Weekly Photo Challenge: Ooh, Shiny — UT’s Pride of the Southland Band

20Aug
by Oh, the Places We See

Looking shiny even on the practice field, the Pride of the Southland tubas pump out "Rocky Top."

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
Horns at practice: Pride of the Southland Band
Practice makes perfect: Pride of the Southland Band
Practice makes perfect: Pride of the Southland Band
More shine as saxophones take to the field.
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

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

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.

10 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge: Ooh, Shiny — UT’s Pride of the Southland Band”

  1. Pingback: Shiny: Selfie with Seals | What's (in) the picture?

    1. 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.

      Reply

    1. 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!

      Reply

  4. 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.

    Reply

    1. 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!

      Reply

    1. 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!

      Reply

      1. 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

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