The Sound of Southern Utah Welcomes Three Corporate Sponsors
Published: September 04, 2026 | Author: Kol Gibson | Read Time: 3 minutes
As The Sound of Southern Utah Athletic Bands prepare for another exciting year, the program is celebrating more than the start of a new season. Thanks to new corporate partnerships with Balance of Nature, BZI Steel, and Safari Hospitality, the athletic bands are entering the 2026-27 season with growing community support and renewed momentum.
The sponsorships reflect the remarkable growth of The Sound of Southern Utah since its founding in 2022. What began as a 70-member Thunderbird Marching Band has nearly doubled in size in just four years, evolving into a vibrant program that includes the Thunderbird Marching Band, the SUU Sound Machine Basketball Bands, and the SUU Independent Winter Guard.
These partnerships also recognize the important role athletic bands play in the SUU experience. While approximately 40 percent of participating students are Music majors, the remaining 60 percent represent disciplines from across campus, bringing together future educators, engineers, business leaders, scientists, artists, and more in a shared pursuit of excellence.
Beyond creating an unforgettable gameday atmosphere, participation in athletic bands has proven to benefit students long after the final performance. Students involved in athletic bands consistently demonstrate higher retention rates and grade point averages than their peers, reflecting the positive impact of the supportive, team-oriented culture fostered within The Sound of Southern Utah.
“These sponsorships show the kind of momentum building around The Sound of Southern Utah,” said Dr. David D. Torres, SUU’s Director of Athletic Bands. “When local and regional businesses invest in our program, it’s a sign that the band is becoming a real point of pride for this campus and community, and we’re just getting started.”
That momentum extends well beyond campus. In recent years, The Sound of Southern Utah has performed at marching band festivals and competitions throughout the region, showcasing the university’s spirit and musical excellence. Last year, the Thunderbird Marching Band performed at the Opening Bash celebrating Las Vegas’ new Formula One complex, bringing its signature energy to one of the city’s premier events. Looking ahead, the ensemble has earned another milestone after successfully completing a competitive audition process to receive an invitation to march in the prestigious 2027 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade.
The Sound of Southern Utah is proud to welcome Balance of Nature, BZI Steel, and Safari Hospitality as corporate sponsors and is grateful for their investment in the program’s continued success. Throughout the season, the companies will be recognized in gameday publications, on the athletic bands’ equipment trailer, and across promotional materials, highlighting their commitment to supporting student achievement and the university community.
As The Sound of Southern Utah continues to grow, these partnerships represent more than financial support. They are an investment in student success, school pride, and a program that has quickly become one of Southern Utah University’s most visible ambassadors. With a growing membership, nationally recognized performance opportunities, and the backing of community-minded partners, The Sound of Southern Utah is poised to make its biggest impact yet during the 2026-27 season.
About the College of Performing and Visual Arts
The College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA) at Southern Utah University comprises 41 academic programs, including liberal arts (BA/BS) and professional (BFA, BM, BMEd) degrees in art, design, dance, filmmaking, music, and theatre. It includes graduate programs in the fields of arts administration (MFA, MA), music education (MME), and music technology (MM). More than 60 full-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 900 majors in the College. CPVA presents over 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year, which are complemented by the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and Shakespeare Studies at SUU, and is affiliated with the Tony award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF). Southern Utah University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), making SUU the first public university in the state of Utah to be accredited by all four associations. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.suu.edu/pva.Contact Information
Kol Gibson
435-865-8667
kolgibson@suu.edu