The concept of legacy holds immense significance for The Pride of the Southland Band, which has long stood for hard work, dedication, and amplifying the electrifying atmosphere of Neyland Stadium. Established in 1869 as an offshoot of the military department, The Pride truly solidified its presence in Neyland Stadium during the 1920s, evolving into a quintessential aspect of campus culture and a cornerstone of the University of Tennessee’s (UT) history.
The role of the drum major is pivotal, serving as a crucial link between the band director and the ensemble, maintaining the tempo, and embodying the leadership that the band expects. This year marks the celebration of 155 years of musical tradition. Current drum major Christian Carroll, a music education major, embraces his role with humility as he carries forward this rich legacy.
“This is Pride 155,” Carroll said. “This band is rich and rooted in culture. It knows exactly what it wants from its members, and it has very high expectations for leadership. Knowing that a program like this wanted me to lead is the most humbling and flattering experience I’ve ever had.”
The Pride of the Southland Band has garnered increased popularity within the UT community and among prospective band members. Anticipating a roster of 550, which includes both returning members and new auditionees, the band conducted reauditions to manage the influx.
In spring 2024, Carroll submitted his application and advanced to the final audition round. He felt a heightened sense of pressure but channeled it into motivation. Ultimately, Carroll was elected as the drum major for the 2024-25 athletic season by the directors and fellow band members.
As the band’s competitiveness grows, so do the expectations for its members. The reaudition process allowed The Pride to discover talent capable of elevating the program’s prestige and enhancing the student experience.
“With these reauditions and so many talented players joining, it significantly raises our expectations,” Carroll noted. “We’re attracting some of the best musicians in the nation, and as that happens, our standards must rise to meet the quality of our members.”
While The Pride of the Southland Band provides the soundtrack for the UT experience, its members also create their own unique musical narrative.
Assistant drum major Sydney Flenniken, also a music education major, utilizes her position as a “black suit” — a teaching role within the band — to enrich her academic journey.
“It’s giving me and other black suits, who are also music education majors, a fantastic opportunity to step into these roles before we enter the field,” Flenniken explained. “This is an incredible chance that not many universities offer.”
Flenniken humorously likens the black suits to “CIA agents sitting next to the band,” highlighting their dual role as educators during rehearsals and security personnel on game days, tasked with managing lost instruments and guiding The Pride to Neyland Stadium.
“Essentially, we act like security walking to the stadium,” Flenniken said. “If anything is dropped, we pick it up. We communicate the plan for the parade block, and when we cross the bridge to the Student Union, we transition into ‘Rocky Top’ and signal for that.”
These signals are vital for ensuring clear communication between the drum major and assistant drum major.
Flenniken and Carroll, who both joined The Pride in 2022, credit their strong teamwork to their effective communication.
“The fact that I have someone I fully trust and respect, given how amazing she is at everything she does, means I can focus on myself and the band without worrying about our team dynamic,” Carroll said. “She keeps everything under control, making my job much easier.”
Their partnership is equally effective in communication during football games. Flenniken acts as the operational eyes, relaying information to Carroll amid the excitement of the game. She even devised a secret code to communicate more efficiently during performances.
“I’ll place my hand on his ladder or the back of his leg to indicate that we’re going to stop soon,” Flenniken explained. “When I start tapping his leg, that’s the cue to cut off. If we need to stop immediately, I just start tapping his ladder vigorously, and he knows to stop right away.”
As the band’s frontman, Carroll relies on those around him to cultivate a cohesive group dynamic. He prioritizes listening to his bandmates and connecting with them personally during rehearsals and performances.
Carroll attributes his leadership skills to lessons from his mother.
“She always says, ‘You don’t just communicate to people; you need to communicate for them,’” Carroll shared. “To do that effectively, you must understand and get to know those people.”
To foster relationships within the team, Carroll takes a holistic approach, engagi
ng with teammates during breaks to gather insights that inform his leadership decisions.
Growing up surrounded by music can be invigorating or draining, depending on one’s perspective. For Carroll, he transcends any feelings of apathy by harnessing his passion for music as a source of inspiration.
“The long-term reason I’m doing this is that I feel called to impact lives through music,” Carroll stated. “That mission motivates me through all the musical experiences. I know that at the end of this journey, I’m making a difference in people’s lives.”
As the Vols prepare for a series of SEC matchups, The Pride of the Southland Band is poised to deliver an energetic performance both at Neyland Stadium and on the road.
“The university is on the rise, academics are improving, and sports are flourishing … and the band is rising with it,” Carroll said. “The full, 100% effort we’re putting into our rehearsals is helping us keep pace with this incredible, growing university.”
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