‘Ballou’ Marching Band Rises Up With Music

• Posted Apr 23rd 2010 10:15AM by Marina Galperina TheBoombox.com | Source

Ballou Senior High School students face more challenges than most adults will ever have to deal with. That’s why the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band is not merely an after school activity or a music collective — it’s a positive influence in their lives. In the documentary film ‘Ballou,’ Michael Patrei, an alum, goes back to school for a personal portrait of the band, its heroes, struggles and triumphs.
From the practicing rooms to the national competition, marching band music weaves in with familiar sounds (among those: Rihanna’s ‘Unfaithful’), but there’s something more universal in the film than motif recognition: fierce spirit. This is no glitzy feature fiction film. This isn’t reality TV either. This is real. The kids are determined, their spirit is raw and this documentary portrait will show you what it really takes to be the best.
Streaming now at SnagFilms, the film focuses on the band’s journey from early auditions to national competition and along the way reveals why the tightly knit collective does much more than keep kids off the streets. In a tough neighborhood three miles away from the U.S. Capitol building, Ballou High students spend hours every day practicing, proud to protect their reputation as champions. As one of the girls in the band confesses, “This is my anger management … I need this.”

Much like the filmmaker, band director Darrell Watson is a Ballou alum himself. As are many of the volunteers who put their faith and tireless hours into supporting the collective. The flag girls’ choreographer admits, “This is my life.” Band director Darrell Watson emerges as a true hero, whether he’s keeping the rowdiest kids in line in a practice room with no air conditioning or leading the band in national competition while suddenly struck with an illness.
With supporting commentary by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Congressman John Lewis, Marion Barry, Denyce Graves and Chuck Brown, the documentary proves that the band’s positive influence doesn’t just extend to its members. It betters the D.C. community, the country and maybe even you. Watch and get inspired.

Alcorn State Prepares for 30th Anniversary Jazz Festival with Jazz Legend McCoy Tyner

Southern University Band to Hold April Auditions in Houston and New Orleans

The Southern University Band will hold auditions for all interested students in the Houston area on Friday, April 16, 2010, from 6pm-9pm at Thurgood Marshall High School.  The school is located at 1220 Buffalo Run, Missouri City, TX 77489-1626. For further information contact Nathan Haymer, Assistant Director of Bands, at nathan_haymer@subr.edu or contact the Thurgood Marshall Band Department.

The Southern University Band will hold auditions for all interested students in the New Orleans area on Thursday, April 22, 2010, from 6pm-9pm at O. Perry Walker High School.  O. Perry Walker is located at 2832 General Meyer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114. . For further information contact Nathan Haymer, Assistant Director of Bands, at nathan_haymer@subr.edu or contact the O. Perry Walker Band Department.

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Alcorn Jazz Festival Snags The Legendary McCoy Tyner for 30th Annual Event

To say we’re excited about this one is an Understatement.  David Miller and his staff have outdone themselves by getting none other then Legendary John Coltrane sideman McCoy Tyner and special guest Gary Bartz for their 30th Annual Jazz Festival.

The 30th Anniversary Alcorn State University Jazz Festival will take place on Saturday, April 17th in the Vicksburg Convention Center.  University, College & H.S. jazz ensembles from around the Southeast will perform in the morning and afternoon.  There will be an educational workshop @ 4:00 pm and an evening concert featuring the McCoy Tyner Trio with Special Guest Gary Bartz, some of the most prominent jazz artists in the history of the music.  The evening concert with the MS Jazz Educators and the McCoy Tyner Trio with Special Guest Gary Bartz, will start at 7:00pm.  For details call Dr. David Miller @ 601-877-6602 or Google “ASU jazz fest.” All of this sensational music is absolutely FREE and open to the public!
That’s the 30th Anniversary Alcorn State University Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 17 in the Vicksburg Convention Center!  You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime music history making event! Read more