Staff Writer

The Sound of the South will be getting some national exposure on Sept. 3.

Troy State University’s band will be traveling to Atlanta, where they will perform the Atlanta Falcons’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.

South of the South director Robert Smith is excited about the opportunity to play in the Georgia Dome before a national audience.

He said playing in different stadiums helps the band better their performances.

Every new opportunity is welcomed as the band prepares to make the transition from 1 AA.

Smith said, just like the athletic department, the band is going through transitions and will have to make adjustments in their programs because of larger stadiums and bigger crowds.

"It will give us a chance to see how our show is impacting," Smith said of opportunities like playing in the Georgia Dome.

The best part, Smith said, is the Troy State Alumni Affairs is offering some road trips this season.

Smith said the band performs a different show at each game and has some exciting shows planned for the football season.

The reasonably priced road trips include transportation, hotel and game tickets.

More importantly, the trips include seeing the Sound of the South and the Trojans perform on the field.

Traveling to Atlanta will be the next stop after the Sept. 2 game against Alabama A&M in Huntsville. Cost of the trip is $150 per person and includes tickets to both the TSU and Falcons games.

Reservations must be made by Aug. 24 and a $50 deposit is required. At least 40 people must make reservations for the trip.

The second game will be against South Florida in Tampa and the third at Jacksonville State at a cost of $120 per person. Reservations for 40 people must be made by Sept. 1. A $50 deposit will be required.

Reservations for the Jacksonville trip must be made by Oct. 10. Cost of the trip will be $55 per person and a $25 deposit will be required. There must be 35 people to make reservations.

To make reservations, call Ozzie Judah with Bay Limousine and Charters at (334) 793-1486. Checks must be made to Bay Limousine and Charters and mailed to 1006 Northfield Circle, Dothan, Alabama, 36303.

For more information, call Mike Amos at TSU Alumni Affairs, (334) 670-3318 or 1-877-4TROYST.