SET SAIL WITH THE MARCHING PIRATES! The Hampton University Band Program currently consists of the Marching Band, the Concert Band, the Symphonic Winds and the Basketball Band. Each of these organizations strive to provide a high level of musical experience for its members, and provides music for various University functions under the umbrella of the Department of Music. The Hampton University Marching Band, “The Force”, is a grand example of the positive impact of music on student engagement and success. The Force provides experiences which assist students in their ability to assume responsibility, establish a professional attitude, gain self-confidence, develop a humanistic attitude toward life, become proficient in their area of musical specialization, appreciate diverse cultures, and contribute positively to the world around them.
The Force is most often found serving alongside the Hampton University football team on Saturday game days. Fan anticipation is reserved for half time and the battle that will ensue to determine the musical champion of the day. It is a sight to behold and an adventure within itself. The cadence of the Drum Majors leading the march of musicians on a mission to perform at their best and make the audience feel their drive in the depths of their chest along with the beat of the S.T.I.C.K.Y. Situation drum line. The Ebony Fire dance team and S.I.L.K.Y. flag line sway in rhythmic unison, while the crowd watches in awe, mesmerized. They execute so precisely and so effortlessly, that the audience never fully understands the extreme dedication and hard work that goes into making each performance an exquisite experience for the senses of sight and sound. Ultimately, the band experience creates opportunities of a lifetime that build character and promote success. Listed below are some of the experiences that the Hampton University Marching Band has been invited to participate in over the years: 2009 – Band performs in the Presidential Inauguration Parade of the 44th President of the US, President Barack Obama 2019 – Drumline members selected to participate in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade 2020 – Band selected to first-ever appearance of an HBCU band in the New Year’s Day Parade and Celebration in THE MARCHING FORCE
THE SMARTEST BAND IN THE LAND
At Hampton University, academics come first. The majority of our band receives an academic merit scholarship, and all of our students are required to maintain good academic standing in order to participate in the HU Bands program. The college experience is like any other, but we stress the importance of maintaining good grades and graduating on time. To that end, various resources—tutoring, study halls, academic advisors—are in place to help ensure your academic success. In The Marching Force, our priorities are “School, Band, and everything else.” For band students, we have developed a strong relationship with the HU Office of Admission in order to secure priority review of applications and academic merit scholarships. THE MARCHING FORCE
FOR BAND MEMBERS ONLY, please follow these steps to ensure a quick review of your application: Apply online at www.hamptonu.edu/apply and pay the $50 application fee. Submit your high school transcript, letter of recommendation, test score report, and personal essay through the online portal. Email copies of your high school transcript, letter of recommendation, test score report, and personal essay to [email protected] Please submit your contact information via our website www.humarchingforce.com/prospective-students so that we can keep 1 2 3 4
MARCHING BAND is a creative outlet that fosters innovation, community, and family. Its goal is to create something extraordinary for its audience. THE MARCHING FORCE
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE WINDS 12 Major scales (1 or 2 octaves) Chromatic scale (2 octaves) Prepared piece of your choice Sight-reading (in-person auditions only) SNARE Double stroke roll Flam rudiment of your choice Drag rudiment of your choice Diddle rudiment of your choice (Open-closed-open for all) MARIMBA 12 Major scales (1 or 2 octaves) Chromatic scale (2 octaves) Prepared piece of your choice Sight-reading (in-person auditions only)
A limited number of Book Scholarships are also available. All scholarships are based on performance, need, and availability (first come, first served) Band Scholarships range from $2,000 to $20,000 per academic year Academic Merit Scholarships range from $5,000 to $25,000 per academic year (Minimum 1100 SAT or 22 ACT, 3.3 GPA) Room Scholarships are $6,126 per academic year as of Fall 2018 Pell Grant Award is $6,095 per academic year as of Fall 2018 Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (Virginia res - idents only) is $3,300 per academic year as of Fall 2018 THE MARCHING FORCE
AUXILIARY
THE MARCHING FORCE EBONY FIRE The Hampton University dance team, “EBONY FIRE,” are the hot flames of desire, known for their technical routines and energetic choreography. This elite group of talented dancers provides the crowd with mystique and attitude. Their routines will have the audience asking for more while they throw their “swaggers,” turns, and leaps in the air. These ladies are true athletes and make dancing look easy while showing their pearly whites at all times. On the field and even in the stands, they work it from the beginning to end. Placement is by audition and open to women only. Coach: Ms. Brint Martin [email protected] @THEOFFICIALEBONYFIREOFHU
SILKY The Hampton University Flag Corps, also known as “SILKY,” are the ladies of class and provide audiences with breathtaking twirling routines. Not only can they handle silks, they are versatile in using hoops and chains. They provide our slow jams with wonder and anticipation to see the rise and fall of the flags. This dedicated group of young women specialize in bringing the flare and color to the field through visual effect. The purpose of “Silky” is to interpret the music that The Marching Force is playing via the synchronized work of flags and movement. The flagline uses different colors and styles of flags to enhance the visual effect of The Marching Force as a whole. Placement is by audition and open to women only. Coach: Ms. Megan McKinney [email protected] @HU_FLAGLINE_SILKY
SHIMMERING SAPPHIRE ELEGANCE The Hampton University Majorettes, “SHIMMERING SAPPHIRE ELEGANCE,” have rejoined the band after an almost 40-year hiatus. Not only do they twirl batons, this group also carries the banner and twirls ribbons. The Majorettes, Ribbonettes, and Banner Beauties are extremely versatile, and they compliment the Drum Majors in performances. From dancing and twirling, to gymnastics and stunts, these ladies are extremely talented and agile. Placement is by audition and open to women only. Coach: Ms. Anya J. Holland [email protected] THE MARCHING FORCE @HU_MAJORETTES_SSE
700 Emancipation Dr. Hampton, Virginia P.O. Box 6161 Hampton, VA 23666 @HU_BANDS www.humarchingforce.com /HUMARCHINGFORCE +757-728-6878