The Ohio State band returns with a pirate-themed halftime presentation during the College Football Playoffs.

Ohio State Band Brings Back Pirate-Themed Halftime Show at College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is a time for teams, coaches, and players to put everything on the line for the ultimate prize in college football—the national championship. But beyond the fierce competition on the field, there are also moments of spectacle and entertainment, especially during halftime. Each year, college bands from across the nation get the chance to shine, showcasing their musical talents and creativity to a global audience. The Ohio State University Marching Band (OSUMB) is well-known for its spectacular halftime shows, and in 2024, they brought back a fan-favorite: the pirate-themed halftime show.

The return of the pirate-themed performance at the CFP generated excitement across the college football world. The show’s combination of bold musical arrangements, intricate drill formations, and theatrical presentation made it one of the most memorable halftime shows in recent years. For those who had seen the original pirate show years earlier, it was a nostalgic journey back to a time when the OSUMB captured the imagination of fans with their creative vision. For first-time viewers, it was an introduction to the brilliant artistry of the “Best Damn Band in the Land.”

The Ohio State University Marching Band: A Legacy of Innovation

The Ohio State University Marching Band is more than just a collection of musicians. It’s a tradition, a cultural phenomenon, and a cornerstone of Ohio State University’s athletic experience. Known for its precision, showmanship, and creative vision, the OSUMB has developed a reputation for putting on some of the most unique and entertaining halftime shows in the country. Each performance blends intricate marching formations, innovative drill work, and powerful musical arrangements to create a one-of-a-kind experience.

Under the direction of Dr. Christopher Hoch, the OSUMB has continuously pushed the boundaries of what a college marching band can achieve. While many bands focus primarily on military-style precision and traditional music, the Ohio State Marching Band has always sought to stand out by incorporating contemporary and pop culture elements into their performances. From tributes to popular musicians like Michael Jackson and The Beatles to innovative takes on movie soundtracks and Broadway hits, OSUMB’s halftime shows have become legendary.

The band’s distinctive style, which includes their “script Ohio” formation (one of the most iconic and beloved drill formations in college football), combined with their ability to deliver both musical excellence and visual storytelling, has made them a fan favorite. So, when OSUMB announced the return of their popular pirate-themed show for the College Football Playoff, fans knew they were in for a treat.

Pirate Theme: A Return to a Fan-Favorite

The pirate-themed halftime show first made waves in 2017, when the OSUMB premiered their interpretation of “Pirates of the Caribbean,” one of Hollywood’s most beloved action-adventure franchises. The performance was an instant hit, capturing the adventurous spirit of the film series and combining it with the band’s trademark precision and musical prowess. The show featured renditions of Klaus Badelt’s score for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, including the unforgettable theme “He’s a Pirate,” which became the centerpiece of the performance.

The show was a grand spectacle, complete with the band members dressed as pirates, sweeping visual formations that evoked the feel of a pirate ship on the high seas, and a compelling musical arrangement that brought the energy and drama of the movie’s soundtrack to life. The performance was so well-received that it quickly became one of the most beloved halftime shows in Ohio State history.

In 2024, the Ohio State University Marching Band decided to bring back the pirate theme, this time for an even larger and more high-stakes event: the College Football Playoff. With the stakes higher than ever and the national spotlight shining on the CFP, the OSUMB wanted to deliver a performance that would both honor the legacy of their original pirate show and push the boundaries of what they could accomplish. Fans knew that this would be a performance to remember.

Musical Selections: A Bold and Daring Score

For the 2024 CFP performance, the OSUMB’s musical selections paid homage to the original 2017 pirate show while also expanding upon the scope and depth of the music. The band opened with the iconic “He’s a Pirate” from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, instantly evoking images of swashbuckling adventures on the high seas. This composition, with its rousing melody and sense of excitement, is one of the most recognizable themes from modern cinema, and its bold rhythms set the stage for an action-packed halftime show.

But the show wasn’t just a straight recreation of the original performance—it was an evolution. Following the opening anthem, the OSUMB seamlessly transitioned into a more complex and dramatic arrangement that incorporated other themes from Pirates of the Caribbean, including “The Black Pearl” and “Davy Jones”. These pieces brought a darker, more ominous tone to the performance, adding a sense of danger and intrigue to the show.

