Southern University Marching Band drum major Keith Morgan, center, leads the band down Scenic Highway for Southern University's Homecoming Parade Oct. 17.
Photo essay: Homecoming with Southern’s Human Jukebox
March on: A very long day in the life
of the Human Jukebox, Southern University’s esteemed marching band
Photos by Brianna Paciorka
Homecoming weekend festivities are a big deal for any Southern University student or alum. For members of the Human Jukebox, one of the most recognizable and entertaining collegiate bands in the country, it’s a grueling day that starts with practice before the sun even rises. 225 sent photographer Brianna Paciorka to document the band as it prepared for the homecoming game Oct. 17 against Prairie View A&M University.
6 a.m.Early morning practice
Street lights illuminate band members as they go through their first practice of the day at 6 a.m. outside of Southern University’s Ace W. Mumford Stadium.Band members are framed by the Dancing Dolls during the early morning practice.Pastel colors fill the sky as the sun rises above the Human Jukebox as they finish up their first practice of the day.Southern University Director of Bands Nathan Haymer, left, directs band members as the band loads buses outside of the stadium.Senior trombone player Benjamin Key, center, practices with his fellow upperclassmen trombone players before loading a bus outside the stadium.
8 a.m.Parade time
Drum major Keith Morgan, center, leads the band down Scenic Highway for the Homecoming Parade.Trombone section leader Dovan Willis dances along as the Human Jukebox parades down Scenic Highway.The Dancing Dolls lead the band down Scenic Highway.Parade goers snap pictures and videos on their cell phones.
2 p.m. Afternoon practice
Having changed into his traditional band uniform, freshman Jeremy Myrick shines his baritone before a pre-game afternoon practice held at the Isaac Greggs Band Hall.The Human Jukebox practices songs inside the Isaac Greggs Band Hall.
3 p.m.Into the stadium
The Southern University Marching Band lines up for its march to Ace W. Mumford Stadium.The Dancing Dolls dance in the stands during the game.A trumpet player stretches as the band lines up for its halftime performance.Drum major Keith Morgan performs the famous Southern University drum major back bend during the band’s halftime performance.The band takes to the field to perform during halftime.The band performs at halftime.
