Debut Episode - Dr. Donald Ryder

London Band Week

In this episode of "Around the Ladder", guest host Mike McCay along with Dr. Mike Stewart welcome two very special guest from across the pond, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Dr. Graham Jones and Joe Wyndam of London Band Week. Dr. Jones and "London Joe" give background on the international event and the excitement building around the Pride's second ever international trip while Dr. Stewart shares his vision for internatinoal exposure for the Pride of the Southland and the University of Tennessee.

50 Years of Rocky Top with Del Bryant and the Rocky Top Players

In this very special 2 segment episde of "Around the Ladder", Ronnie and Brian have the special opportunity to visit with "Rocky Top Royalty". Del Bryant, the son of Felice and Boudleaux Bryant gives insight into the birth of "Rocky Top", his parent's storied song-writing career, and their love affair with the University of Tennessee, In Segment Two, Brian sits down with alumni of the Pride of the Southland Band who were a part of the 1972 halftime show that would forever change the course of history for the University of Tennessee and firmly embed "Rocky Top" in our Big Orange Traditions. (Recorded in September and October of 2022).

Dr. Michael Stewart - The W J Julian Professor of Bands

In this episode we are joined by the newly named W J Julian Professor of Bands, Dr. Michael Stewart. Dr. Stewart shares his path to Rocky Top and his vision for the Pride of the Southland Band.

Debut Episode - Dr. Donald Ryder

In this debut episode we visit with Dr. Donald Ryder, the recently retired Director of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. Dr. Ryder reflects on his journey to UT, his nearly 40 year career, and his time at the University. We hope you enjoy this episode of "Around the Ladder"