Student sex scandal leaves Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band strapped for cash
July 31, 2009
The band is broke.’
BY Elizabeth Lazarowitz
Brooklyn Daily news
The famed Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band is in danger of falling silent for good, left scrambling for cash months after its founder stepped down amid a student sex scandal.
"They’re in serious jeopardy of not surviving," said Shelley Everett, whose son, Legend, 14, has been part of the band’s drum line for three years.
The band, based in Bedford-Stuyvesant, soared to national celebrity in January after being tapped to play at President Obama’s inauguration.
In May, the group came under a cloud of suspicion when a 10-month probe found that longtime leader Tyrone Brown had been in an "inappropriate relationship" with a 17-year-old female band member.
Fox 8 New Orleans to air Documentary on Edwin Hampton Friday 7/24 10 am
July 23, 2009
On Friday, 7/24/09 at 10 am, Fox 8 will run a documentary on Edwin Hampton, Legendary Director of Bands at St. Augustine High School. . The station management, in particular, Mr. Schaefer was instrumental in the station acquiring and airing this Access produced documentary.
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Funeral Arrangements for Edwin Hampton Made
July 22, 2009
Source: WWL-TV
NEW ORLEANS - Funeral arrangements have been finalized for Edwin Hampton, the legendary St. Augustine high school band director who died Monday at age 81.
Edwin Hampton
Large numbers of current and former band members, alumni and friends are expected to attend the services for Hampton, the founding director of the St. Aug Marching 100 band.
School officials say Hampton will lie in state at St. Augustine High School on Friday, where visitation will take place from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.
On Friday evening there will be a viewing at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts in Armstrong Park from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 7 p.m.
Visitation will continue Saturday from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2022 St. Bernard Ave. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated there on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Edwin Hampton - Founder of the St. Augustine Marching 100 Passes
July 21, 2009
Edwin Hampton, the founding director of the most popular school marching band in New Orleans, the St. Augustine Marching 100, died Tuesday after a lengthy illness. During Mr. Hampton’s tenure, the band played in countless Carnival parades, the Rose parade and even for Pope John Paul II during his visit to New Orleans in 1987.
In 1952, Hampton came to New Orleans from Texas, to take a job at St. Augustine, the all-boys’ high school in the Seventh Ward that has educated generations of young men since it opened a half-century ago. Hampton joined the faculty the second year of the school’s existence.
Press Conference: Dr. Lewis Liddell Speaks about his Retirement
July 1, 2009
Dr. Lewis Liddell Speaks about his retirement (audio)
Lewis Liddell Director of Bands at Jackson State University, Shocks the Band World, Retires
July 1, 2009
Source: Jackson State University Public Relations
JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University’s Director of Bands Lewis Liddell has retired from Jackson State after 17 years. As director, Liddell led the famed Sonic Boom of the South marching band and supervised the administration of the entire band program, which includes the symphonic band, concert band, woodwind ensemble, brass ensemble, percussion ensemble, pep band and Prancing J-Settes dance line.
The decision, he said, comes after more than three years of consideration.
“I was playing a young man’s game,” said Liddell, 64. “I had to make some decisions for my family and myself. I need to move on and let other folks enjoy it and give the program a chance to grow.”
Liddell plans to vacation with his wife of 41 years, Frances Liddell, who retired from the Jackson State Department of Public Policy and Administration in 2008.
Liddell’s departure comes at the same time as that of music department chair Jimmie James, the voice of the Sonic Boom. James leaves the university after 43 years. He calls Liddell’s departure a “big loss.”
“While it is going to put pressure on the band staff,” James said, “I think with a lot of hard work the Sonic Boom will rise to the occasion and work very diligently to have a banner season.”
Important Information for Members of the Sonic Boom of the South
July 1, 2009
Source: Jackson State University Band Staff
Important Information for Members of the Sonic Boom of the South
Final J-Sette try-outs will be held 7/10-7/12/2009
Freshmen band members report to camp on 8/8/2009
Returning band members report to camp on 8/17/2009
For additional information please contact:
Mr. Renardo Murray@ 601-979-1057
Mr. Lowell Hollinger@ 601-979-7065
Mr. Owen Rockwell @ 601-979-2148
