Mr. Ralph Ford, Conductor

Mr. James W. Smith, Associate Conductor
Dr. John M. Long, Conductor Emeritus

The Symphony Band, a concert ensemble of 80 players - most of whom are music majors, is under the baton of Director of Bands, Mr. Ralph Ford. Under distinguished leadership, the Symphony Band has performed at the national conventions of the American Bandmasters Association, the College Band Directors National Association, the Music Educators National Conference, the Women Band Directors International, the Alabama Bandmasters Association and is the featured band at the annual Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic. The band is open by audition only at the beginning of each semester. The band gives numerous concerts year-round, including touring extensively throughout the south during the spring semester. Membership in this group is a rich and valuable addition to the musician's set of experiences.

In recent years, the Symphony Band has been conducted by Jerry Junkin, Mike Nakosone, Larry Clark, Dr. John M. Long, Robert W. Smith, Col. John R. Bourgeois, Dr. Harry Begian, Robert Foster, Com. R. Bryan Shelburne, Keith Mann, James Copenhaver, Dr. William Moody, Dr. Anthony Miello, Steven Mellilo, Dr. William D. Revelli, Dr. Paul Yoder, Dr. Mark Hindsley, and Sir Vivian Dunn.