Shiver me timbers: TBDBITL walks the plank
Shiver me timbers: TBDBITL walks the plank
Shiver Me Timbers: TBDBITL Walks the Plank
When it comes to halftime shows, few university marching bands have the reputation of The Ohio State University Marching Band (OSUMB), affectionately known as The Best Damn Band in the Land (TBDBITL). Known for their high-energy performances, impeccable precision, and intricate formations, OSUMB’s halftime shows have become legendary in the world of collegiate football. From their iconic tribute to the Beatles to shows inspired by Star Wars and the movies, TBDBITL has consistently raised the bar for what a collegiate marching band can achieve. However, in 2024, they outdid themselves once again with a performance that combined adventure, creativity, and musical brilliance in an unforgettable tribute to the high seas: “Shiver Me Timbers: TBDBITL Walks the Plank.”
This pirate-themed performance—one of the most ambitious and visually stunning halftime shows in recent memory—was designed to take fans on an exhilarating journey across the ocean, brimming with swashbuckling action, treasure hunts, and daring escapes. It was a celebration of pirate lore, cinematic scores, and Ohio State’s storied football tradition, all wrapped up in a sea-faring adventure that captivated fans from the first note to the last. From pirate ship formations to classic film music, TBDBITL’s “Shiver Me Timbers” show proved that they not only entertain but also push the boundaries of musical and visual storytelling.
The Concept: A Pirate’s Life for the Band
The idea of a pirate-themed halftime show emerged from a desire to combine TBDBITL’s exceptional musicianship with a theme that had universal appeal—something that was adventurous, bold, and filled with spectacle. The show’s creative director, Dr. Christopher Hoch, known for his ability to craft visually dynamic and musically diverse performances, worked with the band’s talented arrangers and drill designers to create a show that would entertain and surprise.
At its heart, “Shiver Me Timbers” was about embracing the thrill of the pirate world—the sense of danger, excitement, and larger-than-life adventure. Pirates, with their legendary battles for treasure, their iconic ships, and their swashbuckling personalities, made for the perfect backdrop for an exciting, fast-paced performance. And so, TBDBITL set sail on a journey to bring this world to life.
The theme itself was a nod to some of the most famous pirate stories, especially the Pirates of the Caribbean series, which had inspired so many of TBDBITL’s fans with its combination of action, humor, and iconic music. But the band also sought to infuse their own personality into the show, incorporating their trademark style of military precision and creativity into the pirate motif.
Musical Selections: The Sound of the Seas
To create a truly memorable pirate-themed halftime show, TBDBITL turned to some of the most recognizable pirate music ever composed. The selections included iconic themes from Pirates of the Caribbean, classical pirate-inspired pieces, and even a bit of whimsy with pirate-related tunes. Together, these selections created a musical journey through the world of piracy, with sweeping adventure, dark foreboding, and playful pirate antics.
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean Theme” – Klaus Badelt
The show’s opener set the stage for the adventure that was to follow. There is perhaps no more recognizable piece of pirate music than the “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme, composed by Klaus Badelt. This iconic tune, with its powerful brass fanfares and dramatic percussion, was the perfect way to introduce the show. The band launched into the piece with all the intensity and energy that TBDBITL is known for.
As the music swelled, TBDBITL’s precision drills transformed the field into a sea of pirate ships and swaying sails. The bold brass section carried the melody, while the percussion added layers of excitement, mimicking the sound of crashing waves and thunderous cannon fire. The energy was contagious as the crowd cheered, setting the tone for the entire performance.
2. “The Black Pearl Theme” – Klaus Badelt
Following the dramatic opening, TBDBITL transitioned into “The Black Pearl Theme” from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. This piece, darker and more atmospheric than the opening theme, was designed to evoke the menacing presence of the pirate ship The Black Pearl. Its ominous, sweeping melody and driving rhythms were perfectly suited to the visual storytelling of the show. As the music played, the field formation transformed, creating the impression of ghostly ships floating through the mists of the ocean.
The low brass played a dominant role here, creating a deep, resonant sound that gave the performance a sense of mystery and danger. Meanwhile, the woodwinds added eerie flourishes, mimicking the creaking of old wooden ships and the whispers of the ocean breeze.
3. “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” – Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean
After the darker notes of “The Black Pearl,” the band lightened the mood with “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” the whimsical, upbeat tune from the Disney theme park ride that inspired much of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. This transition brought a sense of fun and mischief to the show, capturing the playful, rowdy nature of pirates.
TBDBITL’s performance of this song was energetic, with the brass section leading the charge and the woodwinds adding a touch of lightheartedness. The drill design reflected this change in tone, with playful formations that resembled treasure maps, buried treasure, and pirate hats. The entire stadium seemed to join in on the fun, and the crowd’s laughter and cheers filled the air, creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.
4. “The Sea Hawk Theme” – Erich Wolfgang Korngold
To bring a sense of grand adventure to the show, TBDBITL moved into “The Sea Hawk Theme,” composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. This piece, originally written for the 1940 film The Sea Hawk, is a sweeping, heroic theme that evokes images of daring battles on the high seas.
As the music soared through the stadium, the band executed bold, sweeping formations that mimicked the movements of ships engaging in naval combat. The brass section provided the triumphant melody, while the percussion added the rolling intensity of a sea battle. The entire field seemed to come alive as the music grew more intense, and the visuals reflected the drama of pirates in battle.
5. “Over the Rainbow” / “Pirates Cove” (Medley)
For a surprising twist, the band incorporated a segment featuring “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, blending it with a pirate-inspired original composition titled “Pirates Cove.” This juxtaposition of light and dark, whimsical and dramatic, allowed the band to show off its versatility, offering both a humorous and heartwarming moment in the show.
The melody of “Over the Rainbow” echoed across the field as the formations morphed from traditional pirate ships into playful treasure chests and colorful rainbows. The medley’s transition from whimsical to bold was handled seamlessly, and it provided a fun contrast to the more serious moments in the show.
Visual Storytelling: Pirate Ships and Planks
A hallmark of any TBDBITL performance is the precision and artistry of the drill formations. In “Shiver Me Timbers: TBDBITL Walks the Plank,” the drill designers had a unique challenge: to transform the field into a seafaring landscape that would complement the music and tell a cohesive story.
One of the standout moments came early in the show, when the band formed a giant pirate ship on the field. Using the band’s intricate and precise marching techniques, the ship appeared to sail across the field, its sails billowing and its mast standing tall. The visual impact of the formation was stunning, and it set the stage for the rest of the show.
Another standout visual was the pirate plank formation, where the band members aligned themselves to form a literal plank extending across the field. As the music played, the “pirates” (band members) seemed to march one by one down the plank, adding a sense of drama and fun to the performance. The moment when the formation culminated in the iconic “walk the plank” visual was met with cheers, as the audience reveled in the creativity and humor that the band infused into the performance.
As the show came to a close, the band executed a final, dramatic formation that symbolized the triumphant return of the pirate ship to port. The field was a flurry of activity, with musicians and dancers working in perfect harmony to bring the story to a thrilling conclusion.
Impact and Legacy
“Shiver Me Timbers: TBDBITL Walks the Plank” was more than just a halftime show—it was an experience. It was a testament to the creativity, precision, and musicality that defines the Ohio State University Marching Band. Through clever use of iconic music, stunning drill formations, and a playful yet dramatic theme, the show managed to capture the essence of pirate lore while showcasing the band’s unparalleled talent.
