The National HBCU Auxiliary and Dance Directors’ Association (HBCUADD) is the brain child of Black Foxes Director, Shawn Zachery. She is the founder and current Executive Director of this new organization, created to address the needs of HBCU performance team coaches and the performers, as well. “It’s been an idea of mine for well over twelve years to create something where HBCU coaches could come together and share experiences, network and support each other in doing what we love.” HBCUADD has been fortunate enough to partner with the HBCU National Band and Orchestra Directors’ Consortium (HBCU-NBODC) to provide a yearly conference. “We saw a natural fit with the HBCU Band and Orchestra directors. “It only made sense to partner with this organization and provide a cohesive experience.” HBCUADD actually began operations in 2020, but its first conference was shut down because of the COVID pandemic. This past April was its very first in-person conference and it was a huge success. “We are looking forward to growing our membership and our sponsorship base so that we can begin to offer scholarships to HBCU performance team members, and other opportunities for coaches and teams. Our goal is to have representation from every HBCU that has performance teams.” Black Foxes captain, Shelbi Durand was a workshop facilitator, as well as an attendee, along with Jaydyn Martin from Twirling Thunder and Marching Storm members attending the Band and Orchestra Consortium.
This year’s conference was attended by coaches and performers from Jackson State University, Alabama A&M, Morehouse/Spelman College, Alabama State University, Winston-Salem State University, Voorhies College, Clark-Atlanta University, Texas Southern University, Mississippi Valley State University, Langston University and a host of high schools and Community teams from across the country.