2025 Symposium CANCELED
We regret to inform you that the 2025 Marching Southerners Symposium has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. All registered participants who have paid the registration fee will receive a full refund. We appreciate your understanding and hope to see you in 2026!
**DEADLINE TO REGISTER AND BE GUARANTEED A SHIRT: TBA**
This all-day event is an exciting opportunity for middle and high school students to hone leadership skills, gain valuable experience marching and playing their instruments, and take a peek behind the curtain at the inner workings of the Sudler Trophy-winning Marching Southerners.
Participating students will have the opportunity to:
Participate in leadership sessions hosted by the Marching Southerners directors.
Learn marching technique using the Ultimate Drill Book (UDB) app and perform drill under the guidance of the Marching Southerners directors and leadership staff.
This event is open to students of ALL levels of experience and ALL sections (Instrumentalists, Percussion, Colorguard, Dancers, Drum Majors, etc.). From experienced high school seniors to brand new marchers and musicians, the Marching Southerners Symposium strives to create a valuable experience for students regardless of their experience level.
Registration
**DEADLINE TO REGISTER AND BE GUARANTEED A SHIRT: March 22, 2025**
Click HERE to locate the Marching Southerners Symposium Consent/Medical Release Form. This pdf MUST be printed, completed, signed by a parent or guardian, and presented at the registration table during the 8:00 AM check-in process at the Pete Mathews Coliseum. You will not be able to participate in the Marching Southerners Symposium if this form is not presented at the registration table on April 5th.
Thank you all for registering, and we look forward to seeing you on April 5th, 2025!
2025 Schedule of Events
Woodwind and Brass Schedule: CLICK HERE
Percussion Schedule: CLICK HERE
Drum Major Schedule: CLICK HERE
Colorguard Schedule: CLICK HERE
Danceline Schedule: CLICK HERE
Checklist/Important Information
Meals: Meals will be offered at the Jack Hopper Dining Hall on campus at JSU.
Meals are $11 per student and will be “all you care to eat.” Food selection includes sandwiches, soups, pizza, hamburgers, chicken, salads, and many more entree options for students to enjoy. Students will need to bring cash, as the dining hall will not be accepting card payments.
CHECKLIST
- Comfortable tennis shoes for marching and walking around campus (you cannot march in sandals or flip-flops.)
- A large water thermos or water bottle. We will provide water and ice for you to fill up throughout the day.
- A fully charged smartphone to use for the Drill portion. We will teach you how to use the UDB app!
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses/Ball cap- It is important that you protect yourself from the sun. It can get pretty bright at the practice field!
- Money for food and “just in case” for the day. The cafeteria will only be accepting cash.
- Comfortable clothing for the Alabama weather. Shorts and short-sleeves will help in keeping you cool and comfortable!
- For dancers/colorguard: Wear athletic attire that you can freely move in. Tennis shoes are required. Jazz shoes are optional, but no lyrical shoes, soft paws, or dance socks.
- Everyone will need to bring their OWN INSTRUMENT AND EQUIPMENT. This includes Woodwinds, Brass, Battery Percussion, and Colorguard. The only instrument we will provide is Front Ensemble equipment. We do not have enough to lease or rent for the day. Everyone is responsible for their own instruments and equipment.
- Everyone will need to bring their own copies of music, and a music stand. You may read your music off of a smartphone or device if you choose to. Please prepare the part that you are most comfortable on. Front Ensemble will play and read the Flute music.
JSU and Southerners Apparel: “Get Personalized,” a shop located on the “square” in Jacksonville, will remain open during the Symposium to purchase Southerners merchandise. Address: 213 Pelham Rd S, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265
MUSIC
Music to the Fight Song can be found under “Traditional Stand Tunes” below. Please select the part that you are most comfortable playing, and happy practicing!!
Traditional Stand Tunes
PERCUSSION
Click here for the Drumline Packet
Click here for the Front Ensemble Packet
Sammy’s Sofa
JSU FIGHT SONG: ALL DRUMS (CLICK HERE)
BASS DRUM SPLITS/PARTS:
Areas of Instruction
Leadership Clinic: Dr. Kenneth G. Bodiford (Director of Bands)
Students will interact with other student leaders across the southeast in this unique leadership program designed specifically for marching bands.
Percussion Clinic: Mr. Clint Gillespie (Associate Director of Bands/Percussion Coordinator)
Students will work on fundamentals to improve their marching percussion skills. Students will also learn a short cadence and a song to play with the full band at the end of the day.
Marching Clinic: Dr. Jeremy Stovall (Assistant Director of Bands)
Students will learn how to read drill charts and coordinate sheets. This session will include grid terminology, field layout, field markings, and how coordinates work.
Students will also learn how to use the Ultimate Drill Book (UDB) app to aid in setting and cleaning drill.
Colorguard Clinic: Mr. Rodney Bailey (Colorguard Coordinator)
Participants will learn fundamentals from the Southerners Colorguard Leadership staff, which will conclude with the teaching of the JSU Fight Song choreography as well as an excerpt from the upcoming 2023 Production. Students are welcome and encouraged to take any choreography back to their high schools to incorporate into their 2022 fall/winter programs.
Dance Clinic: Mrs. Noelle Stovall (Ballerina/Dance Coordinator)
Dancers will spend the day learning dance fundamentals, stretch and strength building for kicks, and choreography to improve their technical abilities and performance quality.