COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCIV) -- Bitter rivals will turn into brothers in symphony Saturday afternoon in Columbia as the Clemson and Carolina marching bands join forces for a special tribute to the victims of the Emanuel AME shooting.

Mark Spede, the director of bands at Clemson, said Drum Major Zach Arms of Greer came up with the idea and Spede contacted the band director at USC to coordinate the effort over the last three weeks.

The result will be a special halftime show featuring the two bands.

"The reason we're doing this is to commemorate the tragedy in Charleston that occurred this year, and to pay tribute to the victims and to offer hope for our state," Spede said Monday.

Spede added the title of the show is called "SC Strong: A Tribute to the State of South Carolina.

"The show will conclude with a special performance of a hymn called 'Take My Hand Precious Lord' which was sung at the memorial service in Charleston for the Emanuel 9," Spede said. "What better way to demonstrate unity in our state than by having these two great bands join forces?"

Spede says the rivalry, that dates back into the 1880s, may have put the teams, bands, and fans on opposite sides for generations, but they share a lot in common. He says the band members have gone to school together, were bandmates, attended competitions together, and even cheered on their high school teams.

That hasn't changed, he said, just because someone wears garnet or orange now.

"We just happen to root for different football teams, but we do share the common bond of music and the healing that it can provide," Spede said. "On this special day, we join forces and offer healing through music."

This year's rivalry game is being played in Columbia at Williams Brice Stadium. It will air at noon on ESPN. The Tigers are entering the game at 11-0 while the Gamecocks are having a tough season at 3-8.