HBCU Band Dynasty Southern University to plant flag in ATL

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Southern’s reputation is built on precision, powerful sound, and a legacy of innovation. Taylor said his team works to keep that balance. 

“Like always, we try to be innovative and creative, but also holding on to our traditional style. Southern University [is] known for doing line drills, so we try to add in things as we go to continue to be innovative.”

Recruiting Through the MEAC/SWAC Challenge

The Human Jukebox also plans to use the MEAC/SWAC Challenge against North Carolina Central as more than just a performance stage. Taylor said his band will arrive early in Atlanta to connect with future musicians. “Atlanta is a great place to perform, which is why we’re coming on Thursday. We’ll be in Atlanta from Thursday all the way to Sunday,” he explained.”

Southern will visit high schools across the metro area, giving prospective students a first-hand look at the band.

“We’re trying to go to all of [the schools] so the students can get up there, see the band live,” Taylor said. “A lot of times when we look at band, the YouTube concert… you got to see it live.”

Prospects for the Human Jukebox should know that there are many opportunities coming out of Baton Rouge.

These students don’t just come here and learn music. We make sure they get internships. We make sure these students have an opportunity to do more than just music. And stars come through here all the time. We just don’t post it because I’m more intimate. 

The Stakes in 2025

The preseason Band of the Year poll, released Wednesday on HBCU Gameday, placed Southern tied for sixth. For a band often considered the standard bearer among HBCU programs, that position sets the stage for a pivotal season.

Taylor closed his remarks by reinforcing what makes the Human Jukebox unique: “Here in this band, love is nothing like it… Our students, they do an amazing job in the band hall, just executing and being able to bring music to life.

As one of the blue bloods of HBCU marching bands, Southern’s next step is clear: turn tradition, recruiting power, and innovation into a ticket back to Atlanta in December.