Jackson State Band to perform at Under Armour Senior Bowl
December 27, 2009
MOBILE, Ala. — Fans attending next month’s Under Armour Senior Bowl will be treated to the sights and sounds of one of the most sought after show bands in the nation. Jackson State University’s “Sonic Boom of the South” will perform at the 61st annual event, game officials have announced.
The pre-game and halftime shows will also feature the Jacksonville Jaguar cheerleaders. Both shows are presented by State Farm Insurance. The 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl is scheduled for January 30 at 3 pm (CT) in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
The game will be televised by the NFL Network.
The “Sonic Boom of the South” will be making their third trip to Mobile and first since the 2004 Senior Bowl. They are one of the premier HBCU bands in the country, having performed at several NFL games and the 1991 NBA All-Star game.
Currently under the direction of Renardo Murray, “The Sonic Boom” is nearly 300 members strong. They have been featured on Motown’s 30th Anniversary television special and the NAACP 34th Image Awards.
Southern University Says Its Not Liable For Hazing Injuries Bandmember Suffered Read
December 11, 2009
Baton Rouge, LA (AHN) - According to court documents Southern University contends it is not liable for injuries a marching band member suffered in 2008 during a hazing incident. The school says he received his injuries off campus and with his consent.
The school also says Marcus Heath signed a contract stating he would not take part in actions deemed hazing and would even report his knowledge of any activity of the kind to administration officials. School officials say Heath did not report any hazing and even disavowed knowledge of it when asked by officials.
Thornton, beloved band director
December 10, 2009
By JENALIA MORENO
Houston Chronicle | Obituary Section
For more than two decades, Willowridge High School band director Ronald Thornton led his students both inside and outside the classroom.
Thornton, 60, died Friday evening at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. More than 100 relatives and former band students were at the hospital at the time to say goodbye to the beloved teacher.
“He was more like a father than a teacher,” said Adrienne Rowe, who in 1988 was Willowridge’s first female drum major. “He always taught us life skills.”
He walked one student down the wedding aisle, visited others in the hospital when they were ill and checked in on them while they attended college, Rowe said.
The Houstonian attended Yates High School and later married his high school sweetheart, Michele.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Southern University and a master’s from the University of Houston.
Thornton began working at the Fort Bend school in 1988 after teaching at Forest Brook High School and Texas Southern University.
Director of Bands, Ronald Thornton Sr. Passes
December 6, 2009
On the morning of Friday December 4th, came shocking news from the Houston Marching band community, Mr. Ronald Thornton Sr., Director of Bands at Willowridge High School was found unconcious in his home by his Wife. After spending the remainder of his life in The ICU at Methodist Hospital in Sugarland. Mr. Thornton passed away that evening at 6:10 PM surrounded by family and numerous Alumni.
Mr. Thornton’s services are as follows:
Thursday, December 10
Jam Session Celebration (Wake)
6:30 - 8:30pm
Brentwood Worship Center (13033 Landmark, Houston 77045)
Friday, December 11
Celebration of Life
10:00am
Brentwood Worship Center (13033 Landmark, Houston 77045)
Band Director Celebrates Longevity- Sky Arnold
December 2, 2009
There are two things newcomers notice about the Aristocrat of Bands.
The body movement and the high knee lift of its band members.
A style, director Edward Graves wouldn’t change for anything.
“I wouldn’t dare. When you find something that works why change it,” said Graves.
For 30 years, Graves has ensured very little needs to change.
The former TSU student took over as band director in 1979 and has been the driving force ever since.
“It’s still unreal and this is a dream job for me. It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
Even at 69 years old, Graves still leads the band from the field.
Drum Major Daniel Hayes says his step isn’t the only thing that’s remained sharp.
“I can recall a time my sophomore year where we were doing pre drill and he made me run a lap cause he saw me sagging,” said Hayes.
