JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — The Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners have been asked to moderate their performance intensity at a memorial service for the fifth consecutive time, according to a review of the band's community engagement calendar conducted by this reporter.

The most recent request came before a Saturday service at a Calhoun County church, where the Southerners had been invited to provide ceremonial music before the service began. The family, according to sources with knowledge of the matter, specifically requested that the band "maybe bring it down a little from what you usually do."

"We heard that," said the band's director, who asked to speak generally and not about any specific event. "We make adjustments when it's appropriate."

He was asked what adjustments were made.

"We left the sousaphones on the bus," he said. "And we didn't do the drum feature."

The JSU Marching Southerners, ranked among the top collegiate marching bands in the Southeast, are known for a performance style described in their official materials as "high-energy," "innovative," and featuring "a tradition of excellence." They have performed at the Rose Bowl, the Citrus Bowl, and, as of this academic year, five funerals.

"We bring the same commitment to everything," the director said. "Community service is part of who we are."

He was asked if community service included funerals specifically.

"It does now," he said.

The band has received written thank-you notes from four of the five families. The fifth has not responded. The director said he understood.

The Marching Southerners are available for community events, corporate functions, and ceremonial occasions. Booking information is available through the JSU Department of Music.