History of Southern Pride
The Georgia Southern University Southern Pride Marching Band was founded in 1982 under the direction of Dr. Jerrold Michaelson. With approximately 100 members, the Band established itself as the entertainment showcase of Georgia Southern University football through dynamic and entertaining shows and drill maneuvering.
In 1990 Dr. Daniel Pittman was hired as the Director of Bands and Director of the Southern Pride Marching Band. In addition to his work with the marching band, Dr. Pittman conducted the concert band, which he renamed the Georgia Southern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the top concert band at Georgia Southern University.
In 1991 Dr. Matthew Fallin was hired as Assistant Director of Bands and Percussion Instructor. Dr. Fallin, an alumnus of Georgia Southern University, and marched in the first Southern Pride Marching Band in 1983.
In 1994 Dr. Fallin took over the direction of the marching band and was appointed Associate Director of Bands. In the same year, Dr. Pittman formed the Wind Symphony, the second concert band at Georgia Southern University. Drs. Pittman and Fallin oversaw a period of unprecedented grown within the marching band. Between 1990 and 2000 membership in the marching band doubled, eventually boasting a membership of over 200 students. It was during this period that, by way of acknowledging the hard work and effort that the Band exerted in the intense South Georgia heat that the Band was given the moniker “The Hardest Working Band in Show Business”.
In 2006 Dr. Robert Dunham was hired as Director of Bands. While Dr. Fallin continued to work with the marching band. Dr. Dunham began an expansion of the overall program, adding numerous graduate assistantship positions and forming a plan for continued growth of all aspects of the program.
In 2011 Dr. Colin McKenzie was hired as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands. Under his leadership, the Band continues to provide Georgia Southern University football fans with an engaging, entertaining product every Saturday and support our Georgia Southern Eagles as they fight on to victory.
In 2012 the Band was pleased to welcome into its ranks, Mr. Tim Doyle. Mr. Doyle occupied the position of Assistant Director of Bands for two years – the first person to hold this position at Georgia Southern University.
In 2014, the Southern Pride Marching Band welcomed Dr. Timothy Kintzinger to the Band faculty. Dr. Kintzinger fills the role of Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of Athletic Bands.
In 2017, Dr. Daniel Haddad was appointed as the new Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands. His vision is to continue the great tradition of the Southern Pride Marching Band while innovating and growing the program both in size and scope.
In 2021, Mr. Michael Thomas was hired as the Interim Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands.
In 2022, Mr. Michael Thomas was hired as the full-time Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You will need to fill out the absence request form. We just need to know when you will be missing and why. You are allowed to miss one rehearsal block to move. You are not allowed to miss an entire day of camp to move into your housing.
If you have your own equipment or access to equipment I would plan on bringing it just in case.
The dates have been officially published on our calendar.
A detailed newsletter will be sent out in the spring detailing everything you will need for camp.
No, anyone is welcome to join the marching band.
Yes. Just send Mr. Thomas and email with the information you need to update and I will make the change. This is especially important once you know your Eagle ID.
The full band typically travels to one away game per year.
Wind Instruments that we will provide: Piccolo, Tenor Sax, Mellophone, Baritone, and Sousaphone.
Early move-in will occur on the first day of band camp. You will check in a Foy first and then check-in to your housing at Watson Hall. Check the calendar for specific move-in dates for your section. Please note: The housing office is located in Watson Hall. This is where you go to get your keys for the place you are living on campus. You do not have to live in Watson Hall.
You don’t. Mr. Thomas will handle all the arrangements for you to move in early to your on-campus housing. Please DO NOT call or email housing to try and set up or alter this in any way. All early move-in questions need to come directly to Mr. Thomas.
Band camp is required. However, send Mr. Thomas an email detailing the reason you will not be able to attend band camp and in certain cases an exception may be made.
We typically hold leadership and captain interviews in January/February for the upcoming season. Drum Major auditions are typically at the very end of the marching season.
Yes.
Yes, all experience levels are encouraged to audition.
No. Everybody will be provided a new pair at the beginning of camp.
No. However, there are a couple of items that need to be purchased. The UDB (Ultimate Drill Book) app and the appropriate e-flip for your instrument. Both together may cost about 40 dollars. Detailed information on what and where to purchase will be in the newsletter.
All rehearsals, performances, and the bowl game are required. See handbook for more information (located on our website).
Yes! You must be signed up for the class. Let your advisor know to sign you up. MUSE 3212. If you cannot sign up for some reason email Mr. Thomas.
Email Mr. Thomas the conflict and we will discuss it to see if we can work it out. In most cases we can work out the conflict so you are still able to participate. Your advisor may need to email Mr. Thomas directly to get approval.
You can visit our website: University Bands, as this is updated regularly. We also use the BandApp for communication. A new group will be created and information to join will be sent out. This will be the primary means of communication. Until then, please check the email you provided regularly.
No. However, you are still required to be at all rehearsals and performances.
Yes. Email Mr. Thomas.
No, at this time we do not allow Ogeechee Tech students to participate in the marching band.
A detailed schedule for band camp will be sent out over the summer. However, the dates are already posted on our website.