Marching Sound Machine Raises the Bar at Honda Battle of the Bandshttp://www.nccu.edu/news/index.cfm?ID=D33009A0-19B9-B859-789893DDE5D245A0Published: Monday, February 15, 2010
Photo courtesy of O. Juan Richardson Carlton Wright, director of bands at Minor High School in Birmingham, Ala. described the performance by the North Carolina Central University Marching Sound Machine at the recent Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) this way, “Your students were by far, the best band in the stadium. Everything about your program was of the kind of class and quality that all HBCU programs should strive for.” This year's event in Atlanta, Ga. marked the sixth appearance for NCCU and has been called one of their best and most moving performances.
Under the direction of band director, Jorim Reid, the Marching Sound Machine took the 65,000 audience members on a ride through time, using the music of Michael Jackson, and making stops in the 80s and 90s before reaching their final destination in 2010 with Jay-Z's "D.O.A (Death of Auto-Tune)". “I knew we had a good show, but you never know until you perform in front of people,” said Turquoise Thompson, band auxiliary captain. “My favorite part was the auxiliary feature, ‘Poison’ by Bell Biv Devoe. We added a lot of stunts and a battle of the sexes segment with five guys from the drum line against the auxiliary girls. It went back and forward…you could say we won, even though we came together at the end.”
At one point, the band brought the audience to tears with their powerful tribute to the Haitian earthquake survivors. “Sometimes you wish you could be trapped in a moment and that’s how this felt. The arrangement was beautiful; you could feel Mr. Reid’s heart and soul in it. It is hard to imagine that you contributed to that feeling…amazing,” Thompson said. The tribute encouraged the audience to support Haiti as it rebuilds. The NCCU community is accepting donations through the NCCU Foundation, which will be given to the United Nations World Food Programme, and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
For band staff member, Bryan Henry, friendly competition and excitement describe the experience. Henry is one of seven band staff members that support the Marching Sound Machine, carrying equipment and attending all the practices. A tuba player as well, he performed at HBOB last year. “It’s the Super Bowl for bands, and I thank Honda for this experience." A mass communication major from Durham, Henry documented the band's preparation, blogging and posting weekly videos, which he considers great practice for his future as a sports commentator.
While their performances are explosive, what sets the band apart is musicianship - the art of playing an instrument to create an effect - a practice Reid enforces and the band believes in. "People can't experience the music if they can't understand it - good music can be loud, but all loud music is not good," said Henry. For Thompson, a graduating senior, the experience was emotional, “It was all worth it, even the numb fingertips in January from hours of practice. In the end you know that you accomplished so much when you hear the reaction from the audience.”
With such dedication to their craft, it is no surprise that the band has been invited to participate in the 122nd Rose Parade. Themed, "Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories," the event will be seen in more than 200 international territories and countries on New Year's Day in Pasadena, Ca.
Cost for the band’s participation is approximately $2000 per student and NCCU has begun efforts to raise the $500,000 needed. To make a donation to send the band to "America's New Year Celebration," visit <https://www.nccu.edu/giveonline.cfm>.
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