Pride of Mississippi Marching Band Preview Set for Aug. 31

The University of Southern Mississippi's Pride of Mississippi Marching Band and the Dixie Darlings are ready to kick off the 2018-19 football season with the annual Pride Preview performance.

This free concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday Aug. 31 at Centennial Lawn on the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus, prior to Friday Night at the Fountain. All are invited to come enjoy an evening of music and entertainment that also marks the traditional opening of the Golden Eagle Football season.

From starting in 1920 as a 20-person brass ensemble, the Pride of Mississippi has since evolved into a highly respected marching band comprised of more than 300 members. The Dixie Darlings started off as a bagpipe ensemble combined with the Southern Belles dance/drill team, which has evolved into the Dixie Darlings today.

“Pride Preview is going to be spectacular,” said Director of Bands Dr. Catherine Rand. “One feature piece of the performance will be from their first half-time show, featuring hits from boy bands from the Monkeys to the Back Street Boys.”

Regarded as one of the nation's finest university marching bands, The Pride has performed for events such as one of President Franklin Roosevelt's inaugural parades, the Chicago World's Fair, and even an international performance in Ireland for the Saint Patrick's Day celebration.

For more information, contact University Bands at 601.266.499; email USMBandsFREEMississippi or visit http://www.usm.edu/music/bands.