Sound of the Sound alumni returned to the TROY campus to march and perform with old friends and current students during the Trojan’s season opener against Sam Houston on September 5.
This year marks 87 years of Troy University bands, 61 years of the Sound of the South and 25 years for Director of Bands Mark Walker at Troy University.
James Holmes, president of the Troy University Band Alumni Association (TUBA), marched trumpet in the Sound of the South from 1997-2002, and he said the tradition still connects generations of band members.
“There is simply no better feeling than standing on hat field with my trumpet, alongside old friends, fellow alumni, and today’s members, and realizing that no matter how much time has passed, we are still connected by the traditions and experiences we all share through the Sound of the South,” said Holmes. “It is a special time for everyone who makes the trip home to Troy.”
Allie Maples Robbins twirled for five seasons as a majorette and served as captain for two seasons before graduating in 2021. She shared the alumni reunion as a full circle moment.
“I remember being a majorette on the team and being so excited to meet the alumni who paved the way for us,” she said. “Many of those alumni poured into me and mentored me over the years. After graduation, I always looked forward to reuniting with all of my former friends and teammates. Now, I have the honor of serving as the SOTS Auxiliary Coordinator. These reunions are even more sentimental to me now because not only do I get to perform alongside my original teammates and the alumni that mentored me, but I also get to perform along with my current teams that I coach. To me, that is priceless.”
Following the joint rehearsal in Veterans Memorial Stadium, Walker was presented a book with messages from band alumni to commemorate his time at TROY so far.
Emily Walker-Alexander, Walker’s daughter, collected the submissions for the book.
“Our lives have revolved around the band program my entire life and I have watched my Daddy pour everything into it,” she said. “I wanted to do something to give back to him to show him the impact he has made and celebrate the work he has done. I received over 100 submissions from 2002 alumni to current students and colleagues from throughout the years. It was truly a labor of love and a wonderful tribute to them! I cannot wait to watch him in the years to come!”
Now in his 25th year at Troy University, Walker said his proudest memories have little to do with the music.
“As I begin my 25th year at Troy University, I am excited by the future and grateful for the past,” Walker said. “Believe it or not, the best parts of my time here are not necessarily the great marching band shows or Symphony Band concerts, but the interactions and relationships developed with my students and colleagues over the years. I have had the honor to watch so many students arrive as confused, scared freshmen, continue through their classes and their disciplines, and emerge as confident young professionals with bright careers. To top it off, I’ve had the opportunity to watch them get married, have children, and grow their families and professions in many wonderful ways. I’ve been to weddings (I’ve even officiated at one), christenings, baby showers, funerals and more. I’ve been blessed to have many individuals move from student to colleague to cherished friend over the years. For this, I am most grateful.”
TUBA members held a membership meeting, voted for new officers and tailgated before the game. The halftime show featured the fanfare and two medleys featuring favorites from the past and a moment of silence for former Director of Bands, Ralph Ford. Father-daughter drum majors Ronnie Mallory (1975) and Georgia Mallory Guy (2001) led the alumni band’s performance.
