For the third year in a row Prairie View A&M University’s very own Marching Storm once again conquered the anticipating crowd at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta, Ga. Since 2004 the award winning Marching Storm has been invited annually to participate in the sponsored Honda Battle of the Bands event which showcases the best 10 of 49 marching bands among historically black colleges and universities. While continuing to execute its standard of excellence and production of productive people, Prairie View has been known for possessing a phenomenal band. This honor is largely due to the fact that it is conducted under the awesome musical expertise and perfectionism of head band director Professor George Edwards, assistant band director Dr. William McQueen, Assistant band director Mark Gordon, and percussion instructor Larry Jones. These four individual geniuses combined give birth to the alluring melodies and distinctive sound that is carried out by what many students commonly refer to as simply “The band.”
Astoundingly, being the seventh school to perform, The Marching Storm was the first and only band to receive a standing ovation from an estimated crowd of 11,000 people, and giving a new meaning to the phrase “raising the bar.” The Black Foxes were noted as being the classiest dance ensemble, while the Prairie View family was shocked to see the mascot, the panther, join the band on the field.
It’s been known that along with being the best comes a lot of hard work, determination, and of course practice, practice, practice. Many Marching Storm students confess that during practice they rehearse as if they were doing the actual show so that when it’s time to perform the real show everything from music and choreography is second nature to them.
Surprisingly, even seasoned performers like Deonte’ Brossard, member of the National Band Fraternity KKPsi and Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated, and member of the Marching Storm says, ” Every performance is like the first time, no matter how many times I’ve practiced and performed I still get a little nervous but I enjoy every minute of it, so I just say a little prayer to ensure I’m doing my best.”
In addition to that the Marching Storm is also known for its captivating drum line, also known as The B-O-X or the Box. Music minor Anthony Carothers, also known as Big Pun, says “I don’t think people realize how much we give of ourselves at practice and to be honest it really doesn’t matter if they do or not, we know how hard we work. All that matters is when we hit that field our “killer instincts” come out and we play for those loud screams and cheers that make us proud to be a part of this great university.”
In support of the band, more than 500 students, 20 chaperones, and 15 student leaders accompanied the Marching Storm to Atlanta. For many students, they looked forward to having a good time with fellow Panthers and supporting the Marching Storm. According to undergraduate student Brittani Gordan, ” I’ve heard about the Battle of the Bands trip before and I’m elated to have the opportunity to go. We have the best band ever and I’m ready to see them perform.and of course shop.” In appreciation for the support of the school, assistant band director Dr. McQueen says, ” When we first got on that field nobody was screaming for Prairie View but our section. Of course that changed once we left but I really would like to thank the student body because they made all those hours of hard work more than worthwhile and on behalf of the Marching Storm and the directors we want to extend our thanks for their encouragement and support.