After almost 20 years without a marching band, Elon will introduce the new “Fire of the Carolinas” at the inaugural football game at Rhodes Stadium on Sept. 15.
The band is composed of approximately 90 performers, including musicians, dancers, and color guard members. “The Fire of the Carolinas” is directed by Bill DeJournett, who joined the Elon faculty in 2000 after directing the marching band at Colorado State University. Auditions began in the spring for students who had color guard or musical instrument experience.
The band will perform “Carolina Moon,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and the Elon fight song during its pregame show. The halftime repertoire will vary during the season, featuring selections from the popular groups Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire, along with a Latin jazz show including songs by Bill Chase and Carlos Santana.
This summer, DeJournett prepared for the season by purchasing uniforms and instruments. More than 40 instruments were purchased, including tubas, drums and cymbals, and many band members supply their own instruments.
“We’ve been having a lot of fun preparing for this first season,” DeJournett says. “The joy of it is teaching and watching the students learn something each day. I know the first game will be fun for the entire community, and we’re enjoying our work for not only that day, but the entire season.”
“The Fire of the Carolinas” will perform at five games in Rhodes Stadium this fall and in one exhibition show at the Western Alamance High School band competition.
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