Southern University Marching Band the Measure of Success
April 19, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Green Bay Blizzard News Release
When it comes to marching bands, the residents of Wisconsin know a good one when they see one. The University of Wisconsin marching band's "5th Quarter" performances after football games are an inseparable part of the Badger game experience, and the Badger Band is undoubtedly the finest band in the state. But when it comes to bands of legend, one clearly stands out: the Southern University Marching Band.
"The Human Jukebox," as it has been dubbed, has achieved a level of success unparalleled by its peers. The precision drill steps, the funky unison hip-hop dance moves, the innovative combination of old-school Motown and contemporary R&B, the athletic and alluring "Dancing Dolls" dance team - not to mention the flawless musical performance - adds up to the most spectacular performance ever choreographed.
Over the years, Southern University has been recognized as "The Best Band In The Land," and their reputation has seen them perform at some of the most prestigious events in the country and around the world, including 3 Presidential Inaugurations, 4 Sugar Bowls, 5 Super Bowls, performances at the AstroDome, Yankee Stadium, the Coliseum, and the most impressive appearance of all: a 6-week engagement at the historic Radio City Music Hall.
In addition to their live performances, Southern University has also appeared on the screen, including two of director Spike Lee's films and an award-winning documentary by NFL Films. They were reportedly also the inspiration for the fictional Atlanta A&T University Marching Band in the movie "Drumline," starring Nick Cannon and Orlando Jones.
Their success has not come just on the strength of their reputation, either. They have excelled in competition, most notably when they outperformed more than 20 other college bands to win Motown Records' marching band competition for black college bands. They advanced to the finals against Florida A&M University and Norfolk University, and came out the winners, taking home the top prize of $10,000 for their school.
When the Southern University Marching Band makes their appearance at the Resch Center this Friday during the Blizzard game against the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz, it will mark their first-ever appearance in the state of Wisconsin. Previously, the closest that had been to Green Bay was at Soldier Field in Chicago.
At Friday's game, the Blizzard is holding a fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated much of Louisiana. (Southern University is located in Baton Rouge, and housed many of the evacuees during the initial response.) The Blizzard has teamed up with Morning Glory Dairy to distribute 2,000 empty "Grip It. Sip It." chocolate milk bottles, which fans are encouraged to fill with change and use as a noisemaker. When the game is over, fans can drop their bottles and change into bins to donate them to the relief fund.
Additionally, Top Promotions of Madison has provided commemorative t-shirts for the event, which will be sold for $10.00 each. All proceeds will be donated to the Donald Driver Foundation for Hurricane Katrina Relief, which provides computers to schools, churches and youth centers so that the education system can remain active during the rebuilding.
Prior to Friday's game, Southern University will be practicing at the Resch Center from 6:00-7:00pm on Thursday night. All media is welcome to attend to see the band in action before the game, and Band Director Lawrence Jackson will be available for interviews. (Media can enter through Security 1 at the rear of the Resch Center.)
Tickets for this Friday's game are still available! For more information, or to get your Green Bay Blizzard season tickets and merchandise, contact the Blizzard office at (920) 405-1264.
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