Marching band is a type of performance art with the purpose of creating bonds leading to noteworthy moments among the members as they enjoy the thrill of entertaining others through musical ensembles and illusions shaped through drill and choreography. The Greenville College Panther Corps Marching Band, GCPC, implements all this and more while its members practice to provide striking performances. The theme this year is, “GCPC Goes on Vacation,” which includes four shows, beginning with Hawaii, then traveling to Europe, leading to a cruise ship and ending with a road trip down Route 66.
This year the band officers returned August 14 to prepare for band camp in which they discussed leadership roles and what they wanted the marching band to do differently this year or
what it should look like. Drum Major Caitlin Alverson stated, “We had an emphasis on ‘family’ last year but this year it is one of our main focuses. We want everyone to love being in band; we also want the GC community to love the band and as we continue on through the semester, I think they are going to see how great we are going to be. Musically we are ahead of last year’s band and I believe marching is as well. We learned an entire show in one Monday night rehearsal! Everyone’s positive attitude is what makes the band excel and it’s great. I’m really looking forward to serving the band as their drum major and I am ecstatic to witness what this talented group has in store!”
GCPC performed Hawaii Five-O, the first song to Show 1, on August 22 for the Alumni Soccer Game. They were also a part of Greenville’s Bicentennial parade this past Sunday. Currently, the band practices on Mondays from 7 to 9:45 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to4:45 p.m. The Auxiliary team supports the band by providing visual effects for the chosen songs of a recurring theme with flags, riffles, dance and batons.
And as the GCPC motto goes,