Eagles in the Big Apple

STUDENTS, ALUMNA PERFORM ON “THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN”

Last month, four drummers from Georgia Southern University’s Southern Pride Marching Band joined alumna Elizabeth Cook (‘96) for a performance on CBS’ “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Band members Sergio Arreguin (Baxley, Ga.), Trey Exley (Rincon, Ga.) Jose Morales (Richmond Hill, Ga.) and Jimmy Rotureau (Guyton, Ga.) — all attired in their Southern Pride uniforms — accompanied the country music singer and songwriter during the song “If I Had My Way, I’d Tear This Building Down,” from her new EP Gospel Plow.

Cook, the youngest of 11 half-brothers and sisters, grew up in rural Florida where her musician parents met while playing in local country bars. She is a relentless performer, touring worldwide, including well more than 200 performances at The Grand Ole Opry. Cook currently hosts, “Apron Strings” weekday mornings on Sirius XM’s Outlaw Country channel.

According to band director Colin McKenzie, D.M.A., this was the first trip to New York for most of the students. “We are extremely thankful to Elizabeth for including us in this opportunity as it is an exciting and unique opportunity for our students to represent Georgia Southern University on a national stage.”