Special to the Opelika Observer

Opelika High School’s “Spirit of the South” marching band was selected earlier this
year as the national guest high school band to perform at the 2018 TaxSlayer Gator
Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida on Dec. 31. The Spirit of the South will also
perform at the pep rally on Dec. 30.

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to perform at the Tax Slayer
Gator Bowl. Our students have worked hard and performing on a national stage will be
an incredible experience. Thank you to the City of Opelika, Opelika High School, and
the OHS Band Boosters for their support and to the students for their hard work,” said
OHS band director, Neil Sasser.

The Spirit of the South has a long tradition of excellence and has marched in the
1989 and 1994 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the Fiesta Flambeau
Parade in San Antonio, Texas and the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in Pennsylvania. The band has approximately 200 members and is under the direction of Neil Sasser.