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The Harris Triplets: Continuing a Family Legacy Within the Marching Southerners

by Brett Buckner

Jacksonville, AL (11/14/2024) — After 31 years with the Marching Southerners, director Ken Bodiford thought he'd seen it all - until he met three heirs to a family legacy: the Harris triplets, Dawson, Ethan, and Kendall. Freshmen with the Marching Southerners and from Gadsden, Dawson and Ethan play brass instruments while Kendall dances with the Ballerinas. "They're easy to distinguish physically since they aren't identical," Bodiford said, "but they all share a common spirit of dedication and positivity that has greatly enriched our program."

Dawson, an Occupational Safety and Health Management major, started playing trumpet in middle school. He did so at the suggestion of his mother, Stacy Harris, who was the school's band director. "I found a lot of enjoyment playing it," Dawson said. After a couple of years of trumpet lessons, Dawson and his siblings made the All-State Band in their senior year. Ethan, an Instrumental Music Education major, was drawn to the trombone when he joined Beginning Band in sixth grade. "What interested me about the instrument was how cool it looked and how I could play with the slide," Ethan said. "When we were testing instruments, the trombone was the instrument I could get the best sound on." With years of practice throughout high school, he too was recognized for his musical abilities, making All-State three times. Kendall, a nursing major, has been dancing since she was four, joining her middle and high school dance lines. She also started playing the trumpet in sixth grade and the French horn by the time she was in 10th grade. "Music has always been an integral part of my life and has shaped me as a person and dancer," she said. "

The Harris triplets are continuing a long family tradition. Their parents, Tim and Stacy Harris, met in the Marching Southerners when Stacy was the principal clarinetist, and Tim was the principal tubist. Their older sister and recent Jax State graduate, Kaelyn, met her future husband, Graham Hester, when both were in the Southerners. "It's truly rewarding to see their children carrying forward the family tradition with the same dedication and talent," Bodiford said. However, Dawson, Ethan and Kendall have a unique support system within the band. "Personally, I think it is really cool being a triplet in the same band," Ethan said. "I have never been met with a challenge with all three of us being in it. We always have each other to lean on."

Kendall added that there is no sibling rivalry but rather a sense of unity. "We are always there for each other," she said. "I think we are more comfortable with the others around. Having both of them in different sections, we are introduced to their friends as well. I feel like it unites our sections."

Bodiford applauds the triplets' shared qualities-friendly demeanor, politeness and unwavering commitment-making each a valuable member of the Southerners' extended family. "They are consistently present, always on time, and give 100 percent to every rehearsal and performance," he said. "Additionally, each of them brings a unique talent, and their teamwork and respect for the program's legacy shine through in everything they do."

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate level. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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