Over 250 former TROY band members will join together to celebrate the present, look to the future and remember the past as the Sound of the South marks its 60th anniversary on September 12 and 13.
In 1939, the first band program began at Troy State Teachers College under Director Lawrence Peterson. The ensemble received its iconic name “Sound of the South” in 1965 when Dr. John M. Long took over the program.
Lori Hart, a 1979 graduate of TROY, currently serves as the president of the Troy University Band Alumni (TUBA) Association. Having lived in Tuscaloosa, she shared that many thought that she would join the university band that was in town, but she decided to go a different route.
“Fifty years ago, I stepped foot on this campus and was part of the Sound of the South, and it changed my life in ways that I never imagined,” said Hart. “The friendships that I’ve made and the leadership skills that I’ve learned are something that you can’t put a price on. I feel very honored to be part of the 60th anniversary, and I hope that people are going to be proud and enjoy this celebration as we unite with generations.”
Dr. Mark Walker joined the Sound of the South staff as assistant band director and was promoted to director of bands in 2011. He regularly reminds current band members that they are part of something much larger than themselves.
“As I tell the students often, we stand on the shoulders of the giants that came before us, starting with Dr. John M. Long and the original Sound of the South,” said Dr. Walker. “Each year, a new generation of students adds an important layer to our organization. The only constant in our lives is change, which is natural and expected. From 1965 until now, musical tastes, marching styles, uniforms, personnel, and more have change yearly, and the band must change along with the times to grow, strengthen, and remain relevant. However, the thing that doesn’t change is the sense of family, excellence, excitement, and that there’s a place for everyone who wants to work hard and excel and carry on these traditions. The current students will join the giants upon whose shoulder’s future generations of the Sound of the South will stand and carry forth our traditions and make changes that will propel this amazing organization into the next 60 years.”
Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, shared that the three years that he served as drum major for the band next to Dr. Long were transformative and had a lasting impact on his life.
“He was a tremendous leader and mentor, and I learned lessons from him that I take into my office with me every single day,” shared Dr. Palmer. “While styles have changed, traditions have been added, and other professors have taken the helm, the Sound of the South still represents the very best of education – preparing people to be successful citizens and human beings. I am confident that we are carrying forth that tradition today just as we were when John M. Long laid such a strong foundation at TROY back in 1965. As long as I am here, we will see that it continues.”
The weekend’s festivities will begin with a kickoff reception on Friday, Sept. 12, in the Trojan Center Ballroom from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 13, band alumni will hold a rehearsal, business meeting and play during halftime of the TROY vs. Memphis game. This year’s halftime music lineup will feature the fanfare and two 60th anniversary medleys. The inaugural class of the Fanfare Society of Distinguished Alumni will also be recognized during that time.
