INTRODUCTION AND UNIVERSITY BAND MISSION The University band is a product of the 20th century. The University band’s acceptance in the curriculum was based on the recognition of it’s intrinsic worth to the student as . . .

• a public relation agent
• a discipline of the mind and body
• a socializing agent
• a leisure time activity
• an aesthetic art

In addition to the values noted above, other values are pride, loyalty, self-control, poise, and group identification--a sense of belonging. To these ends, for more than 70 years, the Jackson State University band program has been a powerful dynamic musical unifying force in the lives of thousands of citizens nationwide. In summary, the Jackson State University Band Program has been recognized as a “ national treasure” and a “benchmark” for musical excellence.