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Ocean of Soul

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The Ocean of Soul Marching Band
TSU Ocean of Soul Drum Majors
NicknameThe Ocean
SchoolTexas Southern University
LocationHouston, Texas
ConferenceSWAC
FoundedJuly 1, 1969
DirectorBrian K. Simmons
Members200+
WebsiteOcean of Soul official website

The Ocean of Soul is the marching band representing Texas Southern University. Since June 2021, the band has been under the direction of Brian K. Simmons.[1]

History

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The marching band at Texas Southern University (TSU) was founded in 1969 by Benjamin J. Butler II. Under the direction of Brian K. Simmons, the Ocean of Soul performs at all university home football, SWAC home basketball games, various parades and university sponsored events, on national television, and before crowds at professional athletic games. The Ocean gained a reputation for its soulful sound, heavy beat, precision drills, and intricate dance routines.

Notable performances

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The "Funk Train" drumline at the 2019 MLK parade in downtown Houston

Besides TSU's televised football and select home basketball games, The Ocean has been featured in other events.

Several Pro Football games for the Houston Oilers and the Houston Texans. Also the band has performed for the Dallas Mavericks fans in Dallas, Texas. In 2004, the Ocean of Soul was featured in Super Bowl XXXVIII's halftime show along with the Spirit of Houston.[2][3]

In 2005, The Ocean performed on the Stellar Awards with Kirk Franklin.[4]

In 2008, The Ocean performed at their first Honda Battle of the Bands in the Georgia Dome. The Ocean was the only band to receive a standing ovation after performing that year.[5]

In 2012, The Ocean of Soul's drumline, "The Funk Train", became the first black collegiate showstyle drumline in history to compete in the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC)'s Marching Festival. The drumline placed 3rd and gained an award for "Best Cymbal Line".

In 2014, The Ocean of Soul performed at the premiere of The Wedding Ringer in Houston. Co-star Kevin Hart accepted his invitation to become an honorary lifetime "Ocean" member at the event and donated $50,000 to the band.[6]

Also in 2014, The Ocean of Soul performed at TSU alumnus Michael Strahan Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio. Strahan donated $100,000 to the band for their outstanding support.[7]

In 2016, The Ocean Of Soul performed the opening sequence for Fox Sports NFL Sunday in Houston, live on national television from Discovery Green.

In 2017, several members of The Ocean of Soul performed live with Solange for her performance of her hit single "Don't Touch My Hair" on campus.[8] Also the band was invited to lead the celebration parade for the Houston Astros 2017 World Series Championship through downtown Houston that had 750,000 in attendance.[9]

In 2019, members of The Ocean of Soul drumline opened up for Megan Thee Stallion for her sold out show at the White Oak Music Hall.[10]

In 2021, the Ocean of Soul performed at halftime for the Houston Texans and the San Antonio Spurs.

In 2022, the Ocean of Soul performed at halftime for the Houston Rockets. Also the band was invited to WrestleMania 38 in Dallas to open up for Bianca Belair’s entrance.

Structure

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With more than 200 members, The Ocean is the largest student organization on campus and a centerpiece of school spirit for the institution. The "Ocean" is led by three drum majors and is based in the Rollins-Stewart Music building on campus.

Sections

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Motion of The Ocean in 2023

The percussion section, known as The Funk Train drumline, is the largest and most highly visible section of Ocean of Soul, followed by trumpets and trombones. The band also includes piccolos, clarinets, a full and powerful euphonium section, better known as Baditude, saxophones, mellophones, and high a powered sousaphone section, known as Platinum Funk.

The band is also noted for its talented dancers, the self-proclaimed "Class Act of The SWAC" better known as the Motion of The Ocean (also shortened to Motion). Motion was established in 1969 and is under the direction of Danielle Stamper. Members of the Motion danceline received national publicity when they won a bid to compete on Season 5 of MTV's America's Best Dance Crew.[11]

The flashy color guard (The Ocean Waves) and baton twirlers (The Platinum Girls) comprise related sections.

Leadership camp

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Each summer, high school students attend the Band Leadership Camp, an intensive introduction to choreographed dance routines and flag drills, training in corps and show style marching techniques, music theory and leadership skills.

Legacy

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Many former members of Ocean of Soul have achieved success in the music industry including

Also a noticeable number of high school band directors are alumni of TSU’s marching band.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Brian Simmons named new band director at Texas Southern". Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  2. ^ "Houston Bands March at Super Bowl XXXVIII". CHRON. 29 January 2004. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
  3. ^ "TSU Ocean Of Soul to March at Super Bowl XXXVIII". TSPN. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
  4. ^ "RECAP:Stellar Award 20th Anniversary Taping 2005". Gospel Flava. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
  5. ^ "Texas Southern University "Ocean of Soul" Marching Band". facebook.com.[user-generated source]
  6. ^ "It's Official! Kevin Hart is now a member of "Ocean of Soul" Band at Texas Southern University | AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWS". aframnews.com. Archived from the original on 2015-03-20.
  7. ^ "Michael Strahan donating $100K to TSU's 'Ocean of Soul'". 24 June 2014.
  8. ^ "Solange gives a peek at what could have been at Free Press Summer Fest". 5 June 2017.
  9. ^ "Texas Southern Marching Band to Lead Houston Astros World Series Parade". Archived from the original on 2020-09-22.
  10. ^ "TSU's Ocean of Soul marching band opens up for Megan Thee Stallion". 5 December 2019.
  11. ^ "Lady Colts".
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