History
The Georgia Southern University Southern Pride Marching Band was founded in 1982 under the direction of Dr. Jerrold Michaelson. With approximately 100 members, the Band established itself as the entertainment showcase of Georgia Southern University football through dynamic and entertaining shows and drill maneuvering.
In 1990 Dr. Daniel Pittman was hired as the Director of Bands and Director of the Southern Pride Marching Band. In addition to his work with the marching band, Dr. Pittman conducted the concert band, which he renamed the Georgia Southern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the top concert band at Georgia Southern University.
In 1991 Dr. Matthew Fallin was hired as Assistant Director of Bands and Percussion Instructor. Dr. Fallin, an alumnus of Georgia Southern University, and marched in the first Southern Pride Marching Band in 1983.
In 1994 Dr. Fallin took over the direction of the marching band and was appointed Associate Director of Bands. In the same year, Dr. Pittman formed the Wind Symphony, the second concert band at Georgia Southern University. Drs. Pittman and Fallin oversaw a period of unprecedented grown within the marching band. Between 1990 and 2000 membership in the marching band doubled, eventually boasting a membership of over 200 students. It was during this period that, by way of acknowledging the hard work and effort that the Band exerted in the intense South Georgia heat that the Band was given the moniker “The Hardest Working Band in Show Business”.
In 2006 Dr. Robert Dunham was hired as Director of Bands. While Dr. Fallin continued to work with the marching band. Dr. Dunham began an expansion of the overall program, adding numerous graduate assistantship positions and forming a plan for continued growth of all aspects of the program.
In 2011 Dr. Colin McKenzie was hired as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands. Under his leadership, the Band continues to provide Georgia Southern University football fans with an engaging, entertaining product every Saturday and support our Georgia Southern Eagles as they fight on to victory.
In 2012 the Band was pleased to welcome into its ranks, Mr. Tim Doyle. Mr. Doyle occupied the position of Assistant Director of Bands for two years – the first person to hold this position at Georgia Southern University.
In 2014, the Southern Pride Marching Band welcomed Dr. Timothy Kintzinger to the Band faculty. Dr. Kintzinger fills the role of Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of Athletic Bands.
In 2017, Dr. Daniel Haddad was appointed as the new Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands. His vision is to continue the great tradition of the Southern Pride Marching Band while innovating and growing the program both in size and scope.
In 2021, Mr. Michael Thomas was hired as the Interim Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands.
In 2022, Mr. Michael Thomas was hired as the full-time Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands.
Last updated: 2/1/2024