Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm

 

The very soul and spirit of every historically Black university is conveyed through its marching band. From the deep, rich sounds of the tubas, the elegance of the majorettes down to the exuberant dance routines of the drum majors, Black college life would not be the same without marching bands.  No marching band uplifts fans like the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm.  The band’s high octane, in-your-face routines are unmatched.  The Marching Storm stands out from the rest of the pack with theme-oriented halftime pageants, innovative drum routines and a professional musical sound.

 

 

                                            

                                                                    Drum Majors

 

 

Through performances, the internationally regarded Marching Storm and their renowned dance troupe, the “Black Foxes”, shares the spirit and culture of Prairie View A&M with a wide range of audiences and venues.  The band has participated in high profile events such as the inaugural parades of George W. Bush, Jr. as governor of Texas and President of the United States, the Battle of The Flowers Parade in San Antonio, Texas, the opening of Houston’s Reliant Stadium and a live, nationally televised performance on CBS’s “The Early Show” in January 2001. In January 2004, the Storm received a standing ovation from a capacity crowd for its performance in the Georgia Dome during the second annual Honda Battle of the Bands contest in Atlanta.

 

 

                                             

                                                               The Black Foxes

 

 

The great success that the band has experienced during its 80 plus year history can be attributed to its tremendous work ethic.  For a monument to stand the test of time as the Marching Storm has, sacrifice, dedication, and extreme hard work are all important factors.  In addition to work ethic, a strong leader is also needed.  The Marching Storm’s leader is head band director George Edwards (pictured left).

  

 

Edwards, commonly referred to as “Prof”, has overseen the direction of the Marching Storm for 20 years.  The proud holder of a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Florida A&M and Michigan State Universities, Edwards received musical training from some of the best in the business.  When asked about the style his band portrays on the field, Edwards said, “In pageantry, the audience hears what they see.  We try to remain facing them while playing music and performing field maneuvers.”  

  

 

 

Alongside Edwards are Larry Jones, Dr. William McQueen and Mark Gordon.  Both Jones and McQueen have been associated with Prairie View A&M and worked side-by-side with Edwards for more than 16 years.  Dr. Margaret Sherrod Penn directs the Black Foxes dance troupe.                                              

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                               

                                                                      The Box

 

 

Several of the Marching Storm’s prominent alumni include the likes of Terry Ellis (member of the Multi-Platinum recording group EnVogue), Virgin Records singing group IDEAL and Ricky LaFontaine of the Richard Smallwood Singers.  In addition, the Storm also has several alumni directing award-winning high school bands across the state of Texas.

                                       

The Marching Storm’s intense and highly choreographed style allows them to share a little of Pantherland with those who ordinarily do not get to experience Prairie View A&M’s magic. 

 

 

“Are you ready for The Storm?”