
Looking shiny even on the practice field, the Pride of the Southland tubas pump out “Rocky Top.”
Count me lucky. Day 4 of UT’s Band Camp found many alums (including me!) watching as the
Pride of the Southland Band practiced its newly- polished maneuvers. Alums stood on the sidelines of a practice field near the
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center duly impressed with what a group, together only for four days, could master for pre-game entertainment.
Horns at practice: Pride of the Southland Band
Practice makes perfect: Pride of the Southland Band
More shine as saxophones take to the field.
They marched 8 to 5. They played “Rocky Top” and “Star Spangled Banner.” And they sparkled — even in the 90-degree heat.

Upholding the colors: UT’s Pride of the Southland flag corps
Even if they weren’t perfect yet, they were getting there, thanks to the leadership of Band Director,
Dr. Donald Ryder and an emphasis on perfection — from drums and horns to flags and majorettes.

Drilling for perfection: majorettes of Pride of the Southland Band
If you’re anywhere near Knoxville for the home opener against Indiana State on September 9th, get into
Neyland Stadium any way you can.
The Pride of the Southland Band will shine on . . . as always.
— Rusha Sams, a proud Golden Grad of the University of Tennessee
For more posts on the Weekly Photo Challenge: Ooh, Shiny theme, click here.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Pingback: Shiny: Selfie with Seals | What's (in) the picture?
Abrie Joubert
Those shint sounds would certainly distract me as well
Oh, the Places We See
It’s good times during band season in Big Orange country. And we’ll be hearing them play all fall. Best wishes to you for a great autumn, too.
Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread
Great shots and love the header. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Judy. I love seeing students perform, and when they’re playing songs I can sing along with, it’s even better!
dawnkinster
Love that first shot for the propmpt…shiny…but really loved all of them, as they reminded me of band camp oh so many decades ago.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Dawn. The experience was a warm, fuzzy one — seeing the band play songs that I’ve been listening to for 50 football seasons! Doesn’t get any better!
Curt Mekemson
Have to be sure Peggy, as a UT graduate, sees this. 🙂 –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
Tell Peggy to keep on cheering for the Vols. We’re not as good as we used to be, so a little help all the way across the country would be a good thing! Have fun at Burning Man!
Curt Mekemson
I’ll pass the word on to Peggy, Rusha. 🙂 And having fun at Burning Man is almost guaranteed. Except of course for the heat and mega-duststorms…. –Curt