THE EARLY YEARS OF THE SOUTHERNERS (cont.)

When State and U.S. flags were used, most bands did not use a color guard unit. There were other additions to these marching bands, such as tumblers, clowns, huge bass drums, etc. Of course, there were variations among the bands of this period. It would not be practical to try to mention all of them. However, all the bands familiar to me were as described. This includes the major university bands over the Nation.

Basic Changes Made in the Development of the Southerners Style

I changed the block formation to the more spectacular open rank (company front). This allowed the sound to be heard more distinctly from all instruments. Also, the potential for precision drill movement is greater. The field show centered on precision drill done in abstract formations rather than drawing pictures or doing fancy footwork. However, we did use maneuvers involving limited use of "footwork" (the "silent drill" is an example).

Rather than the traditional military type fanfare at the opening of a show, I began using a theme song, The Stars Fell on Alabama. I added an exit fanfare using a part of Dixie at the end of the show. Mr. Jerry Yelverton of Montgomery, Alabama arranged these tunes. Mr. Yelverton had been a member of the Glenn Miller Band. He was our arranger until Mr. John Knox became my assistant director and arranger. My tune, Southerners' Special, was played as the band stepped off to begin the field show. This tune later became a sort of theme song for the Southerners. These three tunes were standard "trademark" items in every show.

New marching techniques were learned. An example of such techniques is the "step off" at the beginning of the field show. The left foot is brought down on the line (in place) then the right foot is moved forward to step off. This gave positive balance while moving off. Also, the left foot will strike on the line as one progresses down the field. There was strong emphasis on absolute uniformity of motion in every aspect of marching. Every foot was to be lifted the same distance from the ground, at the same angle, etc. We used varied tempos, from sixty beats per minute to as fast as was needed for the desired effect.

The use of section leaders as drill masters, music and marching, of their sections was begun. This allowed a closer look at each band member and the opportunity to correct playing or marching mistakes.

Part of the desired frame of mind for the members of the band was the idea that success is indelibly linked to hard work. The phrase "do it again" was a buzz word. The band uniform changed from the typical one of that time to the newer corps style uniform.

The drum major became a field commander, only. He was not a featured twirler. After the first year, the drum major did not even carry a baton and did not use a whistle as was common in the previous band. The use of hand signals was begun.

I did not use a squadron of majorettes. In its place, I organized a new group, the Marching Ballerinas. This group was designated as a unit that was separate from the band.