OCEAN BEAT JANUARY 2020
The Official Publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter Officers 2019-2020 Donald Greer President Joselyn Coats V. P. of Membership Garnet Foster V. P. of Finance Donald Black Treasurer Darren Champs Recording Secretary Justin Dorsey Corresponding Secretary Julia Richardson Parliamentarian Justice Smith Financial Secretary Reginald Thompson Chaplain Linda Boyd Auxiliary Committee If you want to submit information to the TSUOOSAC Newsletter, please email information to: Oceanalumni@gmail.com or mail to: Texas Southern University National Alumni Association Ocean of Soul Chapter P.O. Box 88155
Photos Courtesy of the National Show Band Association
ALUMNI NEWS
The Ocean of Soul performs at the Grand Opening of the Third Ward H.E.B. Grocery.
Congratulations to the 2019-2020 Ronald B. Thornton Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2019 Tychicus Sims Memorial Music Scholarship: (Above) Congratulations to the recipients of the 2019 Edward Earl Thompson Funk Train Scholarship. Funk Train Alumni also donated a new pair of cymbals to the percussion section. (Below)
Congratulations to the Motion of the Ocean and Ocean Waves Scholarship recipients.
Congratulations to the Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter Alumni of the Year Darren Champs
Congratulations to our new Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter Life Members
Motion of the Ocean Alumni Scholarship Brunch
Motion of Alumni Scho
f the Ocean olarship Brunch
TSU Band Opens Up for Megan Thee Stallion Members of the Ocean of Soul drumline “The Funk Train” opened up for Houston hip-hop artist Megan Thee Stallion earlier this week, gracing the stage of White Oak Music Hall, courtesy of Red Bull. The evening’s line-up was truly all-Texas Southern University, as both Megan Thee Stallion and all members of the Ocean’s drumline are students at TSU. Students in the band, which comprised of the drumline and tubas, conducted a 15minute set before the artist came out to perform. Interim Director of Bands Darryl Singleton said the band was contacted by Red Bull. “They were looking to have a different type of group open up for Megan Thee Stallion,” said Singleton, “Someone mentioned drumline and they thought of us, called us up and made it happen.” Red Bull encouraged the band to bring both percussionists and instrumentalists. “It only made sense that we bring tubas and drums,” said Mario Ramirez, a junior Music Education major from Corpus Christi, TX. A third-year member of the Ocean of Soul, he hopes this performance brings more attention to what the Music Department at TSU has to offer. “I think this performance is a great catalyst of what to expect from the music programs at TSU.” Ramirez was also excited to perform on the same stage as a fellow student, “It’s really cool to perform for (Megan Thee Stallion).” Jesse Holloway is a junior Music Education major from Houston who serves as the drum section leader. He says they often participate in gigs to help raise funds for the band, but this performance was special. “It’s cool to be doing something with her,” said Holloway, “She is a part of us.” With the artist being closer in age to the students, they said they felt more of a connection. “It means a lot and is a really cool opportunity,” said Holloway. “This is probably one of the coolest gigs we’ve done.” Megan Thee Stallion is pursuing a degree in Health Administration at TSU. Her performance coincided with the announcement that she was named to Forbes “30 Under 30” Music Class of 2020 list. Reprinted from Office of Marketing & Communications
Thank you CafĂŠ 4212 for your continued support of the Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
Ocean 50th Anniver
of Soul rsary Halftime
Ocean 50th Anniver
n of Soul rsary Halftime
Special thanks to Cory James and Colistics Pharmacy for his generous contribution to the Ocean of Soul 50th Anniversary and continued support of the Ocean of Soul Marching Band
Special thanks to Kirk Jackson and A & R Brake Service for his generous contribution to the Ocean of Soul 50th Anniversary and continued support of the Ocean of Soul Marching Band