About the JMB

The Jaguar Marching Band (JMB) at the University of South Alabama was founded in 2009, inspired by a student petition in 2007 and brought to life under President V. Gordon Moulton's leadership. Dr. Greg L. Gruner, Chair of the Department of Music, envisioned the band as both a unifying force on campus and a recruitment asset. Dr. Ward Miller was hired as the first Director of Athletic Bands in 2008, leading the JMB’s debut with over 140 members.

The band quickly grew in size and prestige—reaching nearly 230 members by its fourth season. Key figures in its early years included the first Drum Major, Cody Salter, and Feature Twirler, Melissa DiCesare, who served for four years. The band’s milestones included its first SEC stadium performance and an NFL halftime show in New Orleans in 2012. Dr. William Petersen also joined as the first Assistant Director of Bands that same year.

In 2013, Dr. Will Petersen became the second Director of the Jaguar Marching Band (JMB) and later succeeded Dr. Greg Gruner as Director of Bands at the University of South Alabama. Under his leadership, the band achieved several major milestones:

• 2014: Performed at Governor Bentley's inauguration and the inaugural Raycom Media Camellia Bowl; hosted over 500 students at the Jaguar Marching Honor Band.
• 2015: Ms. Carson Watson became the third Drum Major; JMB performed at the Bands of America Super Regional in Atlanta.
• 2016: Dr. Jason Rinehart joined as Associate Director; JMB planned a trip to LSU, which was canceled due to a hurricane. The band began using a newly renovated practice field and debuted new uniforms.
• 2020–2021: Introduced summer uniforms and began performing in the new 26,000-seat Hancock Whitney Stadium, which also hosted the South Alabama Marching Band Championships.
• 2022: Welcomed Dr. Robert Abend and Dr. Clayton Maddox to the leadership team; performed in Governor Kay Ivey’s inaugural parade and at the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl after a successful football season.
• 2023: Launched a fundraising campaign for a new 24,700 sq. ft. rehearsal complex near the stadium, scheduled to open in January 2026.
  The JMB has grown in size, visibility, and facilities, solidifying its role as a central part of campus life and school spirit.

The Jaguar Marching Band (JMB) currently has over 275 members and performs at campus events and throughout the Mobile area and Gulf Coast. Membership is audition-based, and students receive access to university instruments, rehearsal facilities, and a lit practice field. Known for its high standards in musicianship and marching, the JMB continues to grow alongside Jaguar Football. In January of 2026 the JMB will move into a new state of the art rehearsal complex. The band is led by Dr. Will Petersen, Dr. Robert Abend, and Dr. Clayton Maddox.

Founded in 2009, the Jaguar Marching Band (JMB) has grown into one of the largest and most visible organizations at the University of South Alabama. As a member, you’ll be part of a nationally respected and fast-growing tradition of excellence. You'll form lifelong friendships, represent South Alabama across the region and nation—and receive a renewable scholarship for your participation!

JMB performs at major local, regional, and national events, including:

Reese’s Senior Bowl
New Orleans Saints halftime
Raycom Camellia Bowl & Nova Home Loans Bowl
Bands of America Super Regional (Atlanta)
Alabama Gubernatorial Inaugural Parades
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
68 Ventures Bowl
Salute to Veterans Bowl
Mobile Mardi Gras parades (crowds of 100,000+)

In the fall, JMB performs at all home football games and select away games. During winter and spring, a select group called the Jag Band performs at basketball games, and the JMB winterguard competes in the Gulf Coast Color Guard and Percussion Circuit.

• Rehearsals: Monday–Friday, 4:00–6:00 PM (fall semester)
• Performances: 2-3 unique halftime shows + traditional pregame at each home game
• Frequent guest and exhibition performances at high school band competitions across the Gulf Coast
• The Current Season Schedule can be found here

All JMB members receive a renewable scholarship with no fundraising or fees beyond the one-credit course enrollment. To remain eligible, students must:

• Enroll in at least 15 credit hours per semester
  Maintain a 2.5 GPA
  Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours per academic year

Scholarship Details:

• Wind Players: Starting at $2,000/year (based on audition and instrumentation)
• Color Guard & Drumline: $2,100/year, increasing by $250/year for up to 4 years
• Drum Majors: $7,500/year (2 selected annually, must have one year of JMB experience)
• Feature Twirler: $7,500/year (national audition required)
• Band Managers: $1,500/year (non-performing support role; 10 positions available)

All scholarships are classified as institutional aid, usable toward tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, and textbooks purchased through campus resources.

