University of Michigan
Posted by DMJ in 
For over 100 years, the Michigan Marching Band has thrilled thousands of fans with exciting performances that have made this one of the great college bands in the country. That tradition of excellence thrives today as the MMB continues its pursuit of the highest levels of visual and musical performance as it “takes the field” at the Big House in Ann Arbor.
One of the “crown jewels” of the University of Michigan, the MMB serves as a group of musical ambassadors and our teams’ Number One fans, providing the musical spirit at countless Michigan athletic events and other performances.
The ideal group to represent the University, the MMB is an ensemble of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Over 350 strong, its members represent nearly every academic unit on campus and are involved in an amazing array of academic pursuits. The Marching Band provides an environment where students learn teamwork, time management, self-discipline and other important life-lessons that supplement those taught in the academic classroom.
Southern University
From performing high-volume rhythm and blues, to playing flawless, show-stopping classics, from popular hip hop dance moves to precision drill steps, the Southern University Marching Band is without question a spectacular force. Redefining college band style, the SU band’s success is measured by excitement of its vast and diverse audiences. Look around during any band performance and the crowd is definitely tuned-in and captured by the powerful sound and talent of the co-ed musicians. Halftime performances find fans of all ages rocking to the beat of the drumline, or swaying to the familiar sound of a top-40 tune, and being mesmerized by the creative dance moves of the fast-stepping band members and dance team.
Dubbed the “Human Jukebox” years ago, the SU band has achieved legendary status as one of the nation’s top collegiate bands. Dedicated to the art of music through providing fresh and unique entertainment with a creative flare, the 215 member band enjoys a long list of awards and achievements and has a resume of appearances on local, national, and international stages.
The band has performed around the world, including performances for three United Stated presidential inaugurations, four Sugar Bowl and five Super Bowl appearances, as well as appearances in Reliant Stadium, the Superdome, Georgia Dome, Yankee Stadium Coliseum, and the famed Radio City Music Hall for six weeks. The band also has appeared on several national television shows, in two of film director Spike Lee’s production, and an award-winning documentary by NFL Films.
Alabama State University
The Marching Hornets have gained national recognition as a result of their participation in the halftime shows on NBC’s national televised professional football games between the NY Jets vs. KC Chiefs on December 10, 1967, and CBS’s nationally televised professional football game between the New Orleans Saints vs. the Green Bay Packers in 1969, the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints in October 1976 and 1977; and the pre-game and halftime for the Cincinnati Bengal vs. Houston Oilers at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, 1976. The band was twice televised on the Blue-Gray Football Classic, Montgomery, AL, in December 1976 and 1977.
In 1980, The Marching Hornets put together a halftime show saluting the late, great Joe Louis. In 1985, the Marching Hornets were invited to perform at the second annual Freedom Bowl classic in Fulton Stadium, Atlanta, GA, representing the SWAC Conference. They also performed for the Atlanta Falcon vs. Chicago Bears in 1986, were they presented a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and were the Exhibition Band for the South Central Marching Band Classic in Homewood, AL., November 1, 1986. The Marching Hornets also performed at other classics and games such as the 1991 Bronze Classic in Atlanta, the 1991 Motor City Classic in Pontiac Michigan, the 1991 Alma Heritage Bowl in Miami, the 1992 Circle City Classic of Indianapolis, the 2000 Battle of the Bands in Mobile, AL, the 2003 and 2004 Detroit Football Classic, and the 2006 Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, Ga. The band appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2007.
Alabama A&M University
The mission of the Music Program at Alabama A&M University is to provide opportunities, which assist individuals meeting aesthetic, social, intellectual and professional needs and interests in line with the general objectives of the university. The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded to music majors in teaching and non-teaching concentrations. The Master of Science degree is awarded to graduate music majors in teaching concentrations.
Tennessee State University
In the fall of 1946, after six weeks of practice, a 100-piece marching band took to the field at Tennessee State University and a tradition of excellence was born.
The idea for a show band at Tennessee State University originated with its second president. the late Dr. Walter S. Davis. President Davis selected J. D. Chavis to serve as the first band director. Under Chavis’ leadership, the marching band grew and developed into a premier university band that gave spectacular performances in parades and half-time shows at football games. In 1947 and 1948, the marching band performed in the Washington Classic in Washington, D.C., where top historically black colleges and universities competed for national championships.
