When UAB senior music major Ralph Marion went to bed on Sunday, January 22, 2012 he never imagined having to go through a devastating tornado that literally would rip his family's home from around them. Ralph, a former UAB drum major, parents Ronald and Bethanne, and brother Ryan were able to walk out of the basement of their three-level home miraculously without a scratch. Their home, however, including the cars, furniture, and clothing, didn’t fare as well.

Ralph described how the sound of the top two floors of their Clay/Trussville home crashing in on them and their family cars being tossed about like legos was something that not even the blaring sound of the UAB Marching Blazers in Legion Field could rival. But to hear Ralph talk about how blessed he and his family feel from the love and support that has been shown them by his fellow UAB music students and others and to barely hear him mention the loss of virtually all of their material possessions has been a lesson for us all.

The UAB Department of Music has been receiving donations of clothing (see specific needs below), toiletries, and money to support the family. If you wish to make a donation, please do so by dropping off any of these items at the department, located across from the Sterne Library and adjacent to the Alys Stephens Center:

UAB Department of Music
Hulsey Center
950 13^th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35294

If sending a donation by check, please make it out to the Rafael Marion and indicate in the for line: Ralph Marion Family. For more information please contact Janetta Lockhart in the UAB Band Office at (205) 975-BAND (2263) or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 List of Clothing Items Needed: