Jacksonville State University's band director is retiring after taking the field for 31 years.
Kenneth Bodiford took over as band director for the Marching Southerners in 1994. At the time, the band consisted of 120 members. Today, there are more than 500 band members, and the Marching Southerners have performed in high-profile events, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Pearl Harbor 75th anniversary, the D-Day 80th anniversary, and World Peace Day at the Vatican.
"Over three decades, this has been the honor of my life," Bodiford told students and alumni. "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."
The band also earned the Sudler Trophy, known as the "Heisman of college marching bands," in 2022. The Marching Southerners band was the smallest university band ever to receive the honor.
During his time at JSU, Bodiford also earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Alabama in 2012. He has also led the Jax State Chamber Winds and taught advanced conducting classes. Bodiford led the United States Army All-American Marching Band in the 2016-2017 season.
"On behalf of the entire university, I would like to thank Dr. Bodiford for more than three decades of extraordinary service and for representing Jax State with excellence on every stage," said JSU President Don Killingsworth. "The Marching Southerners are synonymous with Jacksonville State University, inspiring pride in our alumni and community wherever they go. His influence is seen in band rooms nationwide—in the many directors who learned from him and marched for him here—and in the lives of students he's mentored. He has showcased Jax State and the Southerners to the world, and our university is stronger because of his leadership."
Bodiford will retire at the end of the current season, effective January 1, 2026.
The Marching Southerners have been invited to perform at the 138th Rose Parade in 2027.
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