The Pride of Dixie drumline won a competition against schools that included the University of Michigan drumline, the Cincinnati University drumline, the Tennessee State University drumline, the Ball State University drumline and the Lamar University drumline.

The POD drumline performed in the Indianapolis Conference Center for the Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention on Nov. 15.

The full POD band played as an exhibition band in Lucas Oil Stadium in the Bands of America Grand National Championship on Nov. 14. 

“We are incredibly pleased to have been invited to perform at both of these events,” said Band Director Lloyd Jones. “It validates the incredible job our students have done through the years as performers with the UNA Pride of Dixie.”

POD is one of the most prestigious bands in the United States, he said.

“Simply receiving an invitation to perform at either of these events is recognition that our program is one of the most highly regarded in the United States,” Jones said.

POD was one of four bands that were invited to perform during the Grand National Championships on Nov. 14 and the drum-line was one of three drum lines to be invited to play at the PASIC on Nov. 15.

“Performances such as these will raise the visibility and awareness of the University of North Alabama in a competitive collegiate atmosphere,” Jones said.

The invitations to the two events were equivalent to winning a National Championship, said assistant band director Iain Moyer, who teaches the POD drumline.

“It was awesome,” said snare drummer Matt Upton. “We didn’t really expect to do so well, but, in the end, we realized that we were better than we had portrayed ourselves.”

“Going up against D-I drumlines was just awesome to think about,” said Nick Hull, a member of the percussion section. “They get lots of luxuries that we don’t get. It was really cool to be able to beat them at something.”

The exhibitions by all of POD and the drum-line are going to allow for improvements in recruiting, Jones said.

“This event gave UNA a national presence rather than the usual regional presence,” Jones said.

The exposure will not only bring music majors but other majors to UNA, Jones said.

“The counselors and high schoolstudents from different parts of the country saw this and heard our name,” he said. “Not only will this bring music students, but also other majors.”