Una "pride Of Dixie" Receives National Recognition

Feb. 16, 2016

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

By Carole Maynard,UNADepartment of Music FLORENCE, Ala.-The University of North Alabama "Pride of Dixie" Marching Band has received recognition from the College Band Directors National Association(CBDNA)as an exemplarycollegiate marchingprogram.Dr. Lloyd Jones, director of bands at UNA, has been invited to present a video of the band and speak about the processes and procedures used by the "Pride of Dixie" at the CBDNA conference. "This is indeed a great honor to be recognized by othersin the collegiate band ranks as one of the best,"said Jones."Our students work diligently to produce a quality productthatrepresents UNA in the finest manner. I am very proud for our students to receive this recognition. This would not be possible without the support of our alumni, administrators and faculty." University marching band programs from across the southeast were invited to submit videos of their performances to the CBDNA committee for consideration. "The committee had a very difficulttime in making the selections. All of the ensembles were incredible,"said Randall Coleman, associate director of bands at the University of Alabama and member of the CBDNA committee. Of all the programs submitted, the UNA "Pride of Dixie" was the only NCAA Division II band selected to be highlighted at the conference, which will be held in Charleston,South Carolina, February 18-20. Receiving this national recognition is not only important for the band program, but also for the university as a whole. "This is a wonderful commentary on Dr. Jones and our students, and it represents great exposure for UNA as well," said UNA president Ken Kitts. This isn't the first time the "Pride of Dixie" has received national recognition. The band has performed atmanystate,regional and national venues in recent years, includingtwo appearances at the Bands of America Southeast Super Regional in the Atlanta Georgia Dome, and two appearancesat the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the bandperformed formore than 20,000spectators in Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. "It was so exciting to see all those fansfrom all over the countryrise to their feetand give us standingovationsnumerous times during the show," said band member Elizabeth Yarbrough."It reallyhelps us to understand thatUNAand the'Pride of Dixie'arereally something special." For more information about UNA Bands, visit una.edu/universitybands.