University of Tennessee band director on 'Rocky Top' and hints about 2024 halftime songs

When the University of Tennessee's Pride of the Southland Band steps onto the Neyland Stadium field Aug. 31, it will mark the 155th year of inspiring fans and players.

The university's marching band - one of the most prestigious in the country - is led by director Mike Stewart, who spoke to Knox News about balancing tradition with keeping things fresh and fun in one of the biggest stadiums in the country.

Stewart also talked about how it handles it when fans make their pitch for a song they think could be just as popular as "Rocky Top."

And he graciously offered a look at what special shows are ahead, without ruining the big surprises.

'A microcosm of the university'

This past spring, more students than usual were interested in joining the band, prompting the difficult decision to ask all current members to re-audition alongside newcomers.

More than 570 students tried out for a limit of 415 spots, a cap that Stewart said was calculated based on travel and the number of available seats in Neyland Stadium. He said making those cuts were the hardest part of his job.

That was the first time current members have been asked to re-audition since the '90s, Stewart said.

“Once you get past that initial part of having to make those tough decisions and those tough calls, it’s exciting to know that there’s an excitement about the university, and the band," Stewart said.

The students who make up the current band represent all corners of UT. “The marching band is kind of a microcosm of the university. We have students from every major, every part of campus."

Band members' majors and hometowns vary, but it's undeniable they care for each other. "We do very much have a very family-oriented culture," Stewart said. More experienced band members work hard to include and encourage incoming members, Stewart added.

“We want to see them continue to grow not just as musicians, but as people."

What to expect from the Pride of the Southland Band this season

“I always say the Pride is kind of the soundtrack to Neyland Stadium," Stewart said. In addition to favorite classics, this year's soundtrack is going to feature songs by Chris Stapleton and KISS.

During the first game against Chattanooga, the Pride will play a Tennessee-themed show, performing classic songs such as "Tennessee Waltz" and "Orange Blossom Special," along with Stapleton's "Tennessee Whiskey," Stewart told Knox News.

“We want to continue to try to be innovative while being very traditional in our style," Stewart explained.

The drill at the opening game will celebrate this summer's UT baseball national championship win .

Other upcoming shows are set to include a patriotic performance and a KISS-themed show with pyrotechnics, Stewart said. This season also will feature a new circle drill for the first time in 20 years.

Could we ever get a new 'Rocky Top'?

People often pitch Stewart songs they think could be the next "Rocky Top," he said, but he doesn't think that tradition is going anywhere.

“It was so organic when it started, it was just a song in the middle of a halftime show ," he said. "It just stuck."

Stewart said "Rocky Top" can't be replaced, but if it ever were, the switch would have to be just as spontaneous. "If there’s ever another, it won’t be planned. It will just happen - and the crowd will fall in love," he said.

Go Big Orange

Fans know there's something totally electric about being at a Vols game, and the Pride is part of what creates that atmosphere. “We compare it to a four-hour party that makes it fun for our fans and fun for our team," Stewart said.

Part of the magic is organic.

“Neyland is truly a special place. It is truly the loudest stadium I've ever been in. Our fans are the most passionate fanbase I've ever been around," he said. “I think you always remember your first time in Neyland."

In anticipation of the season's start, Vols coach Josh Heupel stopped by band camp to talk to the Pride and hear them play. Stewart described him as "kind of in awe" of the performance.

The band and the football team have a generally great relationship, Stewart said, and he feels there's a lot of mutual respect between the two.

Chancellor Donde Plowman has stopped by to speak to the band, as have alumni of the Pride. “Just the continued support from the entire campus is something I'm eternally grateful for," Stewart said.

They've already put in a ton of work.

Band leaders, along with the majorettes , drumline and color guard, reported for training Aug. 5. They were joined by the rest of the band in the days following. In preparation for the season, members of the band practiced from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. The camp finished Aug. 16.

Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: University of Tennessee band director on 'Rocky Top' and hints about 2024 halftime songs