The show style marching band tradition began over fifty years ago at Florida A&M University, which has been long considered the nation's preeminent black college marching band school. They have since grown into a sport of their own and now feature characteristic high stepping, funky dance rhythms, and exciting musical repertoire ranging from classical to Top 40. But it is only recently, with films such as Drumline, backed by a flurry of high profile marching band appearances that this tradition has begun to capture the imagination of the American public.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are institutions of higher learning that were established before 1964 with the intention of serving the African American community. After the Civil War, HBCU institutions were established to develop young professionals and inspire them to become successful despite various hindering circumstances. There are more than 100 historically black colleges in the United States, located almost exclusively in the Southeast.DRUMLINE LIVE's energetic cast has honed its precision and energy with years of training in marching band programs across the southern United States. This versatile group of musicians and dancers brings an explosive energy and athleticism to an eclectic mix of sounds featuring the hottest contemporary hip hop, R&B, classic Motown tunes and the great brass tradition.
DRUMLINE LIVE features a 39-member cast of high-energy performers in the show-style marching band tradition of America's top Historically Black Colleges and Universities including:
Fort Valley State University - embraces a history that weaves together African-American culture, a commitment to personal and intellectual growth and a deep sense of communityHampton University - rich in history, steeped in tradition
Shaw University - the first historically black college of the South
Dillard High School, Ft. Lauderdale - developed the first computer-themed program in the county, Emerging Computer Technology
Southwest DeKalb - internationally recognized for the last four years as the school that had the largest number of African-Americans in the nation to score three or better on the AP U.S. History exam
North Carolina Central University - became the nation's first state-supported liberal arts college for African-American students in 1925
Norfolk State University - espouses the tradition of service to its students, its alumni, the academy, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world
Talent Unlimited High School, NYC - "the performing arts school where everyone knows your name"
Prairie View A&M University - the first state supported College in Texas for African Americans
Tennessee State University - has a 500-acre main campus, with more than 65 buildings
Florida A&M University - the only historically black university in the eleven-member State University System of Florida
Spelman College - the premier historically Black college for women
Morehouse College - has traditionally graduated more black men than any other school, anywhere
DeKalb Technical College - one of the oldest and most respected of Georgia's 33 technical colleges
Clark Atlanta University - one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities designated as a Research University
University of Georgia - the state's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff - the oldest HBCU and the second oldest public institution in the state of Arkansas
With riveting rhythms, bold beats and ear-grabbing energy, the stage show will be a synchronized musical showcase of the HBCU experience. Contact The Artist Series at (904) 632-3373 or visit our website www.artistseriesjax.org for more information.
No comments:
Post a Comment