TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — The Troy University Symphonic Band kicked off its fall 2026 performance series, featuring works by Hagen, Grainger, Bennett, Rimsky-Korakov, and Marquez.

The concert cycle took 15 rehearsals, some up to two hours long, and an abundance of individual work. The music was daunting, the sounds melodious, yet for the musicians, it was all worth it.

“It’s really fun, the students are fun to work with,” said Dr. Jerianne Larson, conductor, assistant director of bands. “This is way different music than they’ve played before and it really challenges them.

“It’s a mix of music that was popular 120 years ago, music that’s popular now, so it really challenges them across multiple genres, multiple different decades. They have cluster chords going on, they also have some really nice harmonies as well.”

Despite the demanding execution, students said they found peace in the performance.

TROJAN TALK: Sound of the South Drum Majors talk new season and show

“Just sitting there and being able to play your instrument and have fun, it means the world to me to be able to do that,” said Anna Cosby, a senior music education major from Smiths Station, Alabama. “It feels really, really relaxing, like all my stresses just go away and like I said just having fun and playing the music, that’s what it’s about is having fun and playing music.”

Members of the symphonic band encourage students to immerse themselves in the arts. One way to start? Free concerts located on campus.

“We play really hard music,” Cosby said. “Go out and support your friends, even if you don’t know anyone, go support and listen to some cool music.”

There’s more where this came from.

“I look forward to our next concert cycle,” Larson said. “Even more music, harder music, and you better hold on.”

The next band concert will be the Symphony Band, which will take place Monday at 7 p.m. in Claudia Crosby Theater. That concert will be free to attend and will conducted by Director of Bands Dr. Mark Walker.