The Citadel’s Regimental Band
While the Regimental Band and Pipes functions as a single cadet company at The Citadel, it has two parts – the Regimental Band and The Citadel Pipe Band.
Formed in 1909, the Regimental Band is made up of about approximately 70 cadet musicians recruited from around the world. An important segment of cadet life at The Citadel, the Regimental Band contributes to the morale of the Corps and helps to maintain the martial atmosphere of the campus.
The band is an active organization that provides a service to The Citadel in many capacities. It performs during the Friday afternoon dress parades and buglers control the daily schedule.
The Regimental Band is active at football games and inspires Citadel athletic teams and fans with its Pep Band throughout the year. Contributing to The Citadel’s annual Christmas holiday celebrations, members form an ensemble that accompanies the many cadet choirs in the Christmas candlelight service. Numerous other events round out the yearly schedule, including holiday parades in the community, formal ceremonies and special events around the state. The Regimental Band annually performs in concert at weekend events for parents and alumni and each spring holds an annual concert that welcomes the Lowcountry community to The Citadel campus.
The Regimental Band, like the other cadet companies, provides its members with opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Many band members and pipers move through the ranks and obtain senior positions of leadership within the Corps of Cadets. Members pursue commissions in the U.S. military and excel in law, government, business, industry, medicine and higher education after graduation.
Representing The Citadel, South Carolina and the United States, the Band displayed the highest level of professionalism and poise at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the world’s most renowned military music festival.
The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes will proudly represent the United States for the fourth time as the country’s designated military band.
Regimental Band Director Lt. Col. Timothy Smith knew he wanted to compose something original for the band when inspiration struck – The Citadel was getting ready to celebrate 100 Years on the Ashley.