Show goes on for Jukebox

The Southern University Marching Band has added another away game to its schedule courtesy of the Student Government Association.
Due to funds provided by the SGA, the Human Jukebox will be able to travel to Jackson, Miss., when the Jaguars play Jackson State Oct. 16.
The SGA contributed $13,700 to the band’s travel expense with $9,600 covering the transportation cost and $4,100 covering the cost of meals.
A check was presented to the band Thursday during Sumner’s presidential address were he challenge the community to invest in the band, which he considered an “identifier of the university.”
SGA President Demetrius Sumner said he acknowledged the Jackson State game to be a game that the students in Baton Rouge will have simple access to and a game with a lot of hype. “I just felt like Jackson State was the big away game of the season.”
In consideration for the band, Sumner said he wanted to make a statement that the band is not being taken for granted. The university has pride and respect for the band and its talents.
With reductions in various areas of the SGA, they were able to save sufficient amount of money to cover band travel. Salaries for SGA members this year have been cut in half.
“We are making a lot of saving in other places, so we just group them all up and put it towards this trip,” Sumner Said.
Sumner also added that the SGA hopes that this contribution to the band will incite something in the community to assist them a little more because the SGA doesn’t have a big enough budget to fund all the away games.
“I think the funds that SGA has given the band are a very humble act of kindness on the part of the president and the organization,” said Lawrence Jackson, director of bands.
Jackson said that there is an ongoing effort by the student body, alumni and various university affiliates to see if funds are secure to get the band to more away games in the schedule.
Capital One has dedicated $10,000 in assisting the band in traveling to Oct. 23 Prairie View game in Shreveport and various alumni are contributing funds for the Alcorn State game in Lorman, Miss.
Jackson said that band members were screaming, hollering and clapping when he made the announcement about the band going to Jackson State.
“I am appreciative of the SGA for finding the funds for us to go to the game, so we can be entertaining to everyone else as they requested,” said Caleb Dunbar, band member and junior from Jonesville, La.
Drum major Tevin Coleman said that he is proud that the SGA put forward the effort to get the band to this game.
“I feel like they are doing a great job this year,” Coleman said.