MOBILE, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — While some Troy students were preparing for classes or sleeping in, members of the Sound of the South were up early to travel to Mobile for the annual Battle for the Belt.

According to Dr. Mark Walker, preparations for these trips start much earlier than what some people may realize.

“We start preparing for these things about a year in advance with preliminary conversations and that sort of thing,” Walker said. “Then as we get into the semester we start prepping a few months out to make sure that we’re ready to go today.”

Once plans are made, there are a few more steps to make sure everything goes smoothly.

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“We have to get the busses,” Walker explained. “We have to get per diem. We arrange catering and we work with the other institution to make sure we have all our logistics in place.”

While the SOTS staff worked to arrange travel and food, band members made their own preparations.

“Drink lots of water the night before and try not to play any instrument so my lips aren’t dead,” said Elizabeth Kobs, a trumpet player in SOTS.

“I’ll set some time to the side where I’ll have my earbuds in and I’ll be constantly be listening to the music we’re about to play and be listening to stand tunes and stuff like that,” said Assistant Drum Major Erin Wilson.

“Make sure you don’t forget anything. That’s probably the biggest one: don’t forget anything and sleep,” said Ethan Shellhouse, another trumpet player in SOTS.

Once in Mobile, SOTS practiced with South Alabama’s Jaguar Marching Band for a special performance.

“We’re good friends with their directors and band staff so it’s always fun to see them,” Walker said. “We’re going to combine together and we have a special surprise for Governor Kay Ivey who’s going to be in attendance.”

SOTS and JMB came together at halftime to perform Happy Birthday for Gov. Kay Ivey as well as the song “My Home’s in Alabama.”

WATCH: Sound of the South and Jaguar Marching Band perform ‘Happy Birthday’ for Gov. Ivey

The performance showed how two rivals can unite to celebrate the state they come from. After the game, SOTS loaded the busses once again and arrived in Troy in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Next, the band plans to start practicing for Troy’s homecoming game on Saturday, Nov. 2.