The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music and Southern Miss Bands are preparing to welcome student musicians from across the country for another year of All-South activities. Spanning the full academic year, the series connects middle school and high school musicians with Southern Miss faculty, staff and student leaders through honor ensembles, clinics, workshops, camps and performance opportunities.
The season begins Sept. 19, 2026, with All-South Marching Band Day and the Mississippi Lions All-State Band Workshop taking place simultaneously. The experience gives students the opportunity to participate in one or both activities while spending a full day immersed in the Southern Miss band tradition.
All-South Marching Band Day invites participants to rehearse and perform alongside The Pride of Mississippi during the Southern Miss football game against the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies. Students will rehearse on the practice field before joining the band in the stands and on the field for halftime performances, experiencing the excitement and scale of collegiate marching band life inside M.M. Roberts Stadium.
The Mississippi Lions All-State Band Audition Workshop will provide intensive preparation for students planning to audition for the prestigious ensemble. Southern Miss instrumental faculty will offer audition coaching, instructional clinics and individualized feedback to help students refine technique and musical confidence ahead of the 2026 auditions. Free private lessons with instructors will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The annual All-South Honor Band will be held Feb. 12-14, 2027, bringing together outstanding student musicians and directors for a weekend of rehearsals, masterclasses, clinics and performances. The event gives students the opportunity to collaborate with peers from across the Southeast while performing advanced repertoire in a collegiate musical environment.
As part of the conference, the Ocean Springs High School Wind Symphony has been selected as the featured high school ensemble. The invitation recognizes the ensemble’s exceptional musical achievement, outstanding leadership and continued commitment to artistic growth, placing the program among the region’s most distinguished high school wind ensembles.
The summer portion of the All-South experience arrives June 15-19, 2027, with the All-South Drum Major and Guard Camp, recognized as one of the Southeast’s premier training opportunities for student marching leaders and color guard performers.
Open to students of all experience levels, the camp focuses on conducting, leadership development, marching fundamentals, flag technique and rifle work. Participants work closely with instructors and specialists from across the field in an energetic and supportive atmosphere that prepares them for successful marching seasons within their home programs.
Registration for all events is now open. Additional information and registration details are available through Southern Miss Bands.