Ole Miss Band Kicks Off 2016 Edition of ‘Pride of the South’

The Ole Miss Band consists of its 300+ member marching band (The Pride of the South) and various concert ensembles. (Photo Ole Miss Bands)

As the 2016-2017 school season nears, Mr. David Willson enters his twenty-sixth year as Director of Bands at the University of Mississippi.

Mr. David Willson is in his twenty-sixth year as Director of Bands at the University of Mississippi. (Photo courtesy Ole Miss Bands)

Today HottyToddy.com honors and wishes Wilson Happy Birthday wishes.

Known as ‘The Pride of the South’ – the band will march down Main Street of the Magic Kingdom in Disney World on September 5 at 2:30pm when Ole Miss Football faces Florida State in Orlando, Florida September 5 in its opening game.

In 2007 he was named Teacher of the Year and awarded the Frist Award for his service to students in 2005. Under his direction the University Wind Ensemble has performed live for Mississippi Public Radio, featured on national public radio, and toured throughout the south.

The Ole Miss Band has provided performances of excellence since 1928.

The Pride of the South Color Guard practices routines for the upcoming Ole Miss vs. FSU game. (Photo Ole Miss Band)

EDITORS NOTE: As a transplant from Missouri now living in Oxford – I’d like to share this word. During my years attending the University of Missouri-Columbia (1978-1982) I played tuba in Marching Mizzou. Since that meaningful season of life I’ve returned to Ole Mizzou to play in the Alumni Band year after year. There’s an unspoken unity between musicians who played in high school and college marching bands. “We don’t get no respect,” right?

While I understand the passion for athletics – lets get behind these band students as they work equally as hard as athletes to deliver a great performance for students, fans and alumni. I personally know the countless hours of memorizing music, going over drills and making sure lines are straight.

By far – Marching Mizzou was my most cherished college experience and continues to hold a valued place in my heart. So Pride of the South – as you take to the field this season know there’s a Mizzou guy cheering you on and applauding your efforts. I’d gladly be an honorary member as Oxford has truly become our home.

I would be remise without a tad of band smack talk – no offense drum line – everyone secretly knows the “Tuba Line Rocks.”

Hotty Toddy Pride of the South.

Russ Jones is the Editor-In-Chief for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at russ.jones@hottytoddy.com.

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