TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Past and present Sound of the South (SOTS) band members are celebrating the group’s 60th anniversary.
During the Memphis game, SOTS alumni were invited to take the field during halftime. Instrumentalists and former auxiliary members showcased fan-favorite tunes.
“I am so excited,” said Anna-Marie Watkins, a former SOTS majorette. “I’m a little older, so it’s difficult. But it is so fun to be back and it just brings back the best memories. I’m just so thankful for the opportunity and thanks for the support. How awesome that it is that it’s been 60 years of the Sound of the South.”
Over the years that SOTS has been playing, the band has developed traditions that both fans and alumni enjoy.
“I think pregame is such a fun tradition, and I’m so glad they still do it,” said Watkins. “And fanfare at the beginning of halftime. I’m so excited they still do that.”
That excitement carries on with other traditions as well. One fan-favorite event is themed Thursday night rehearsals. Themes range from as simple as PJs to as chaotic as painting themselves blue as Smurfs.
“I just love knowing that I make life long friends,” said Bryson Grimsley, a current SOTS member. “Knowing that I can talk to these people forever. The connections I’ve made are unmatched.”
“Being able to perform for everybody on the football field during games. That is extremely fulfilling to me,” said Kayla Lewis a current SOTS member.
Whether you are a fan, alumni, of a band member, the SOTS wants you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the next 60 years of the Sound of the South.
A full video of Saturday’s alumni performance can be found here.
