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Marching Southerners
20J Line
WELCOME TO THE MARCHING SOUTHERNERS 20J LINE!
The Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners pride themselves in producing a one of a kind bass sound no other collegiate marching band has yet to rival. The Southerners 20J Line can attribute their truly unique bass sound to remarkable players and the world-renowned C.G. Conn 20J Upright Recording Bass.
Section Leaders
Matthew Ellis
Head Section Leader
Hometown: Lithia Springs, GA
High School: Lithia Springs HS
Advice to incoming freshmen: You’re going to hear it a lot during your time at JSU, but it’s just as important the one thousandth time as it is the first: Just Show Up. Just show up to your classes. If you can manage to do that, you are going to have a great time in Jacksonville.
Jacob Norris
Assistant Section Leader
Hometown: Harlem, GA
High School: Harlem HS
Advice to incoming freshmen: You get out of the college experience what you put into it. If you work hard, both musically and academically, you will no doubt succeed. And you will also have your fellow 20Js to support you along the way.
Additional Links
1) Do we have to audition to make the 20J line? Yes, you do! The auditions are not meant to be stressful. They are a combination of marching technique, attitude, and playing ability. The section leaders will keep you informed about the music for auditions as we get closer to band camp.
Auditions will be held during band camp!
2) Do we need to wear anything specific to band camp? No, you don't! We recommend wearing light-weight clothes that you would exercise in. The only requirement is that you wear tennis shoes. Also, bring plenty of water!
3) Where do we meet for events such as Scholarship Auditions, Brass Day, J-Day Game, Band Camp? Contact your section leaders for the exact location. We attached a map of the campus that will hopefully make finding Mason Hall easier. http://www.jsu.edu/campusmap/?Mason_Hall_
4) Do you need to sign up for a specific class to be a part of the Marching Southerners? Yes! At orientation, you will need to sign up for either MU192 or 392. Once you do this, you will officially be enrolled in the Southerners. You MUST be signed up for the class to march.
5) Do we need sign up for band camp? Yes! You will sign up by clicking on the BAND CAMP REGISTRATION tab under "Events/Band Camp".
6) When are concert band auditions? Auditions for the fall semester happen after band camp and before school. There will be sign up sheets for these auditions about a week before they happen. Music for auditions will be posted around May!
Auditions
Auditions for the Marching Southerners 20J line are held during band camp. The auditions will consist of a musical portion, testing your musical ability on the 20J, and a marching portion, testing your ability to march with the 20J. The musical selections for tryouts will be selected by the leadership team during band camp, and the marching portion will be a series of basic marching commands facilitated by the section leaders. Also, attitude and work ethic are highly evaluated during this process and will not be neglected when considering your spot on the line. Need more info on auditions? Check out the Audition page.
What You Need
THE HORN
The JSU Band Department has a collection of Conn 20Js that are used for marching. Every member will check out a horn, consisting of a body and a bell. If you somehow have your own 20J, you are welcome to use it, but keep in mind these horns go through a lot during the season.
MOUTHPIECE
The type of mouth piece you use is up to you. We recommend either a Perantucci or Helleberg mouth piece. We do not allow Bach 18-24AW’s. If this is the mouth piece you use, we suggest upgrading. Try to avoid using a mouth piece used for your concert horn, if you have one. Mouth pieces will go through a lot of wear and tear during the season.
STRAP
In order to hold a Conn 20J, we use old-style snare straps and a carabiner. Straps will be provided by the section leaders for you to purchase during band camp. We do not usually supply carabiners, yet they can be found very easily for very cheap. If you want to purchase your own strap before band camp, check your local music store. If near the Jacksonville area, we suggest Gadsden Music.
Be Prepared
MORE THAN JUST A TUBA
Marching 20J is more than just marching a tuba. This horn requires a lot more strength and control to maneuver and play than a sousaphone. It might take a while for rookies to get used to the horn. Make sure you are in decent shape to endure marching the horn in the crazy Alabama weather. This horn is no joke.
MORE THAN JUST A SECTION
It takes a specific type of individual to be committed to the enigma that is tuba, and it's more than just the horn that makes us stand out as a section. Through years of embracing the odd, and a duty and loyalty to excelling our standards, the 20Js of Jax State have created a tradition of getting business done on and off the field. The 20Js are known across the nation. No matter what age or year you march, you are expected to claim the upmost responsibility and dedication to not just the section, but also the Marching Southerners. Actively listen. Thrive off discipline. Be kind. And never be afraid to be yourself. We always look forward to meeting new personalities and flavors to contribute to the section. After all, that's what makes us unique. BLOW 20J.