History

History of The PRIDE

Formed in 1958, "The PRIDE" of Southside Band program has long been at the forefront of musical excellence. This elite group has a proud and storied tradition of outstanding musical performance, personal integrity, and community involvement. For over 57 years, members have thrilled crowds with entertaining shows. Comprised of some of the top students in our school, the Southside Band aims to represent our school, community and state with distinction and class.

The Beginning - Est. 1958

1970's -1980's

The Southside Band continued to grow in size and ability. During the 70's the Alabama State Legislature officially proclaimed the Southside Band the "Musical Ambassador of Alabama".

Today, The PRIDE is one of the most traveled and televised bands in northeast Alabama.

The PRIDE has performed in: San Antonio, New York, Washington D.C., Phoenix, Orlando, Atlanta , and many other locations.

The first band at Southside was formed in 1958 as the "Crimson Panther" Band. This new band was an instant success, quickly becoming an integral part of our school and community life.

More than 5000 students have been a part of the band in its 57year history; and 25% of the band’s current membership have parents who were also member of the band. This perhaps one of the reasons our members feel such a deep bond to one another.

1990's - 2000's

During the 1990’s under the direction of Mr. Hal Murphy, the Southside Band grew in size and notoriety.

In 1992, the City of Southside passed a resolution officially changing the name of the Crimson Panther Band to “The PRIDE” of Southside .

The Symphonic Band was selected to perform for the Alabama Music Educator’s Conference, as well as the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic. The Southside Band is the only band in Etowah County to receive such honors.

Today

Today the Southside Band is comprised of 160 of the best students in our school.
We aim to be an example of musical excellence, personal integrity, and community support.

Accomplishments

Southside HS Symphonic Band
Superior Ratings, Alabama Bandmaster’s Association’s District II Music Performance Assessment
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Featured Performance, Alabama Bicentennial Parade
Chosen as one of seven bands from across the state to perform for this historic event
Matt Weaver, Director
Montgomery, Alabama
December 14, 2019

Featured Performance, Alabama Music Educators Association In-Service Conference
Auburn University - Auburn, Alabama
January 17, 2003

Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic
Troy State University
Troy, Alabama
February 3, 1995

Southside HS Wind Ensemble (est. 2015)
Superior Ratings, Alabama Bandmaster’s Association’s District II Music Performance Assessment
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Featured Performance, Alabama Music Educators Association In-Service Conference
BJCC Concert Hall - Birmingham, Alabama
January 18, 2018

"The PRIDE" of Southside Marching Band
Performances in
Orlando, Florida
San Antonio, Texas
Washington, D.C.
Phoenix, Arizona
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York City, New York 2013 6ABC/Dunkin Donuts 94th Annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

Band Directors

1957-1958 Jan Stowers
1959-1968 Tony Traylor
1969-1970 Curtis Whited
1970-1971 Gary Sims
1971-1972 Steve Daniel
1972-1974 Tony Traylor/Raymond Jones
1974-1977 Raymond Jones
1977-1978 Luther Forman
1978-1979 Wain Bates
1979-1982 Don Robinson
1982-1984 Curits Whited
1984-1987 Homer McCollum
1987-2006 Hal Murphy
2007-2012 Nathan Haskew
2013 - present Matt Weaver

Rainbow Middle School Directors
2014-2018 Alicia Probst
2018 - present Jill DeGaetano

Assistant Directors
2016 Jessica Palmer
2017 - 2021 Rebekah Hammock
2021-present Austin Waits