conventions, concert tours and recordings with the symphony band, as well as several nationally televised appearances with the "Sound of the South" Marching Band. Recent history The "Sound of the South" plays halftime shows at all Troy home football games and many of the away games; Some recent trips have been to the University of Nebraska, University of Miami, University of Arkansas, Mississippi State University, University of Florida, and the University of Georgia. The "Sound" has been featured at numerous bowl games, including the Peach Bowl, the Senior Bowl, the Blue–Gray Football Classic, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, and most recently the Dollar General Bowl. The band has also been featured in halftime performances for the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over the past few years, the band has performed for over 500,000 fans. Directors of the Sound of the South John M. Long (1965–1996) Ralph Ford (interim) (1996–1997) Robert W. Smith (1997–2001) Ralph Ford (2001–2010) Mark J. Walker (2010–present) Recordings The band has recorded for the Warner Bros. Records Marching Band Promotional Compact Disc since 1998, which is distributed to over 38,000 bands. This is thanks in part to former director of bands Ralph Ford who has composed and arranged over 130 pieces of music for symphonic band, concert band, jazz band, and marching band . External links Sound of the South Website A Clip of "The Fanfare" John. M. Long School of Music Website Troy University Sun Belt Conference marching bands Musical groups established in 1939 Musical groups from Alabama 1939 establishments in Alabama