Middle and high school band members from 28 different groups will perform along the Sound of the South Marching Band this Saturday as part of Troy University’s Band Day.

More than 2,500 students are expected to join in the special halftime performance during the Trojan’s home game against Florida International University.

“This is a very important event for us, as it brings a large number of students to our campus, who otherwise may not have the opportunity to visit,” said Dr. Adam Blackstock, Troy’s assistant director of bands and assistant professor in the John M. Long School of Music. “This is an invaluable recruiting tool that has been in place for many years and it as a large impact on the university and surrounding community.”

The annual event began in 1998 and provides high school band students the opportunity to experience performing in a large setting on a collegiate level.

Participating students will arrive Saturday morning and take part in a rehearsal with the Sound of the South. The bands will play in the Trojan Victory Parade up University Avenue and take part in the football team’s Trojan Walk at 9:45 a.m.

Saturday is also Troy’s annual fall preview day for high school juniors and seniors, along with their parents. Events for preview day get underway at 8:15 with a browse session on the Bibb Graves Quad. From 9 to 11:30 a.m., the admissions office will provide a presentation and campus tours. Those in attendance will then be able to attend Saturday’s football game.

Registration for the fall preview is available online at the Prospective Student link at www.troy.edu. Click on the “Plan My Visit” section and select the event date of Oct. 20. For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions at 334-670-3179.

Kickoff for the game is set for noon. For tickets, call 1-877-878-9467.