ASU Mighty Marching Hornets and ALL ASU ALUMNI

Hornets and Friends:

Please help the Alabama State University Mighty Marching Hornets give back to former director of bands, Dr. Thomas E. Lyle. There is a movement that is trying to get Dr. Lyle inducted in the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame (A.B.A).

ASU's former band students, band directors and ANY ASU ALUMNI may write letters requesting Dr. Lyle be inducted into the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame.

It is very important that we as Former Marching Hornets help get Dr. Lyle accepted into this prestige Hall of Fame. In your letter, please include the year you marched, and how Professor Lyle has influenced your life through music.

Your letters are to be sent to:

Dr. John Long
121 Hillcrest Blvd.
Troy, Alabama 36801

Please pass this information on to other former members of the ASU Mighty Marching Hornets Band.

Black History Month: The Battle Continues... Rattlers and Wildcats!

NSU band entertains football fans

The Legion: beat of a different drum

NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk State University band has had a strong following in the stands on Saturdays during football season. Suited for Saturday war games, a wave of Spartans defended a piece of territory called Norfolk State.

The football team sweeps the gridiron with punishing precision. Observing enemy weakness, citizens of Dick Price Stadium welcome conquest. But among the cheers for the action on the field, is an infectious love of rhythm and music, a marching band that is called the Legion.

NSU's marching band is an army of 250 who play it fast and loose. "Here at Norfolk State, if this band is not right our fans will have a fit! They would have a fit, " said an NSU fan.


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Southern University Human Jukebox vs. Jackson State University Sonic Boom (10/16/10)

S.C. State Marching 101 vs. FAMU Marching 100

SU marching band struggles to attend away games

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - The Southern University's marching band, known as the Human Jukebox, is world-famous for its smooth sounds and high-stepping moves. But budget cuts have limited the band from traveling to away games with the football team.

Southern University was forced to cut the band's entire travel fund of about $120,000 because of state-wide budget cuts. The campus shaved nearly $18 million dollars from its budget this year. The band has been absent from both away games this season, and the Human Jukebox will likely miss even more.

"When you see the Human Jukebox, it's like no other experience someone can experience," said Lawrence Jackson, director. "There will be good music, good marching, and a good show. There's no business like show business."



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2010 State Fair Classic - PVAMU vs. GSU

Lil Jon opens the halftime show before the Marching Storm performs at the 6:30 mark on video.

When America Thinks of Marching Bands...

Understated FAMU secondary leads with maturity 

Sometimes the Florida A&M football players who make up the secondary can't help but feel a little overlooked. It goes back to last season when quarterback Curtis Pulley was stealing headlines on a weekly basis.

This season, an injury to star running back Philip Sylvester has put sophomore Eddie Rocker into the conversation about who could be better. Meanwhile, the secondary is becoming the heart and soul of FAMU's defense without much fanfare.

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Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands Cares...

The Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands visited their director, Edward Graves, at his home on Saturday, September 18, 2010. Prof. Graves is recuperating from surgery, and the surprise visit brightened his day!

Scouting the 2010 S.C. State Marching 101 Band

Hey fans...don't know who is going to get dropped from our Top 5 Marching Bands performances over the course of the next week, but evaluating the entire body of work produced by the South Carolina State University Marching 101 Band, and the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band last weekend, somebody gotta go! Stay tune...

FAMU: Honoring the late Dr. William Patrick Foster

The memorial service for Dr. William P. Foster scheduled for Friday, September 3, at 6 p.m. has been moved from Lee Hall Auditorium to the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

The public viewing scheduled for Friday, September 3, from noon to 6 p.m. has also been moved to the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

Foster served as the band’s director from 1946 until his retirement in 1998. He is credited with revolutionizing marching band techniques and reshaping the world’s concept of the collegiate marching band. Foster brought more than 30 new techniques to the band that have now become standard operating procedures for high school and college bands nationwide.

Foster’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, September 4, at 11 a.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium on FAMU’s campus and will be preceded by a public concert of tribute at 10 a.m. as performed by the FAMU Department of Music. A public viewing is also scheduled for Saturday, September 4, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium. To accommodate the overflow of attendees, a live broadcast of Foster’s funeral will be in the Grand Ballroom.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the “William P. and Mary Ann Foster Endowed Scholarship Fund” at FAMU in support of FAMU band scholarships.