JMB alumni are making an impact in nearly every career field across the country. Each year, graduates return for the JMB Alumni Band to perform at a select football game, reconnect with friends, and mentor current members. As part of the JMB, you're joining a supportive network that extends far beyond graduation.

Explore our Audition page to get started.
To schedule a meeting with a director, contact us at:
 📞 (251) 460-6136
 📧 usajmb@southalabama.edu

Can I audition remotely? 

Yes—if you play brass or woodwinds and live far from campus, you can audition via Zoom or submit a video audition. 

Note: Drumline and Color Guard auditions are in-person only. If you have a conflict, email the JMB Director for options.

Do I need to provide my own instrument?

Nope! All members march using high-quality, university-owned instruments. This ensures a uniform look and sound—and keeps your personal instrument safe.

Is marching band a class?

Yes. All members enroll in:

MUO 130 (1 credit hour)

MUO 430 for juniors and seniors

This course counts as an elective in any major.

Do I have to be a music major?

No! Over 80% of JMB members are not music majors. Students from nearly every major on campus are represented.

Do I have to live on campus to be in the JMB?

No! You can live on or off-campus regardless of your classification.

If you choose to live on campus, we recommend applying early. Early move-in fees for JMB camp are fully covered by the band.

 

Is Band Camp required?

Yes, Band Camp is required for all members. Excused absences are rare and must be approved well in advance by the Directors. Vacations and similar conflicts are not excusable. Please make sure your family understands the importance of Band Camp.

I’m in Drum Corps International (DCI). Can I miss part of Band Camp if I’m at Finals?

We celebrate JMB members who participate in World-Class and Open-Class drum corps!

You may miss part of Band Camp while performing at DCI Finals, but once your corps is eliminated, you must report to JMB camp immediately. Be aware you might be considered an alternate until you catch up on drill and fundamentals.

What are the living arrangements if I live in a residence hall?

The JMB covers the early move-in cost for USA Housing during Band Camp. You’ll move into your assigned dorm for the school year on your Band Camp arrival day—no extra steps needed!

What if I live off-campus?

Check with your landlord about early move-in options. If that’s not possible, contact the Jaguar Marching Band office at (251) 460-6136. We’ll coordinate with your section leader to help you find temporary housing until you can move into your apartment.

You can also visit this years Band Camp page to learn more about what to expect

I have a class or lab that is conflicting with Marching Band. Can I have any conflicts?

A limited number of conflicts are allowable in certain cases. If you have a class conflict please fill out the JMB Class Conflict Form to get approval for your class conflict from the directors.  JMB students should avoid registering for classes that conflict with the 4:15-5:45PM rehearsal time unless the course is A) only offered during those times and B) is required for your major field.

Do I have to be in concert band to be in marching band?

JMB students are not required to be in a concert band during the fall semester with a band scholarship. Freshman and sophomores are required to participate in a spring concert band (Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, University Band) or Jazz Ensemble.  Freshman and sophomore Colorguard members are required to be in either colorguard techniques or winterguard in the spring semester.

Some scholarships (music major and minor scholarships, specific USA Bands scholarships) require concert band participation every semester.  Please refer to your scholarship requirements for specific information!

Will I be guaranteed a spot marching on the field? What about alternates? 

Every member of the Jaguar Marching Band will march either halftime or pregame at every game, provided they remain in good standing with the band and have passed off their music.

Decisions on who marches from week-to-week are based on absences, music/drill/routine memorization, and overall ability to march and play. Members not marching at a particular game will serve as an alternate for another marcher and will march that person’s spot in case he or she cannot march that Saturday. All members play in the stands and dress out in uniform. There are NO permanent alternates.

 What trips am I required to attend?

JMB members are required to attend all scheduled performances. All costs of trips are paid by the University and in addition, trips are an important part of the collegiate band experience!