NCAA RANKS SOUTHERN BAND #2 IN THE NATION

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has ranked Southern University’s Human Jukebox Marching Band as the second best marching band in the country, following Ohio State University this past December.
The 210-member band received the honor through a video released on the NCAA’s website December 2nd, with The University of Tennessee ranking fifth, Ohio University at fourth, and Stanford University coming in at third.
The Human Jukebox have had their share of top ratings as they were ranked the #1 band by USA Today, best dressed band, number one HBCU band, and number one dance squad. 
They have also performed at five super bowls, three presidential inaugurations, four sugar bowls, and in several music videos with the most recent being The Jonas brothers’ “Pom Poms.”
Lawrence Jackson, Director of Bands at Southern University, said that this ranking speaks louder than one would think and will possibly boost University recruitment. 
“At the same time, in my heart and my eyes, I still feel that the Human Jukebox will always be number one, but that rating by the NCAA speaks volumes because that rating is compared to the NCAA football championship that Florida State won and came in first place, and Auburn was cited as the number two football team in all of NCAA, just like Louisville won the NCAA Basketball Championship, and the second place team Michigan, would be Southern University if that was the case.  That’s how huge that is and that’s great because it’s going to help university recruitment because everybody want to be a part of something that is nationally known,” said Jackson.
Keith Morgan, drum major and sophomore Mass Communications major from New Orleans, LA said he was surprised, but honored to be recognized for doing what they (the band) love to do. 
“Being the only HBCU recognized in the top 5 bands in the NCAA is truly a great honor. I was in awe when I heard the news and I’m thrilled that this is definitely an extra memory to add to my list during my time as a member of the Human Jukebox. The band and I are truly grateful for the ranking and we will continue to please the crowd by doing what we love to do,” said Morgan.
Derrick Esprel, a sophomore Human Nutrition major from Opelousas, LA, said this proves that hard work pays off. 
“I must say it’s a very humbling experience.  I say that because you never know how far hard work can really take you, but it doesn’t stop there.  We will continue to strive for perfection,” Esprel said
In the past, the marching band has also represented the University in Algeria and Morocco, performed at very first opening of the Superdome, the opening of the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina, and at the NFL National Conference Championship held in New Orleans between the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings for over 70,000 fans.  Along with these accomplishments, the accomplishments of the Human Jukebox is vast. 
“I’m very humble in being a part of the NCAA rating of college bands.  This is the first time in the history of the organization that they have rated bands, being that they are the governing body of college sports and for us to be included in the first ever rating in the NCAA,” said Jackson.
Jackson ended by saying, “There are a lot of NCAA bands in the nation–major institutions, HBCU schools, private schools–and for us to be a part of the top five bands in the nation, being number two, Jackson continued.
He ended by saying, “ I would say that it is a testament of hard work that has been put in by the band students and my staff, consisting of Nathan Haymer, Assistant Director of Bands;  Lorenzo Hart, Drum Instructor; Sandra Byrd, Band Secretary; Mr. Darren Hale, the announcer; and Bridget Richard, the dance sponsor and of course me, the director of bands.  I am just excited to be inclusive in the number.”