Chavis’ tenure as band director ended in 1951 and the baton was passed to Frank T. Greer. Tennessee State University’s distinctive style was further developed under Greer. The band continued to earn invitations to special events.
Four years after Greer began his work the TSU band was invited to perform during the half-time show of a Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams professional football game. The performance was the first of a series of nationally televised half-time shows for the band. It was also the first time a historically black university band had appeared on national television
Between 1956 and 1978. the TSU band performed half-time shows for nine professional football games, including the 1963 National Championship game between the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. Reportedly, it was during one of these half-time performances that a sportscaster called the marching band from Tennessee State University “The Aristocrat of Bands” Needless to say, the name stuck.
“The Aristocrat of Bands” has also appeared in the Coca’ Cola Circle City Classic in Indianapolis, the Atlanta Football Classic in Atlanta, the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami, the Heritage and Blues Bowls in Memphis and the Grantland Rice Bowl in Wichita Falls, Texas.
In 1961, the TSU band claimed another first for historically black universities when it was invited to march in President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade. One of the students who marched in that parade was Edward L. Graves, who is the present director of “The Aristocrat of Bands” since 1979. Graves has continued to build the legacy. “The Aristocrat of Bands” has shared its characteristic precision and distinctly soulful style with people throughout the country and in foreign lands.
Greer taught us “to dream and to really work hard.” Graves recalled. He taught us “not to be satisfied with just anything. You don’t put a man on the moon without a lot of work.” He instilled those standards in us. He taught us to excel, “to see the BIG PICTURE “.
Students who achieve membership in “The Aristocrat of Bands” adhere to those standards today. Noted as one of the finest and most spectacular university bands in the United States, the Aristocrats are the featured attraction during pre-game and half time performances at all home games and at most out of town competitions.
Still in demand for halftime performances. parades and other special events, the bands special appearances include a spot in the 1981 CBS television movie ” The Concrete Cowboy,” a 1982 ad for WSMV, Nashville’s NBC affiliate, a 1984 performance at the Mirage Bowl football game in Tokyo. Japan, and a performance at Disney World.
This year, the tradition will continue. Audiences will be thoroughly entertained by the band’s unique marching style and musical versatility. A group of vivacious majorettes, The Sophisticated Ladies enhance the dynamic style and SOUNDS of “The Aristocrat of Bands”.
Graves is assisted by Reginald A. McDonald, associate band director, Teddy Hall Jr. and James “Dean” Sexton, assistant band directors, Judy F. Gentry, majorette coordinator, James “Dean” Sexton, director of the Jazz Band, Michelle Allen, office manager to the band, Dr. Cass F.L.Teague, Jr., photographer, James Pitts, instrument technician.
On January 20, 1993 the Tennessee State University marching band marched through the streets of our nations capital and in to the pages of this country’s presidential inaugural history.
For TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands, participation in the 52nd Inaugural Presidential Parade was a return engagement.
It should be noted that since Tennessee State University’s initial appearance in the inaugural parade in 1961 only three bands from historically black institutions have been afforded the honor of marching in the coveted event. Southern University of Baton Rouge, La. march in the inaugural parade of President George Bush. TSU, Southern and Florida A&M Universities participated in the inaugural parade of President Bill Clinton.
Florida A&M University
The Marching “100″
FAMU’s marching band has been credited for not less than 30 innovative techniques which have become standard operating procedures for many high school and collegiate marching band programs throughout the nation. Penchant for precision demonstrated in every aspect of its performance is a key to the success of the “100.”
“100″ History
Ranking high among the many proud traditions of Florida A&M University is the highly acclaimed Marching “100″ Band. The first band at this institution, formerly named A&M College, was organized in 1892 under the tutelage of P.A. Van Weller. From a meager store of 16 instruments, the Marching “100″ has grown to over 420 members. This organization has been polished and refined to perfection for the past 104 years under the guidance of its directors:
Recently Added Bands
- University of Michigan
- Southern University
- Alabama State University
- Alabama A&M University
- Tennessee State University