In the midst of the football games in which fans “Lion Up” for the team to win yet another game, the Spirit of the Southland Marching Band is found in the stands playing throughout the action. They also perform the half-time show as football players take a break in the locker room before coming back on the field for the second half of the game. 

Each show is unique in that it changes from game to game; it provides a chance for band members to practice their skills while showing their support for the Lions. 

“The goal of the marching band is to provide music education students with good rehearsal techniques and for them to help with the creativity that goes into each show,” said band director Paul Frechou. “Students come up with many fantastic ideas that you will see on a [home football game] night. We are one of a few bands left that do a different show every single game.”

Band members do everything in their power to rally up the spirit of both fans and players during the game to help show just how powerful of a force the Lions are.  

“Playing at home games are to really pump up the fans, and it’s also a way for us to help pump up the team,” said senior music education major Erica Collins. “I think we’re a huge part of the fan base here for our athletics, specifically football and basketball. Nationally, all the best teams have great bands to back them up, and we’re no different here. We use every rehearsal to prepare for our next game, no matter how far away it is, so that we’re prepared and ready to perform.”

Fans of the last home game agreed the band helped to not only pump up their fellow fans, but helped pump up the football team as well.

“I think the band pumps up the audience. The more the audience cheers, the better the football team will play,” said Maddie Rushing, sophomore psychology major. 

The adrenaline rush after each game keeps the band members going from week to week, even with a strenuous schedule in which practice takes place every day except Sunday. A major part of these practices is learning a new show for the upcoming game.  

“After a game, we’re physically and mentally beat,” said Collins. “At the same time, we’re pleased with what we’ve done over the past week as far as preparation and we walk off the field having done the best we could.”

Along with playing at home football games, the Spirit of the Southland also performs at the Hammond Christmas Parade, various pep rallies, the Homecoming Bonfire and the Homecoming Parade. 

Next year’s marching band auditions will start in January and continue through Aug. 1. A week-long summer camp is used to teach marching fundamentals and start working on the show. If you would like to audition for the marching band, call Frechou at 985-549-3825 or email him at [email protected].