To Get More Information About Habitat for Humanity
Brazilian Dreams featuring Paquito D'Rivera and the New York Voices
October 16th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Legendary National Endowment for the Arts jazz master Paquito D’Rivera sought out the renowned Gramm Learn More...
Concertante
October 21st, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Founded in 1995 by Juilliard graduates, these six virtuoso string players are gifted young artists w Learn More...
Regina Carter, jazz violin
October 28th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Renowned jazz violinist Regina Carter brings her band to Clemson. The recipient of a MacArthur Fell Learn More...
Corinthian Trio
November 6th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - The Corinthian Trio is comprised of three of the most successful performers of their generation. To Learn More...
Clemson University Choral Ensembles
November 11th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Clemson’s talented choral ensembles present a varied program of traditional and seasonal selections. Learn More...
Band Members Lend A Helping Hand
Members of the Clemson University Marching Band are putting down their flutes, drums, trumpets and sheet music and picking up saws, drills and hammers in an effort to bring awareness to the problem of homelessness and poverty in our community.
Tiger Band is partnering with the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity in an attempt to spread the word, explained Mark Spede, Clemson’s director of bands. “I’ve been thinking for sometime that we [the band] could do something to help the community. We can do more than provide Tiger spirit and entertain. The band can contribute to the betterment of our society. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity is a perfect way for the band to give back to the community.”
To spread the word the band is performing selections from the hit Broadway musical and movie “RENT” during the Clemson University vs. North Carolina University football game on Saturday, Sept. 23. “RENT” tells the story of people living in poverty. The halftime show features the tunes “Seasons of Love,” “Rent,” “Today 4 U,” “Will I,” “What You Own,” and “No Day But Today.” The innovative half-time show intergrates the video board with musical selections to bring home the message.
“The show is designed to inform and entertain our fans,” said Spede. “Tiger fans are generous and compassionate people. I know they will hear the message.”
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with homeowner families. So far, the Clemson chapter has built 19 homes. The houses are sold for no profit to partner families, and financed with affordable, no interest mortgages.
“Habitat is not a giveaway program, but a partnership in which those who benefit from the program are involved in the work at various levels,” explained Pastor Chris Heavner, a campus minister and chapter advisor. “Homeowner families invest hundreds of hours of their own labor—‘sweat equity’—into the construction of their home. Their sweat reduces the cost of the house and increases the pride of ownership among family members.”
Clemson resident Woaquina Williams, is a perfect example.
Since construction started in June, the mother of two has worked nearly every weekend on the house she hopes to spend Christmas in. “It will be a wonderful present: to spend Christmas in my own home,” she said.
Several band members are working to make that gift a reality. Two weeks ago more than a dozen students got a little sweaty working on her home. The rat-a-tat-tat of drum cadences was silenced by the bam-bam-bam-bam of hammers hitting nails.
Band member Eric Julian, knows his way around a construction site. A sophomore majoring in construction science and management, he has worked on three habit homes, 
including houses in Liberty, SC, and Jacksonville, Fla. “It’s a good thing,” Julian said about the band’s commitment to spreading the word about homelessness during the half-time show. “It’s the best
way we have to communicate an important message to our audience.”
Since construction started on the home last summer, Julian has spent several weekends working on the building.
“People need a decent place to live,” said sophomore band member Ashleigh Derrick. “This is my first time working on a project like this. It makes me feel good that the band is doing its part to help people in Clemson.”
Homelessness in the community is a problem that is often overlooked, explained Heavner, the chapter advisor. “The people who keep the university running often can’t afford to live in Clemson because of the prices. The janitors, food service workers and maintenance personal are often priced out of the market and are sometimes forced to live in sub-standard housing. I’m glad the band and other studentorganizations see the problem and want to correct the situation. I’m grateful that Dr. Spede and the band for their eagerness to do their part.”
The Clemson Habitat for Humanities chapter has plans to build three houses this year, Heavner said. “We are going to build our annual homecoming house on Bowman Field and one during during community’s Martin Luther King celebration. We are also planning to build a house that’s designed for energy efficiency and environmental safety. It’s
going to take a lot of support and involvement at all levels, but the students are excited.”
Tiger fans wanting to get involved in Habitat for the Humanities should contact Clemson chapter.