Footage from the Today Show 1999 Tribute to Dr. William P Foster

FAMU 'Marching 100' creator dies at age 91

Dr. William P. Foster arrived at Florida A&M University a year after World War II ended and spent the next half-century building the school's marching band into a world-famous phenomenon. Under his tutelage and baton, the Rattlers' "Marching 100" wowed crowds during hundreds of halftime shows, marched at President Clinton's inaugural parades and was the only American band invited for the French bicentennial celebration in 1989.

Foster, whose musical talent blossomed early, died Saturday in Tallahassee. He was 91.

"I can attest to the fact that what he created was magical," said FAMU President James H. Ammons. "It was the marching band, at an Orange Blossom Classic in Miami, that sparked my interest in attending FAMU. "The band was dynamic, larger than life and something that I wanted to have access to even though I was not a musician," Ammons said in a statement.

Anthony Foster said his father had his students memorize the music rather than read it off sheet music attached to their instruments. That freed them up to perform precise dance routines while they played or marched in elaborate formations.




The announcer is the late Mr. Charles S. Bing, Associate Director of Bands and my lower brasswinds professor of music at FAMU. I will share some of my experiences with Doc Foster and the Marching 100 next month. Take care Rattlers everywhere...

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NCCU Band Receives Walmart Gift

When members of North Carolina Central University’s Marching Sound Machine arrive in Pasadena, California, to take part in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, they will not have to worry about lost luggage at the airport, thanks to a major in-kind gift from Walmart. The transportation services division of the discount giant will transport the band’s instruments, equipment, luggage and uniforms. This gift, valued at close to $100,000, is the largest donation received in support of the (Marching Sound Machine's) Tournament of Roses $1 million dollars campaign.

On Christmas morning, two 18-wheelers will roll into Durham, load up and head west, crossing eight states and arriving in California by Dec. 28. Walmart will also transport the equipment back to Durham on Jan. 5. “This gift is saving the university thousands in transportation costs,” said LaTanya Afolayan, vice chancellor of Institutional Advancement.

NCCU is anticipating a total cost of $500,000, or $2,000 per student, for the band to take part in the prestigious parade. They still have a ways to go, but Afolayan, whose office is leading the fundraising effort, is confident that NCCU will reach its goal. “This gift sets precedence for other major supporters,” she said. “In these economic times to have Walmart step up at this level, it really means a lot. It signifies Walmart’s commitment to higher education, and we hope it will inspire others to join us in this endeavor.”

NCCU alumnus James Dockery, a member of the board of the NCCU Foundation, was instrumental in securing the donation, Afolayan said. Dockery is a former Walmart employee.

Through their dedication to musicianship, electrifying performances and the artistic expression of band director Jorim Reid, the Marching Sound Machine has gained the attention of several sponsors, including Michael Jordan Nissan, which has donated a 2010 Nissan Versa, valued at $18,000, to be raffled during the NCCU homecoming game on Oct. 30.

The Marching Sound Machine was selected as one of 16 bands to perform at the 2011 Rose Parade. Band members will assist with float preparation and perform in the annual Bandfest event before taking center stage as the first HBCU from North Carolina invited to the Tournament of Roses.

To join the parade and help the Marching Sound Machine get to Pasadena, visit www.nccu.edu/tournamentofroses.



The NCCU Marching Sound Machine Band is under the leadership of Mr. Jorim Edgar Reid. Mr. Reid is a former band member of Miami Norland High School, Miami, Florida, and a drum major of the incomparable "Marching 100" at Florida A&M University. Reid earned his undergraduate degree at Florida A&M University, his masters from Florida State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate at Boston University. He has been NCCU Director of Bands for the past seven years, retooling the marching band, which then featured only 32 members to over 200 musicians.

PVAMU band a legacy to Edwards

Late Professor George W. Edwards, architect of the highly acclaimed PVAMU Marching Storm and the Black Foxes.

