The new marching band at Wilberforce University will high step in rhythm at the competitive Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans this weekend.
“Judging from the calls from those down there in New Orleans who recommended us to participate, I feel, honestly that, you know, if they believe that we're ready, then we're ready," said Virgil Goodwine, director of the Wilberforce University Marching Band. The band is also known by its nickname "The Hounds of Sound."
Goodwine explained the band was chosen for the parades after several YouTube videos captured the attention of nationally-known college band captains who are connected to Mardi Gras festivities.
The band has 147 members who began practicing last summer. The band plays several instruments including clarinets, saxophones, trombones, tubas and drums.
“The HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities) band culture to every HBCU is vital, and I guess is the face of the university,” said Goodwine. “And of course, anything to do with music just makes it that much better.”
Goodwine said he discovered that Wilberforce University, which was founded in 1856, had a concert band back in the 1930’s, but never a marching band. “Being able to perform at, you know, pep rallies and then in the local communities and now the national stage, it really, you know, puts Wilberforce University on a platform like everyone,” said Goodwine.
Goodwine noted the university has a population of close to 500 students, and said the school may be able to attract more students with the band. “I mean, it's often mentioned that, you know, we're the first (privately owned) HBCU and something that, you know, kind of falls in line with the band,” said Goodwine. “Like that's the first (privately owned) HBCU. And look at that band program. Wow. We should really check out what Wilberforce has to offer.”
Current students at Wilberforce are excited about the energy the band brings to the campus, Goodwine said.
“We can only go up from here. Like we're actually honestly looking forward to next year,” Goodwine said.
