The Most Wanted band in the south:

SOTS prepares to give their all for homecoming

Tilley Dombroski photo Members of The Sound of the South perform in the halftime show.

Homecoming Week would not be the same without Troy University’s beloved Sound of the South Marching Band who gives the festivities an air of red-carpet elegance. A lot of hard work is put into the week-long celebrations.

“This coming week is going to be event heavy, and I can say that the band will give it their all,” said Brooklyn Willis, a member of Sound of the South (SOTS) and a senior music education-instrumental major from Bainbridge, Georgia.

Willis encourages students to attend homecoming performances.

“Not only is it good to support your university, but Homecoming Week shows support and representation for several different organizations around campus,” Willis said. “Homecoming week is a good time to learn and see all the different organizations and people on campus showcase what they love and how Troy has impacted them.

“Seeing all these organizations come together on Homecoming week is nothing short of amazing. Everyone works together to show their love for not only the school but for the community as well.”

To kick off Homecoming Week, SOTS held Troy’s Trojan Madness Homecoming Pep Rally in Trojan Arena on Tuesday. The band’s next appearance will be at The Square in downtown Troy.

There, they will continue the tradition of throwing a band party for both students and alumni the Friday night before homecoming. The party will begin at 7 p.m.

“The homecoming atmosphere is very fun,” said Bryson Grimsley, a member of SOTS and a junior music education major from Dothan, Alabama. “It always feels more relaxed and laid back.”

Then, to kick off Homecoming Day on Saturday, SOTS will march during the Annual Troy University Homecoming Parade.

“The importance of the parade to SOTS is being able to showcase ourselves to the town of Troy,” said Jazmin Laney, a member of SOTS and a senior psychology major from Midland City, Alabama. “We open up the parade, so we are the first thing everyone sees and the energy from the crowd is incredible.”

The Homecoming Parade will be held in downtown Troy’s square and begin at 10 a.m.

Later that day, SOTS will perform in Veterans Memorial Stadium during the homecoming game against Coastal Carolina.

“We are looking forward to welcoming home our SOTS alumni, as well as all alumni, to the Vet this Saturday as we defeat Coastal Carolina,” said Mark Walker, a professor of music and director of bands.

The Sound of the South’s halftime show is a bit different for homecoming than usual games. The band will show off Troy University’s Homecoming Court and announce the Homecoming King and Queen.

The band will play one of their usual marching songs and also play “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter as the Homecoming Court walbs down the field.

Those interested in attending the homecoming game can purchase tickets by visiting troytrojans.com/tickets or calling 334-670-3681. Active students can get in for free with their student ID.