Jacksonville State University

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."

Jacksonville State University (Jax State) is proud to announce that Isaac Cargile, a senior majoring in Music Education, has won the prestigious S.E. Shires Bass Trombone Solo Competition at the Southeast Trombone Symposium. The competition took place on June 22, 2024, in Columbus, Georgia. Isaac Cargile distinguished himself by competing against an elite group of musicians and secured first place out of five highly talented finalists. His victory in this competition underscores his exceptional skill and dedication to the art of trombone performance. The Southeast Trombone Symposium is a highly respected event that brings together some of the finest trombonists from across the region. Winning the S.E. Shires Bass Trombone Solo Competition is a significant accomplishment, reflecting Isaac's hard work, talent, and commitment to musical excellence. Isaac's triumph at the Southeast Trombone Symposium not only brings honor to him but also shines a spotlight on Jax State's music program, showcasing the university's ability to nurture and develop outstanding musical talent.

David Clasgens will premiere "A Spectacle of Discovery" on March 4, 7:30 p.m., at Leone Cole Auditorium.

The Jax State Lyric Theatre troupe will present Irving Berlin's "Holiday Inn" on Feb. 16-18 and Feb. 23-25 in the recital hall in Mason Hall.

The John Phillip Sousa Foundation presented the famed JSU Marching Southerners the prestigious Sudler Trophy at halftime during the Gamecocks final home football game of the season on Nov. 12. Given to one collegiate marching band every two years, the award is the equivalent of winning the Heisman Trophy and JSU is the smallest university ever to win since the awards program was created 40 years ago.

Jacksonville State University's famed marching band, The Marching Southerners, has won the top prize in college bands - the prestigious Sudler Trophy from the John Phillip Sousa Foundation - and also been invited to represent the US in Normandy, France, at the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June 2024.

Three students hailing from Northwest Georgia have been selected to serve as section leaders of the trumpet line for the world-renowned Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

The opera theatre at Jacksonville State University is bringing "Little Women: The Broadway Musical" to campus on May 20-22 and 27-29.

Abbie Beatty has been selected as a head Ballerina in the Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Chloe Collins has been named saxophone section leader for the world-renowned Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Billie Rodriguez has been named front line ensemble section leader for the world-renowned Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Madison Rudy has been selected to serve as clarinet section leader for the world-renowned Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Brooklee Mason has been named drum major of the world-renowned Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Chelsea Owens has been named drum major of the world-renowned Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Brandon Hardegree has been named euphonium section leader for the world-renowned Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Donovan Ceresini has been named percussion section leader for the world-renowned Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Natalie Neace has been named section leader of the colorguard for the world-renowned Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Madison Philley has been named section leader of the colorguard for the world-renowned Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Caleb McDonald of Rossville, Ga., has been selected to serve as a graduate assistant for the Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University for 2021-2022.

Joshua Anderson has been selected as a graduate assistant for the famed Marching Southerners for 2021-2022.

Nearly 500 JSU students were selected to join the world renowned Marching Southerners for the 2020-2021 season.

JSU Drama presents the 346-year-old French comedy, "The Imaginary Invalid," to modern audiences.

Music students in the Jacksonville Opera Theatre at Jacksonville State University have hit the road to share their love of musical theatre with elementary and middle school students.

The David L. Walters Department of Music presented the 11th annual Tubaween concert on Oct. 29. The concert featured the JSU Tuba Euphonium Ensemble and the JSU ENCORE! show choir. The Halloween-themed program included "Witch Doctor," "Ways to be Wicked" and "Thriller," among other popular songs. Instrumental selections included "Halloween Suite," featuring music from "Nightmare on Elm Street" and the Michael Myer's Theme. The JSU Steel Band also gave a special performance to close out the show with Dr. Tony McCutchen's arrangement of "Black Magic Woman."

More than 500 gifted musicians and auxiliary were selected for Jacksonville State University's prestigious band program, the Marching Southerners, in Fall 2019. It's the biggest band in JSU history.

More than 500 students were named to JSU's elite marching band, the Marching Southerners, for the 2018 season.

The Jacksonville Opera Theatre presented JM Barrie's beloved classic, "Peter Pan," on Jan. 4-10.

In April 2018, the cast of "Lillian Paula Carson" brought the workshop production to life. Written by John Barrow and directed by Nick Hoenshell, the play is set in the home of Lillian Smith and Paula Snelling in fall of 1957 as they are visited by Carson McCullers. The story is based in part on the real life friendships and rivalries of the three women.

Jacksonville State University Drama Students collaborated to create, produce and perform reading of original comedy, "The Country Co-Ed" during the spring 2018 semester. With JSU Drama Professor Dr. Michael Boyton guiding as lead playwrite and performing ensemble characters, the students created the orignial work in their Special Topics in Performance course on Devised Theatre. What's more, the group that evolved into the Flying Blind Theatre Ensemble was selected to participate in the Cap Fringe Festival in Washington, D.C. in July.

The Jacksonville State University marching band, the Marching Southerners, received a blessing from Pope Francis while performing in the Rome New Year's Day Parade on Jan. 1.