Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band invites fans to ‘tune in’ to the Flames

This season’s halftime show, “Tune In: Flames FM,” by Liberty University’s Spirit of the Mountain marching band, is a nod to radio hits, game day tailgates, and special LU traditions.

“We wanted this show to be undeniably Liberty,” Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Larry Seipp said. “The band is such an important part of things that happen here. We want to promote traditions that are Liberty.”

With songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Secrets,” “Hey Jude,” “You Can’t Stop Me,” and “PRAISE!,” he said fans of all styles will find a song they enjoy.

The show begins with a preshow video of Liberty’s mascot Sparky flipping through channels on a radio that plays snippets of each song from the show. On the field, the color guard creates a radio dial that spins as the channels change.

During the drumline feature in “You Can’t Stop Me,” the band celebrates Flames Football with exciting commentary from the Fiesta Bowl last year featuring Liberty’s own sports radio the Liberty Flames Sports Network and Alan York’s “Voice of the Flames.” As they play, the band forms two stick figures throwing a football back and forth.

The show’s ending number, “PRAISE!” by Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship, and Chris Brown, is an homage to gospel radio.

“We always say that we perform for an audience of one,” color guard member and junior forensic science student Alyssa Lewis said. “It’s not just a show to entertain; it’s a show to lift up Christ with every part of our performance, especially with the closing song.”

Singing the alma mater “Champions Arise” at the end of football games and playing the hymn “How Great Thou Art” for the pregame show have become favorite band and fan traditions.

“The Marching Band is an important part of the game day experience because we create and uphold the energy and traditions of Liberty culture,” Marching Band Administrative Assistant and Color Guard Instructor McKayla Hill said.

The 250-member band is performing the halftime show at every home football game this season, along with two exhibition performances at high school band competitions, including the VMBC Championships and the Commonwealth Cup hosted at Williams Stadium on Saturday.

“The band is such a great community and family to be part of,” said bass guitarist and front ensemble member Mason Pauling. “It’s incredible to see us all come together and work hard to create a show we can be proud of and worship with every performance day.”

“Performance days are the best part of being in band,” added freshman color guard member Jaclyn Knightly. “The energy we bring is unmatched during football games. I’m excited to perform at competitions and be a part of inspiring and encouraging young band members.”