I attend Jacksonville State University, and we have a phenomenon known as the Marching Southerners. And, honestly, they're not like your typical college band. They are the college band. No one can compare to them, and everyone knows it. Not even the Million Dollar Band at the University of Alabama can compare, and I’m not joking. The Marching Southerners are fantastic, and I cannot even explain to you the beauty of one of their shows. If you haven't watched one of their shows, I encourage you to get on YouTube and watch. You will be mesmerized. Now, after that laudable introduction, I would like to let you in on an outsider’s perspective of the band: the perspective of a girlfriend of a Marching Southerner. I have been with Chase almost five months, and we started dating right in the middle of football season. Or band season. Because we started dating then, I got thrown right into the middle of what it is like to be involved with someone in the band. If you’re dating one, dated one, or want to date one: here are some things you will be able to relate to!

1. Don't even think about hanging out together on Saturdays in the fall.

Their Saturday's are taken over by football. And yours will be too. Game day will start around 9 AM and will not end until around 5:30 PM. That is if they don't have to go and perform at an exhibiton after a game. I don't mind spending my Saturday's at Burgess-Snow because I get to support one of the best bands on Earth.

2. You attend band exhibitions most Saturdays.

I was a cheerleader in high school and had only ever heard of band exhibitions on the intercom. Now I go to band exhibitions and watch bands perform that I never even knew existed. The Marching Southerners are like the icing on the cake at the exhibitions. The entertainment, honestly. I love being surrounded by people who don't know me and hear them compliment the Southerners. My heart literally surges with pride because I know that I'm not the only one who sees how incredible they are!

3. Practice.

Lol, the Southerners practice so much in the beginning of the season that is almost like a job. Every single day they are practicing. Of course, they don't practice too late, but it is an every day thing. I don't really mind, and I know the entire band is only becoming more and more flawless. But, expect your significant other to be really tired after practice. Honestly, expect them to be in almost an eternal state of tiredness during football season.

4. Thursday practice.

If yours is anything like mine, they will want you to come and watch on Thursday's. Thursday practice is the only night during the week The Southerners get to practice on the football field and it's open to the public. I encourage you to come watch and enjoy the show. Plus, it is really rewarding to get and watch your friends that might be in the band as well.

5. You talk about the band every day.

No matter what season it is, you will be talking about band. How the season went, what next season will be like, etc. Sometimes I forget that I am not in the band because how much we talk about it. I don't mind, and you will find that you get an inside look on what is going on in the Southerners. I find out information about the Southerners a little bit before everyone else and it's kinda cool.

6. You make new friends that are Southerners as well.

You will make so many new friends that are in the band. Dating a Southerner basically guarantees you making around fifteen new friends but good luck remembering everyone's name.

7. The show.

Every year the Southerners put on an amazing show! All eyes are on the Southerners when they perform at halftime. Expect to discuss every aspect of your significant other's part within the show, and do it multiple times. Sometimes you might not understand what they are talking about, but smiling and nodding usually works for me. (Sorry, Chase! ;-))

8. The surge of pride you feel after they perform.

I don't know how to explain this feeling, and it is one of the best things ever. After a show is done when everyone is cheering and clapping-- you feel it. It only gets better when you get to hug them and tell them how amazing they have done.

All in all, dating a Marching Southerner is so rewarding. Your whole life will change! I know where I will be spending my Saturday's for the next couple of years, and I can't wait. Even if you're not dating a Southerner, I am sure you can relate even if you're just friends with one. Being involved with a Southerner is truly one of the special little things in life, and I am so proud to go to a university that takes such pride in their band.