BHS band member joins Clemson band for a day

Blacksburg High senior Tanner Hughes (white uniform) performs "Tiger Rag" with the Clemson marching band Saturday during halftime of the Clemson-Duke football game. Tanner Hughes has spent many Saturdays sitting in Death Valley cheering on the Clemson football team.

The Blacksburg High senior experienced the game from a different viewpoint at last weekend's Clemson- Duke football game. He was among 107 high school seniors who performed with the Clemson University marching band as part of "High School Senior Day."

Students were asked to wear their high school band uniform and bring their instruments.

Hughes played trombone with the Clemson band at their pregame performance and in the stands during the game.

"I have been going to Clemson games since I was three. One of my good friends Samantha Rape is from Blacksburg and now plays trumpet in the Clemson band," Hughes said. "This is something I have always wanted to do."

Hughes received an invitation to participate in the band's "Senior Day" several weeks ago and registered for the event online. He was already familiar with Tiger Rag, Clemson's fight song, and played several songs regularly at Blacksburg High football games.

The biggest sacrifice involved sleep.

Hughes had to leave Blacksburg early Saturday morning so he could make an 8 a.m. rehearsal with the Clemson University band. The band performed in the campus amphitheater at 10:30 a.m. and then marched in a parade to the stadium.

"I absolutely loved playing with the Tiger Band Saturday," Hughes said. "It was a blast. I would love to march at Clemson."