SOUND OF THE SOUTH

The Troy University Band Program enjoys nationwide recognition as one of the finest and most comprehensive musical organizations of its kind. Troy instrumentalists not only have the opportunity to participate in the renowned “Sound of the South” Marching Band, but also have the opportunity to perform in the Symphony Band, four concert bands, jazz Ensembles, the Basketball Pep Band and various small ensembles.

The 2015 – 2016 year marked the 50th Anniversary of The “Sound of the South” Marching Band. Dr. John M. Long created the band in it’s current form in the fall of 1965. Dr. Long developed The “Sound of the South” into a collegiate ensemble that has developed a national reputation for its quality musicianship and exciting, innovative arrangements and drill design. The “Sound of the South” Marching Band entertains audiences regularly at all Troy home games and several away games. Recent away appearances include Troy University’s bowl appearances at the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose, Calif., the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and three appearances at the New Orleans Bowl in the Louisiana Superdome. In fact, over the past few years, the “South of the South” Marching Band has traveled tens of thousands of miles entertaining audiences literally from coast to coast.

Additionally, the “Sound” has been featured on all major broadcast and sports networks including ESPN, Fox Sports South and USA television networks. Other honors which the “Sound of the South” has received is the representation of the State of Alabama at the Inaugural Parades of President Richard Nixon (1969 and 1973), President Ronald Reagan (1985), and President George Bush (1989). The “Sound” has also performed halftime shows with Grammy Award-winning artists Brian McKnight, Lee Greenwood, The Temptations and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Chubby Checker.

The “Sound of the South” Pep Band performs at all men’s and women’s basketball home games. Comprised of 30 musicians from all academic disciplines, the pep band entertains the home crowd with great music and irreverent, energetic cheering. This group travels with men’s and women’s basketball to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, as well as the NCAA Tournaments. Membership in the basketball pep band is by audition, and it performs from Mid-October to April each academic year.

The “Sound of the South” is the largest student organization on campus and its members have produced leaders in academics, student government, and athletics, as well as other areas of campus life. Students have the opportunity to participate in several professional organizations including Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Boota Roota.

For information regarding band scholarships auditions, please contact Dr. Mark Walker, Director of Bands at Troy University, Troy, AL 36082. Dr. Walker may be reached by phone at (334) 670-3281, or by email at troyband@troy.edu. You may also log on to the internet at www.troysoundofthesouth.org for information about scholarship auditions, special events, upcoming “Sound” schedules and general information about the “Sound of the South.” WE KNOW YOU WILL ENJOY THE SHOW, GO TROJANS!