Tiger Band alumni share memories on Tigers in the Archive podcast

Tiger Band uniforms of the past, housed in Special Collections and Archives

Tiger Band alumni Mark and Mindy Durham share some of their favorite memories from their marching band days on the latest episode of the “Tigers in the Archive” podcast.

The Durhams first met archivist Tara Wood at the Tiger Band Reunion in August 2023, where they were able to see some Tiger Band artifacts and documents from Special Collections and Archives, such as past uniforms and, a 1975 Tiger Band Handbook. They later sat down with Wood to record a conversation for the podcast.

Mark, who graduated in 1983, and Mindy, who graduated in 1978 and again with a master’s degree in 1985, met in Tiger Band in 1977. Mark played trombone and Mindy played piccolo. Their interview covers a variety of topics, from traveling on long bus rides with the band to band practices to the uniforms they wore. The Durhams shared memories of the 1981 National Championship football season; the 1978 Gator Bowl, in which Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes famously punched Clemson player Charlie Bauman; and the 1977 home game against Notre Dame, at which Tiger Band and Clemson fans conspired to give Notre Dame the “silent treatment” during the pre-game show.

They also discussed what they think makes both Clemson and Tiger Band special, and the role of the Clemson University Tiger Band Association (CUTBA) in supporting today’s Tiger Band.

“Tigers in the Archive” shares the stories of Clemson’s history and culture through an exploration of items in the University’s Special Collections and Archives. It is available on all major podcasting platforms, including Apple, Google and Spotify.