"Jukebox" named among NCAA's top 5 marching bands

Southern University's "Human Jukebox" marching band has been selected by the NCAA as the second best collegiate marching band in the country, topped only by Ohio State University.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association released a video on its website citing Southern, Ohio State and three others college bands as its top five. Other bands featured include the University of Tennessee at number 5, Ohio University at number 4 and Stanford University at number 3.

"This is downright amazing for our students that the NCAA has taken notice of what we do at Southern University," said Director of Bands Lawrence Jackson. "This recognition means a lot to us. Our students sacrifice so much in an effort to entertain and make the Jaguar Nation proud."

A video of the five chosen bands on the NCAA website says about Southern, "Sometimes playing musical instruments just isn't enough. Sometimes you just want to dance. And, no band combines those two art forms like the Human Jukebox."

SU's band had been honored recently by performing the pre-game show at the 2013 Superbowl in New Orleans and in a video with the popular pop music group the Jonas Brothers. The band's Dancing Dolls group performed at the halftime of 2012 Superbowl with music icon Madonna.

SU's marching band has performed at five Superbowls, at presidential inaugurations, among other high profile venues around the world.

"This all happens because our students are dedicated to the legacy our band began by the band directors Dr. Ludwig Freeman to Dr. Isaac Greggs. Being the best is a tradition that they want to continue," Jackson said. "This is also a pat on the back to the work of Assistant Director of Bands Nathan Haymer and Percussion Instructor Lorenzo Hart."

"While I will always consider the Human Jukebox to be the best college marching band in the nation, to be chosen second to Ohio State is truly an honor," Jackson said.

Interestingly, the New York Times newspaper, in a 2009 article, said it considered the two best college marching bands in the country to be Southern and Ohio State.

The New York Times article said, "While there are dozens of superb bands marching their way across football fields in the United States, two that exemplify a consistently.

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