|
HATTIESBURG
- The University of Southern Mississippi wants the public to cast
votes for a favorite design of the next Southern Miss Pride marching
band uniforms Jan. 10-Jan. 24 by visiting the www.southernmissalumni.com
Web site.
"The Pride
has become a great public relations tool for the university through
performances during football games, local and national television
such as ESPN, and the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ireland,"
said Southern Miss President Shelby Thames.
"We want
to make sure our talented musicians, faculty and staff have the
best tools to promote the university in a manner that best represents
the quality music programs for which the Pride and the College of
the Arts are known," said Thames. "New uniforms will help
give both past and present members of the Pride a renewed sense
of satisfaction in their presence and presentation."
"Current
band uniforms are in need of much repair, and with a life expectancy
of eight to 10 years, our 12-year-old uniforms have begun to show
their age in the last couple of years due to the conditions they
are continually exposed to," said Gary Adam, Southern Miss
Pride director. "It is becoming almost impossible to put together
complete and fitting uniforms for our members."
"These
uniforms have served the university well, even through all the rain-soaked
games they have endured," said Angela Kilcrease, assistant
to the dean for public relations for the College of the Arts.
"It is
time to freshen our look and enjoy the continued reputation Southern
Miss has experienced as owners of one of the finest college band
programs in the country. The Pride is, and always has been, a highly
visible component of the university's image. They have great showmanship
and musicianship, and their look should complement their talent,"
said Kilcrease.
Anyone interested
may vote on the new uniform.
"It is
important for alumni and friends, along with our entire Southern
Miss family of the university, to have a vote because it gives ownership
back to those who support the Pride now and in the future,"
said Thames.
"Our alumni,
students, faculty, staff, former Pride members and Dixie Darlings'
opinion on the new uniforms will be invaluable in the decision-making
process," said Kilcrease. "It is a chance for them to
say how they want their band to look. We would like to encourage
everyone to participate in this exciting opportunity by casting
a vote."
-30-
|
