Ocean of Soul
Encyclopedia
The Ocean of Soul, also known as the The Ocean, is the marching band
of the Texas Southern University
, and is currently under the direction of Richard F. Lee, Darryl Singleton and Clarence K. Gipson.
In 2004, the Ocean of Soul was featured in Super Bowl XXXVIII
's halftime show along with the Spirit of Houston
.
In 2005, The Ocean performed on the Stellar Awards
with Kirk Franklin
.
, is the largest and most highly visible section of Ocean of Soul, followed by trumpets and trombones. The band also includes piccolos, clarinets, baritones, saxophones, mellophone
s, and sousaphone
s.
The band is noted for its majorettes, the lovely Motion of the Ocean. The flashy color guard and baton twirlers comprise related sections.
. Nationally known mixtape DJ, DJ Hollygrove. A number of African-American band directors are alumni of TSU’s marching band.
Marching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
of the Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University is a historically black university located in Houston, Texas, United States....
, and is currently under the direction of Richard F. Lee, Darryl Singleton and Clarence K. Gipson.
History
The marching band at Texas Southern University (TSU) was founded in 1969 by Benjamin J. Butler II. Under the direction of Richard Lee, Ocean of Soul performs at university home football games, on national television, and before crowds at professional athletic games. The Ocean gained a reputation for its sound, heavy beat, precision drills, and intricate dance routines.Notable performances
Besides TSU's televised football games, The Ocean has been featured in other events.In 2004, the Ocean of Soul was featured in Super Bowl XXXVIII
Super Bowl XXXVIII
Super Bowl XXXVIII was an American football game played on February 1, 2004 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas to decide the National Football League champion following the 2003 regular season....
's halftime show along with the Spirit of Houston
Spirit of Houston
The Spirit of Houston, is an umbrella term that represents the official spirit groups at the University of Houston. Included in the Sprit of Houston are the Cougar Dolls Dance Team, the UH Cheer teams, and primarily, the Cougar Marching Band. The Spirit of Houston is currently under the direction...
.
In 2005, The Ocean performed on the Stellar Awards
Stellar Awards
The Stellar Awards is the first Gospel Music Awards show in the country, honoring Gospel Music Artists, writers, and industry professionals for their contributions to the Gospel Music Industry. The Stellar Awards ranks high in status as the only Gospel Music television awards program syndicated in...
with Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin
Kirk Dwayne Franklin is an American Gospel music musician, choir director, and author, and is most notably known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God's Property and One Nation Crew .- Early years :...
.
Structure
With more than 300 members, the marching band is the largest student organization on campus and a centerpiece of the university.Sections
The percussion section, known as The Funk Train DrumlineDrumline
A drumline is a section of percussion instruments usually played as part of a musical marching ensemble. High school and college marching bands, drill and drum corps, drum and bugle corps, indoor percussion ensembles, and pipe bands usually incorporate drumlines; however, drumlines can exist...
, is the largest and most highly visible section of Ocean of Soul, followed by trumpets and trombones. The band also includes piccolos, clarinets, baritones, saxophones, mellophone
Mellophone
The mellophone is a brass instrument that is typically used in place of the horn in marching bands or drum and bugle corps....
s, and sousaphone
Sousaphone
The sousaphone is a type of tuba that is widely employed in marching bands. Designed so that it fits around the body of the musician and is supported by the left shoulder, the sousaphone may be readily played while being carried...
s.
The band is noted for its majorettes, the lovely Motion of the Ocean. The flashy color guard and baton twirlers comprise related sections.
Leadership camp
Each summer, 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
Many former members of Ocean of Soul have achieved success in the music industry including Grammy award-winning jazz saxophonist Kirk WhalumKirk Whalum
Kirk Whalum is an American smooth jazz saxophonist and songwriter. He toured as Whitney Houston's opening act for several years. Whalum has also recorded a series of well received solo albums and film soundtracks, with music ranging from pop to R&B to smooth jazz...
. Nationally known mixtape DJ, DJ Hollygrove. A number of African-American band directors are alumni of TSU’s marching band.