The University of South Alabama Jaguar Marching Band will perform in exhibition during the halftime of the New Orleans Saints football game against the Atlanta Falcons to kick off at noon on Sunday, Nov.11, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

The show, “A Salute to the Armed Forces,” will present patriotic themes, but the highlight of the production will be a medley of the anthems of all five branches of the United States Armed Forces.

“The military is an important part of life for all Americans,” said USA’s Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Ward Miller. “But with so many of our men and women on the Gulf Coast serving in the Armed Forces, we wanted to take time to recognize their service and dedication.”

The show will also be new in a different way than previous productions the band has performed: it will be a "picture show" written by the Jaguar Marching Band’s new Assistant Director Will Petersen.  The "picture show" will feature the band making different pictures and shapes on the field, and then animating them for the crowd. An example would be the aircraft carrier the band will form during “Anchors Aweigh” that will subsequently float down the field. The Jaguar Marching Band, like many college programs, usually marches more abstract drill and formations.

"It's been a thrill to be able to work with the Jaguar Marching Band throughout the season, and it's a wonderful privilege to be able to write the drill and musical arrangements to this show honoring our Armed Forces, " Petersen said. “The JMB has taken to the unique style of a picture show and has been working extremely hard during this quick preparation to make sure the show is befitting the important place the Armed Forces have in our lives."

Already performed on November 3, 2012 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, the show received a standing ovation from those in attendance.  Petersen added, “I know how important this show is to all the members of the band, many of whom have family and friends who have served or are currently serving.  For them to be able to give back in a performance and honor the United States and its Armed Forces is extremely special.  I know that same feeling will be with them in New Orleans this weekend.”

Sunday’s performance at the Mercedes Benz Superdome will be the largest crowd, likely topping 70,000, that the University of South Alabama Jaguar Marching Band has performed for during its four-year history. This will also be the JMB’s first NFL performance.

For more information, contact Dr. Ward Miller at (251) 460-1793 or Will Petersen at (251) 460-7794.