Alumni associations contribute to Sound of the South’s London trip

The Troy University Alumni Band Association (TUBA) and Troy University Alumni Association contributed to the Sound of the South (SOTS) as they prepare to march in the 2027 London New Year’s Day Parade.

Over the band alumni reunion weekend on Saturday, Sept. 5, TUBA contributed $5,000. James Holmes, TUBA President, is proud of his fellow band alumni for making this possible.

“Thanks to the generosity and continued support of our TUBA membership, we were proud to contribute $5,000 to the Sound of the South’s upcoming trip to London,” he said. “Thank you to our members for making opportunities like this possible and for continuing to give back to the Sound we all love.”

Dr. Mark Walker, Director of Bands, shared his gratitude for TUBA’s gift to SOTS.

“We’re so grateful for the generous $5,000 check to the ‘Sound of the South’ that will help the band march in the 2027 London New Year’s Day Parade,” said Walker. “This donation will be a huge help for the students and open doors for future trips. The band alumni’s service and dedication to our band program and the current students is truly inspiring and appreciated. They continue to set the example for all of us, and we truly stand on the shoulders of giants.”

On Thursday, Sept. 10, the Troy University Alumni Association contributed $1,000. Faith Ward, Director of Alumni Affairs, encouraged others to contribute towards the trip.

“We are so proud that the Sound of the South will represent Troy University in London’s New Year’s Day Parade,” Ward said. “The Sound of the South is such an important part of the life of our university, and the Troy University Alumni Association is pleased to support their fundraising efforts with this gift. We encourage all alumni and friends to consider donating to support their trip.”

You can donate by clicking here. Every gift made to the Sound of the South through Sept. 20 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $15,000.

London’s New Year’s Day Parade takes place in Westminster and offers performance opportunities before a street audience of more than 600,000 spectators and a global television audience of up to 600 million viewers. The Sound of the South will also perform in the Festival Concert Series at London’s most prestigious music venues.