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Troy Univ. Makes Way for New Band Hall; Alumni Relive Memories

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By Jessica Gertler

Story Created: Jul 25, 2012 at 5:02 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 26, 2012 at 12:11 AM CDT

It's the end of the era today at Troy University as the John Maloy Long Hall is demolished to make way for a $7.5 million band and music facility.

Sound of the South alumni say it's bittersweet seeing Long Hall being torn down. They say many memories were made here. Memories they've shared with CBS 8.

Troy University is paving the way for a brand new, state-of-the-art music and band facility. But every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

"The building is old," says current Band Director Mark Walker. "We've out grown it. It's time to do something new."

Long Hall has housed the Sound of the South band since 1976, and it's been making memories ever since.

"I was in the band before we built Long Hall," says Sound of the South Alumni David Kirby.

He not only fell in love with music, but also found his wife of 37 years.

"We met in the band," says Kirby. "She was the Color Guard Captain. Carried a sword during marching season. I waited until concert season until she carried a clarinet. I thought it would be safer."

And the building takes special meaning to the man it's named after.

"I had my granddaughter cut the ribbon of it, and now she's 37 years old," says former Band Director Johnny Long. "We've had a lot of band concerts and rehearsals."

But Long says the new building will bring growth.

"I've had a lot of wonderful times there," says Long. "But there's going to be better times. The band is getting better every year."

Right now, the new Long Hall is set to open in August of next year.

The new building will also include a dance studio, offices and space for the entire Sound of the South Band to practice.

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