The show’s arrangement also incorporated a powerful brass section that gave the music a bold, heroic quality. The brass players, particularly the trumpets and trombones, carried the melody with clarity and precision, while the woodwinds added intricate harmonies that created a rich, layered sound. The percussion section, always a highlight of the OSUMB’s performances, added a driving, rhythmic force that gave the performance an undeniable energy.

One of the standout moments of the show was the inclusion of “The Medallion Calls”, the theme that accompanies the iconic moment when Captain Jack Sparrow makes his dramatic return in the first Pirates of the Caribbean film. The transition between this theme and the previous sections was flawless, as the band maintained a sense of excitement and continuity throughout the performance.

Finally, the show concluded with a stunning arrangement of “Pirates Life”, a more reflective and triumphant piece that captured the essence of the pirate lifestyle—freedom, adventure, and the spirit of the open seas. As the music soared, the band’s drill formations on the field reflected the grandeur and scope of the music, creating a visual spectacle that matched the intensity of the music.

Visual Spectacle: Pirate Ships and High Seas Adventure

The OSUMB is known for its stunning visual performances, and the pirate-themed halftime show was no exception. As the music played, the band’s intricate drill formations took on a life of their own, adding a dynamic visual layer to the music. The formations were not only musically coordinated but also narrative-driven, telling a story of high seas adventure, peril, and treasure.

The opening formation saw the band arrange themselves into the shape of a pirate ship, with the brass section representing the ship’s towering masts. The woodwinds and percussion formed the hull of the ship, creating a cohesive and immersive visual representation of the pirate theme. As the music swelled, the ship seemed to come alive, symbolizing the start of an epic adventure.

Throughout the performance, the band incorporated other key pirate symbols into their drill formations, including treasure chests, skulls, and swords. These formations were executed with impeccable precision, showcasing the band’s ability to blend music and movement into a unified visual story. The final formation, which mirrored the sails of a ship blowing in the wind, was a beautiful conclusion to the show, symbolizing the freedom and adventure that defines the pirate life.

The color guard, as always, added an additional layer of flair and drama to the performance. Their costumes, which were designed to resemble pirate attire, included flowing skirts, sashes, and scarves that complemented the overall theme. As they spun their flags and rifles, their movements added a touch of elegance and grace to the energetic performance, further enhancing the visual impact of the show.

Fan Reaction: A Rousing Ovation

As expected, the pirate-themed halftime show was met with overwhelming approval from the fans in attendance. Ohio State fans, many of whom had witnessed the original 2017 pirate show, were thrilled to see the performance return. The crowd erupted into applause as the band transitioned into the first few notes of “He’s a Pirate,” and the excitement only grew from there.

For many, the show was a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. It evoked memories of the original pirate show while offering a fresh take on the music and visual storytelling. Fans were captivated by the energy of the performance, the seamless transitions between musical themes, and the intricate formations on the field. The OSUMB demonstrated once again why they are considered one of the best marching bands in the country.

Even fans of the opposing team couldn’t help but acknowledge the band’s excellence. The pirate-themed show transcended school loyalties and became a celebration of the artistry and creativity that makes college football so special. For those watching from across the country, it was a reminder of the unique and compelling nature of halftime shows at the College Football Playoff.

A Historic Moment for OSUMB

The return of the pirate-themed halftime show at the College Football Playoff was a defining moment for the Ohio State University Marching Band. It showcased not only the band’s technical prowess but also its ability to tell a compelling story through music and movement. The show was a reminder that halftime is not just a break in the action—it’s an opportunity to experience something extraordinary.

As the OSUMB continues to push the boundaries of what a college marching band can achieve, fans can look forward to even more innovative and thrilling performances in the years to come. The pirate-themed show at the CFP was just one example of the band’s ability to captivate audiences and elevate the entire football experience. For Ohio State, the performance was a fitting tribute to their legacy of excellence—and for fans, it was a halftime show they won’t soon forget.