OCEAN BEAT SEPT 2021
The Official Publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter Officers 2021-2023 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 Shane Emilien 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 Houston , Texas 77288
TSU Taps New Ocean of Soul Band Director
Texas Southern University has named Mr. Brian Simmons as the new Director of The Ocean of Soul Ma Band and an instructor in the Music Department. He will step into this new role on Monday, July 5th,
"It is an honor to join the TSU Family. Texas Southern has always been a respected rival of mine. I am cited to work with a program with so much history both in the band and HBCU world,'" said Brian Sim "I look to honor the rich history and traditions of the "Ocean of Soul" while incorporating new and in tive ideas. Fans and alumni can expect to see what the band is known for as we rise to the next level mately, it will be the same Ocean, just a new wave!"
The TSU band was founded in 1945 by Mr. Allen E. Norton. The Ocean of Soul, affectionately known 9th Wonder of the World, was founded by Mr. Benjamin J. Butler II in 1969. The Ocean of Soul has perf at numerous high-profile events, including Super Bowl XXXVIII, the 2013 NBA All-Star Game Pregame cert and the 2018 NCAA Final Four. Most recently, the Ocean was featured in the 2021 Netflix series H the Hog.
Notable parade performances include the 2014 NFL Hall of Fame Induction Parade, the 2017 Houston World Series Victory Parade, the HEB Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Krewe of Endymion Mardi G Parade. In addition, the Ocean has performed with celebrities, award shows, movie premieres and se musical performances for various NBA, MLB and NFL teams. You can always catch the Ocean on selec televised home football and basketball games during the school year. The band consists of more than students majoring in different disciplines, all of whom rehearse and perform as part of a year -rou program. Mr. Simmons will be the 5th Director of The Ocean of Soul and succeeds Dr. Darryl Singlet
"The College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences welcomes Mr. Simmons to TSU, to the Ocean of and to the Music Department. I would like to thank all members of the search committee for moving us point," Needha Boutte-Queen, Dean College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences. "We are thrilled th Simmons accepted this opportunity to lead the historic Ocean into the future. His talents are widely kn and will help propel the Ocean of Soul to new heights."
A native of New Orleans, LA, Mr. Simmons earned a Bachelor of Music and Master of Educationa Leadership from Southern University. He also serves as an adjudicator and clinician to middle and h school bands nationwide. In addition, Mr. Simmons is an exceptional euphonium and trombo player. He is also a prolific arranger and educator respected throughout the country. He has received m awards and critical acclaim for his performances and arrangements.
Mr. Simmons was appointed Director of Bands and Director of Fine Arts at the Louisiana Leadership In (LLI) by Louisiana Senator Cleo Fields. In January 2021, Simmons led LLI as they were selected to parti in the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Mr. Simmons was inducted into the Southern University Alumni Federation: 40 Under 40. He has al participated in the HBCU National Band Directors Consortium, Music Educators National Conference, Louisiana Music Educators Association. He is a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, Kappa Kappa Psi National ary Band Fraternity and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
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OOSAC Freshm
man BBQ Dinner
OOSAC Welcome to the Ocean BBQ
The Ocean of Soul Marching and Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter extends its sincere appreciation of the outpour of support in our Annual Water & Gatorade collection drive. Thank You Ocean!
Mr. Howard is currently the President of the Brazoria County NAACP.
The Ocean of Soul Marching Band will be featured in the Netflix original, "High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America." The four-episode documentary explains the cultural roots of African American foods in America. Stream it now.
Ocean Alumni Please support Texas Southern University and Ocean of Soul Alumnus Eugene Howard as he embarks on a campaign to become the Congressional Representative for District 22 in Brazoria County. Mr. Howard is currently the President of the Brazoria County NAACP.