Video above: Jacksonville State’s Marching Southerners to perform in 2027 Rose ParadeThe longtime leader of one of Alabama’s most prestigious collegiate bands has announced his retirement.Kenneth Bodiford, the director of bands at Jacksonville State University, announced Sunday that he will retire on Jan. 1, 2026.Bodiford began his time at Jacksonville State in 1983, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education before earning a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Alabama.He returned to Jacksonville State in 1994 to lead the university’s band program, taking the Marching Southerners from a 120-member group to the powerhouse ensemble of more than 500 members that it is today.During his tenure, Bodiford has led the band program to many prestigious performances, from participating in Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebration in London to performing at the Vatican in Rome and taking part in D-Day commemorations in Normandy in 2024.The Marching Southerners were the recipients of the coveted Sudler Trophy in 2022, described as “the Heisman of college marching bands.”The Marching Southerners were recently invited to play in the 138th Rose Parade in 2027 in Pasadena, California.In a statement released by the university, Bodiford reflected on his time with the program.“Over three decades, this has been the honor of my life,” he said. “We’ve shared some incredible shows, but the real magic has always been the family bond we build year after year… Creating a place where every single person feels like they belong… that is what makes the Southerners truly special.”Bodiford is only the sixth person to serve as the director of the program. The Marching Southerners will soon mark its 70th anniversary.His successor has not yet been announced.>> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. —
Video above: Jacksonville State’s Marching Southerners to perform in 2027 Rose Parade
The longtime leader of one of Alabama’s most prestigious collegiate bands has announced his retirement.
Kenneth Bodiford, the director of bands at Jacksonville State University, announced Sunday that he will retire on Jan. 1, 2026.
Jacksonville State University
Dr. Ken Bodiford
Bodiford began his time at Jacksonville State in 1983, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education before earning a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Alabama.
He returned to Jacksonville State in 1994 to lead the university’s band program, taking the Marching Southerners from a 120-member group to the powerhouse ensemble of more than 500 members that it is today.
During his tenure, Bodiford has led the band program to many prestigious performances, from participating in Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebration in London to performing at the Vatican in Rome and taking part in D-Day commemorations in Normandy in 2024.
The Marching Southerners were the recipients of the coveted Sudler Trophy in 2022, described as “the Heisman of college marching bands.”
The Marching Southerners were recently invited to play in the 138th Rose Parade in 2027 in Pasadena, California.
In a statement released by the university, Bodiford reflected on his time with the program.
“Over three decades, this has been the honor of my life,” he said. “We’ve shared some incredible shows, but the real magic has always been the family bond we build year after year… Creating a place where every single person feels like they belong… that is what makes the Southerners truly special.”
Bodiford is only the sixth person to serve as the director of the program. The Marching Southerners will soon mark its 70th anniversary.
His successor has not yet been announced.
>> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free