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Home > Featured Stories > Outside the Classroom > October 2008 > Dressed for Success: The Power Sound of the SouthDressed for Success: New Uniforms for the Power Sound of the South
The NC State Marching Band's new uniforms made their debut before the Wolfpack's 34-24 victory over William & Mary on Sept. 6. (Photos by Dan Jahn)
By Dave Pond, Web Communication
As members of the NC State family return to Raleigh for this weekend's Homecoming events, it'll be easy for them to spot a number of on-campus changes from even a year ago – new buildings, a new campus-wide marketing initiative and more. But one of the biggest improvements will be front and center during halftime of Saturday's Wolfpack/Eagles football game – the crisp, new uniforms worn by NC State's renowned marching band, the Power Sound of the South.
Several years of design, planning and fundraising culminated in the complete redressing of NC State's band – an organization that has grown in both popularity (in 2006: 212 members – this year: 286) and national stature. According to director Paul Garcia, it was imperative that the uniforms be updated to reflect NC State's image as a university forging ahead on all fronts – an image difficult for his band to portray in worn, woolen, almost-decade-old outfits.
"It was unbearable – you'd go out there for a noon kickoff and it's 95, 98 degrees," said senior saxaphone player Eddie Mack. "You'd already be sweating from just walking out there, and we have to do a lot more than that – we dance, we entertain and we play songs. All that takes so much energy.
Garcia agreed that it was time for an overhaul.
"The typical wear on a uniform is seven years, and that's with outstanding care," Garcia said. "We had exceeded that, and it was showing."
"It was like our old uniforms almost took away from the experience rather than adding to it," said Mack, a mechanical engineering major from Charlotte, NC. "The style was a bit outdated and the colors had faded over time, but the worst thing about them to me was that they had the old, 'diamond-S' logo on the chest."
NC State's Power Sound of the South was born out of an Army ROTC band that dated back to 1925, so in his new design, Garcia wanted to pay homage to the history and tradition of the original troupe. Designs were requested from a trio of outfitters, but in the end, one particular concept kept rising to the top.
Paul Garcia
"I decided to go with a modern twist on the military look," Garcia said. "I went through about 15 different designs – we would play with each one and tweak it to see if we could get it to something that we liked, but we just kept coming back to this one.
"Every time I saw it, I thought 'This pops,' and it really had the 'WOW' factor I was looking for."
For Garcia to redress his troops from head to toe would cost about $130,000 – a goal reachable only with the support of the entire Wolfpack family. The new uniforms are lightweight, machine-washable and easier to care for – additional elements that Garcia knew to be essential in his search.
"It was wonderful how everyone came together to make this happen," Garcia said. "The Wolfpack Club was outstanding – they actually spearheaded the efforts and offered more than half the money up front, which made our job much easier.
"[Associate vice chancellor_for student affairs] Alex Miller, [vice chancellor for student affairs] Tom Stafford, Chancellor James Oblinger and so many others in the Wolfpack family – they all were instrumental in making sure things came together for us," he said. "Even the Parents' Council took and interest and were able to help us reach our goal so that we could do a full new uniform – lock, stock and barrel."
Funding, design and ordering fell into place during early spring, which allowed enough time for the uniforms to be made in time for NC State's football-season opener on September 6.
"The atmosphere was already electric because it was the first game," Mack said. "When we took the field in our new uniforms, all eyes were turned on us – we had new uniforms, new songs and new things to entertain the fans with – and we're bringing it.
"The roof came off that place," he said with a laugh. "It was a rush, and I was unbelievably proud to represent my university that day.
"It's awesome because I was getting to do something I wanted to do, and give back to the school that I love."
For Garcia, a feeling of paternal pride washed over him as he saw the band take the field prior to the Wolfpack's victory over William and Mary.
"The first time I saw them in the new uniforms, I was on the ladder ready to begin our pre-game performance," he said. "I had the biggest smile on my face – I doubt anyone noticed it, but it was amazing.
"To hear the roar of the crowd and witness the fans' reaction the first time they saw the uniforms was fantastic," Garcia said. "It was amazing to see our kids go out and perform, enjoy themselves and smile – everyone who played a part in helping us obtain the new uniforms should feel a great sense of accomplishment."
Through the NC State fight song, the alma mater or even "Hey Baby," the Power Sound of the South plays a key role in shaping NC State football tradition as well that of its student body.
Music combines with football and social activities to create memories that will last a lifetime for band members and fans alike – something that drives students like Mack to take part in hours of practice and performance each week on top of rigorous academic schedules.
Performing for 60,000 rabid Wolfpack fans makes all the effort worthwhile, he said.
"It's college tradition to have a marching band there - playing, cheering and getting the fans fired up," he said. "There's more to NC State than just learning – there's an atmosphere and there's tradition, and we want to bring that to the community as well."