For more than a decade, the 80-game losing streak of Prairie View A&M's football team ranked the Panthers among the worst college football teams of all time. It wasn't until 2009 that Prairie View A&M football started showing some success and the historically black college clinched its first SWAC Western Division championship in 45 years. The conference title was a fitting tribute to Prairie View A&M's legendary band director, George Edwards, who died May 28, 2009, after a car accident in Houston, Texas.

For much of Edwards' 31 years at the school, the Marching Storm was the only reason to come out and see the football team. "During the halftime of an HBCU game, people don't go get hot dogs and cokes," said William McQueen, who took over after his friend's death. "You do that some other time. You want to be in the stands at halftime to see the show. Football people think fans come to football games to see football. With HBCU bands, we can have all bands and still fill up a stadium."



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NOTE TO MEAC/SWAC FANS:

The world-renowned Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm Band is under the very capable leadership of Dr. William F. McQueen, III. McQueen is a native of West Palm Beach, Florida. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Florida A&M University with honors and a Master of Music Degree in Trumpet Performance from Florida State University. Dr. McQueen completed course work and recital requirements for the Ph.D. in Trumpet Performance at Michigan State University and earned the Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from the University of Houston.

Dr. McQueen's teaching career includes teaching and serving as Assistant Band Director at Florida A&M University, under the baton of the legendary Dr. William P. Foster (founder and conductor of the world-famous FAMU Marching 100); graduate teaching assistance at Florida State University and Michigan State University and adjunct instructor of trumpet at Lansing Community College. He studied trumpet with Dr. Lenard C. Bowie at Florida A&M University, Don Hazzard at Florida State University and Byron Autrey at Michigan State University.

Dr. McQueen became a member of the faculty at Prairie View A&M University in 1978 as an Associate Professor of Music, Director of the University Marching Band and the ROTC Band (1978-1984). During his tenure at Prairie View he has had the honor of serving as interim Head of the Department of Music and Drama. Additionally he has taught in the College of Business (1989-1998) and the Division of Social Work, Behavioral and Political Science (1987- 2004).

He now serves as the Director of Bands and Director of the Trumpet Ensemble. His teaching course load includes Applied Trumpet, Instrumental Conducting, Afro American Music and Music Appreciation. The assistant directors of the Marching Storm are Larry Jones and Mark Gordon. Dr. McQueen is focusing on building a motivating force to exemplify a higher level of talent, class and intellect among band students. The Marching Storm will forever thrive and never weaken.

The NFL needs to stop turning its Super Bowl half-time into a showcase for aging rock stars

Nothing against The Who, mind you. Or its surviving original members -- 65-year-old singer Roger Daltrey and 64-year-old guitarist Pete Townshend. Pretty much everyone on The Plain Dealer's editorial board loved The Who -- back in the day. But the day was a long time ago, as we were reminded again during Sunday's Super Bowl halftime. How long? The Browns were NFL defending champions when "My Generation" was released.

Alas, most vintage performers aren't well served by tight camera shots, let alone HDTV. And when Daltrey sang, "Let's get together, before we get much older," there was no arguing with the teenager on the couch who hooted, "It's too late for that."



The NFL's been obsessed with "safe" halftime acts since Janet Jackson's 2004"wardrobe malfunction." Since then, the Super Bowl's gone classic rock: Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones and finally The Who -- with guest drummer Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr's 44-year-old son. Enough already. Baby boomers don't need bifocaled rockers to remind them of their age. Next year, how about a nice marching band?

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MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street is in total agreement with the comments posted (above) by The Plain Dealer Editorial Board (Cleveland, OH). Enough already! Here you have a global television audience with 106 million watching and you schedule America's Band--the "Incomparable" Florida A&M University Marching 100 for only a "pre-game" performance.

Unfortunately, only 74,059 fans at Super Bowl XLIV in Sun Life Stadium had the experience of seeing the awesome display of musicianship and precision of the FAMU Marching 100 Band. The Marching 100 has been credited for 30 innovative techniques which have become standard operating procedures for many high school and collegiate marching band programs throughout the nation.This was the FAMU Marching 100 fifth appearance in a Super Bowl, performing a medley of Michael Jackson tunes before the Saints and Colts took the field.

