Jacksonville, AL –On April 15th of 2023, Jacksonville State University will host the second annual Marching Southerners Symposium.

The all-day event provides an occasion for high and middle school students to develop their the skills of leadership, gain experience in marching and playing instruments, and get an inside look to see the inner workings the Sudler Trophy-winning marching Southerners.

Students taking part can choose to:

    • Participate in leadership workshops that are hosted by Marching Southerners directors
    • Learn about marching techniques and practice drills under the supervision by staff members of the Marching Southerners directors and leadership staff.
    • Join the marching Southerners for the very first performance of 2023’s Marching Southerners concert music!

The event is open for students from all stages of their experience in all sections (Instrumentalists Percussion, Colorguard as well as Dancers, Drum Majors and so on.). From high school seniors who have been in the field for years to new musicians and marchers The Marching Southerners Symposium strives to give a positive experience to students regardless of their previous experience in the field.


2023 Calendar of Events

8:00 AM Check-in (Pete Mathews Coliseum)

8:30 AM Opening Meeting (Pete Mathews Coliseum)

8:30 AM Transfer to Practice Field (Bennett Field)

9:00 AM Marching Session (Bennett Field)

10:00 AM Transition Mason Hall

11:00 AM 11:00 AM Drill Book (UDB)/Leadership Clinic (Recital Hall/Band Room, Mason Hall)

12:00 PM Lunch in The Cafeteria (Jack Hopper’s dining hall)

1:15 pm Transition into Field (Bennett Field)

1:30 PM Music Rehearsal (Bennett Field)

2:00 PM Learn Drill (Bennett Field)

(Drum Major Conducting Session)

3:15 PM: Auxiliary and Percussion Begin (Bennett Field)

4:00 PM Snacks (Bennett Field)

4:45 PM Transfer from Stadium (JSU Stadium)

4.45 pm Meet at 4:45 PM the Southerners (JSU Stadium)

4:50 PM Warm-up (JSU Stadium)

5:45 PM Conduct Fight Song Drill

(Parents could be invited to join) (JSU Stadium)

5.15 pm Reading Band (JSU Stadium)

2023 Southerners Show

6:00 PM Dismiss (PICK UP STUDENTS AT JSU STADIUM)

Instructional Areas

Leadership Clinic The speaker is The Dr. Kenneth G. Bodiford (Director of Bands)

Students will get to know other students from across the southeast through this special leadership program specifically designed for marching bands.


Percussion Clinic Mr. Clint Gillespie (Associate Director of Bands/Percussion Coordinator)

Students will learn the basics to build their marching percussion abilities. Students will also be taught the short cadence as well as the song that they will play together with the whole band at the conclusion on the same day.



The Marching Clinic The Dr. Jeremy Stovall (Assistant Director of Bands)


Students will be taught how to understand diagrams and sheets of coordinates. This class will cover grid terms and the layout of fields, marks on field and how coordinates function.

Students will also learn to utilize tools like the Ultimate Drill Book (UDB) application to assist in the process of setting and cleaning drills.

Colorguard Clinic: Mr. Rodney Bailey (Colorguard Coordinator)

The participants will learn the fundamentals of instructors from the Southerners Colorguard Leadership staff and will end with the demonstration about choreography from the JSU Fighting Song choreography, as well as some of the scenes from their 2023 production. Students are encouraged and welcome to bring any choreography they have learned with them back to high school to incorporate in their 2022 fall/winter classes.

Dance Clinic Dance Clinic: Dr. Noelle Stovall (Ballerina/Dance Coordinator)

Dancers will spend their day studying dance fundamentals, stretching and strength-building for kicks, as well choreography to enhance their technical capabilities and performance.