The PODIUM
Student NEWS
The Marching Force Takes NYC by Storm by Asani Ward Theta Phi - TBΣ Hampton University
T
he Hampton University Marching Force traveled to New York City this week of thanksgiving as the only historically black college and university participating in the parade this year of 2021. The band has endured many practices, performances, and special events in the highlight of their participation in this year’s parade. The band has been preparing for this parade ever since they found out they were participating two years ago. Originally, the Marching Force was supposed to appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in 2020, but unfortunately, due to the coronavirus, the invite was extended to 2021. Nonetheless, the band students endured hours and hours on end of consistent practices and dedication in preparation for the big moment. Within the practices, the band focused on conditioning their bodies such as parading around campus, running the track, as well as conducting many reps of the actual performance itself on the Macy’s Star in Herald Square. The Hampton University Director of Bands, Thomas L. Jones, made it his priority to replicate the actual
16 - Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
performance as much as possible for his students since he has marched the parade himself back with the Brooklyn Steppers and knows the intensity of the event itself. Because of this advantage the students were able to receive the keys to success from Dr. Jones past experience in performing and marching in this parade. Not only did the band make its mark on the Macy’s Star thanksgiving day, but they also touched the hearts of many young musicians as they went on a mini tour of inspiration by doing performances and pep rallies at schools like New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and Science Park High School in Newark, New Jersey. While performing popular songs like “Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X and “Way Too Sexy” by Drake, the band also made sure to educate the inspiring musicians on the significance of college and how playing and instrument can provide structure in one’s life. On the tour of inspiration, they also made sure to make a stop at Central Park where they participated in another pep rally. This shows that although the band could have been getting amplitude of rest and reps in for the big day, they would rather commit selfless acts of service by