Too bad big business comes first--$2.5 million dollar 30 second commercials and last second football hype by sportscasters who are clueless, to the point that the 10 minute pre-game show was a total blackout. Again, America missed out on the seeing the best marching band in the land--in another electrifying and fabulous performance. Enough already with the over-the-hill rockers who can't give away free CDs.

One suggestion to the NFL....book for the next five Super Bowls the Florida A&M Marching 100, Southern University Human Jukebox, Jackson State Sonic Boom of the South, Prairie View A&M Marching Storm and the Alabama State University Marching Hornets. All of these bands are better than "nice" and will put on a memorable half-time show that will connect with the 106 million audience. FAMU Marching 100--you again made us proud!!

PHOTO GALLERY: FAMU Marching 100 at the Super Bowl
http://www.miamiherald.com/929/gallery/1468143.html

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HONDA Battle of the Bands announces Winners

Three months ago, 45 marching bands from the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) began the journey down the “Road to the Honda,” all competing for a spot in the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase. Out of 45 competing marching bands from the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), eight have been chosen to perform in January at the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase.




Representing varied music and performance styles ranging from precision to high-stepping, the eight headlining bands are:

• Albany State University “Marching Rams” (Albany, Georgia)

• Clark Atlanta University “Mighty Marching Panthers” (Atlanta, Georgia)

• Florida A&M University “Marching 100” (Tallahassee, Florida)

• North Carolina Central University “Marching Sound Machine” (Durham, North Carolina)

• Prairie View A&M University “Marching Storm” (Prairie View, Texas)

• Southern University “Human Jukebox Marching Band” (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

• Tuskegee University “Marching Crimson Pipers” (Tuskegee, Alabama)

• Virginia State University “Trojan Explosion Marching Band” (Petersburg, Virginia)






On January 30, 2010, the bands will perform for a crowd of 60,000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta and prove why they are the best of the best. Marking its eighth year, the Honda Battle of the Bands is the only national scholarship program that showcases an important facet of HBCU heritage and culture – music education.

The eight winning band programs chosen to participate in this year’s Invitational Showcase will be awarded $20,000 by American Honda for their music programs in addition to the $1,000 grant they received for participation in the pre-qualifying fall campus event tour. Through this program Honda is awarding a total of $205,000 in scholarships to HBCU music programs for the 2009-10 academic year, and since the beginning of the program, has awarded grants in excess of $1 million.

TSU Aristocrat of Bands vs. SU Human Juke Box

Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands and the Sophisticated Ladies 9/18/09 @ Baton Rouge, LA

Battle of Bands: Norfolk State vs. North Carolina A&T

9/12/2009 - Norfolk State University Spartan Legion Marching Band

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Blue and Gold Marching Machine Band

FAMU Marching 100 vs. Delaware State 9/5/09

Hundreds Gather to Remember Beloved PVAMU Band Director

Video: Hundreds Gather to Remember Beloved Band Director

A different kind of athlete, calls the football field at Prairie View A&M University home. An athlete with a high step, and a bold drum line Varian Howard knows all too well. Howard says he would not have developed a love, for PVAMU band at an early age, if it hadn't have been for one man. "He was definitely a father and friend. Some of his teachings I hold dear to me to this day," says former PVAMU band member, Varian Howard.

Howard, along with hundreds of others returned to Prairie View A&M University to remember band director, George W. Edwards. The man affectionately known as "Prof Edwards" died May 28th after suffering injuries in a traffic accident. Friday, memories brought tears and smiles to the faces of many, as memories of discipline fill the hearts of others. "He taught us how to walk, talk, and act like royalty, cause he accepted nothing less" says Howard.

It's the type of expectation, Howard saw first hand in the seventh grade, while attending PVAMU's band practice. He says at that time he not only learned band principles, but meaningful life lessons. "As far as music, I mean your education, he was a very positive influence on me" says former PVAMU band member, Ernest Biggers. Biggers performed under Edwards direction more than 10 years ago.


"George Edwards will go down as one of the 7-8 top black college band directors of the last 60 years," said John Posey, CEO of Urban Sports News and HBCU band historian. "He is in the conversation with William P. Foster at FAMU; Isaac Griggs at Southern; Frank Greer at Tennessee State; Conrad Hutchinson at Grambling; and Eddie Ellis at Morris Brown & South Carolina State.

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