972 classic by The J.B.'s
• "Neck", inspired by "Talkin' Out the Side of Yo Neck" by Cameo
• "Give A Dog A Bone"

In the history of Marching 101 band, their uniforms have always given the band its identity. Drawing inspiration from the traditional dress of the military, these uniforms often have a more disciplined look. Common features include a double-breasted uniform jacket, high collars, ornamental braided cords, and epaulettes. Topping off the ensemble is usually a Shako Hat with a Pom Pom style Mylar Plume. Traditionally, the Marching 101 uniforms, feature the schools colors (Garnet & Blue). Since the early seventies, Garnet has been featured as the primary uniform color with the words "SC State" or "SCSU/SCSC", "101" and a caricature of an English Bulldog (Spike) stitched and easily visible on the front or back of the jacket. The pants will typically match the color of the jacket usually with a stripe along the outside seam. Band members wear black shoes with white Spats whereas drum majors may wear shoes and Spats of any color to match the color scheme of the uniforms of the day. Drum majors are usually dressed in white but can also be seen wearing an alternate blue dress with either a White or Garnet colored Busby Hat. Band members also wear white gloves when it's practical for use with their particular instrument.

From 1996 to 2002, the band chose wear uniforms that featured Navy Blue as the dominate color, while featuring some of the same traditional uniform details. In 2003, the band returned to the traditional Garnet colored uniforms until 2005, when band members could be seen wearing a combination of both during field shows and performances.

With the help of extensive fund raising efforts and generous donations, The Marching 101 debuted new uniforms, with significant updates at the start of the 2021 season. These uniforms produced by Stanbury Inc., were designed to present a modern look, while maintaining many of the same traditional uniform features. For the 2023 season, the band started showcasing a dual-colored (Garnet and Blue) French Upright Plume to replace the classic "Pom-Pom".

In some less formal settings or for specific events, the band may opt for more casual attire. This can include band T-Shirts, wind jackets or warmup suits bearing the band's name and logo along, with a baseball style cap or headband. Casual attire is often worn while traveling, during rehearsals, community outreach exercises, pep rallies, or parades where a more relaxed atmosphere is desired.

South Carolina State University offers scholarships for members of the "Marching 101" band, often supported by the South Carolina State University Foundationand various alumni organizations. Key opportunities include the Alumni Band Association Scholarship which was Co-founded in 1988 by director, Ronald J. Sarjeant. The SCSU Alumni Band Association has continued to support and promote a positive working relationship with the University Band program. The SCSU Alumni Band Association also proudly leads the "Big Bulldog Give" which raises funds exclusively for scholarships for Marching 101 students. Other band scholarships include, but are not limited to: The Donald M Harrison Family Scholarship, and The Henry D. Ashe Scholarship. Auditions for membership can be completed in person at SC State University, at a local band audition or college fair, or virtually.^[34]

The SC State Marching 101 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. This camp offers middle and high school students the opportunity to improve their music proficiency, enhance their marching concepts, and develop showmanship. Instruction is also be provided to color guards, dancers, and drum majors. Band camp places emphasis on Physical training and calisthenics, Marching fundamentals, Playing fundamentals, Rehearsal techniques and Social Activities. ^[35]

The South Carolina State University Marching 101 Band conducts extensive community outreach to promote the HBCU experience, engaging youth through performances at parades, football games, and specialized events like Youth, ROTC, and Military Appreciation Day. They foster musical talent via high school summer band camps and inspire future students, building community pride and connecting with audiences on a national level. The band is a central feature at SCSU's annual Youth, ROTC and Military Appreciation Day, introducing middle and high school students to campus life and encouraging future enrollment. The 101 performs at various regional parades and community events, providing high-energy entertainment that fosters local pride. Members often participate in volunteer efforts that promote community, mentorship, and empowerment. These efforts focus on promoting the "Marching 101" brand as a pillar of culture, music, and performance. 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.^[36]