The Issue Seven August - December 2015 EXPLOSION

A Publicaon of the Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Booster Associaon

Since our last issue in the spring of 2015, the Trojan Explosion Booster Association (TEBA) has been busy preparing for this marching season and beyond. This 7th edition of The Explosion is the first for the 2015-16 school year. Articles in this issue cover events from Band Camp in August, through the band’s performances in local Christmas Parades. A huge focus for this year is the branding of the organization and being recognized as an active support organization on campus. For that reason, booster executive committee, booster donors and several new parents have purchased polo shirts and jackets bearing our logo. Wearing these items with our beanies and scarves makes us visible to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and our band members and staff. We are reaching out to band parents to welcome them, to include them in VSU events other than those of the band and to provide them information on travel to away games. We want them to feel a part of the Trojan family and to share in their children’s college experiences. Our fundraising efforts continue and funds raised this year are targeted for instrument repair, travel assistance and scholarships. It is our hope that operational expenses, some of which we provided this year, will be covered by the band’s budget next year allowing us to provide more scholarship funding. Recruitment is competitive and the programs that can offer scholarships have an edge in attracting the best musicians. In an effort to grow the band, we want to provide as much funding as possible to attract the needed instrumentalists. Our goal is a 150-piece band, which we want to grow into a 200-piece band. Marching bands are popular in southern universities and we want to be known as one of the biggest and best.

Performances Trojan Explosion Booster Association • Beginning of Year Freshman Orientation Officers & Committee Chairs • Battle of the NC/VA Bands (VUU) – 10/11/15 • Home Game Performances President California PA University – 9/5/15 Barbara R. Steverson Kentucky State University – 9/19/15 Fayetteville State University – 9/26/15 Vice President of Finance St. Augustine’s University – 10/3/15 H. Ray Davis Bowie State University – 10/17/15 Vice President of Membership Virginia Union University – 11/7/17 Bill McGee • Homecoming Pep Rally • Away Game Performances Treasurer - Elizabeth City State University – 10/10/15 Harold Allen - NC/VA Battle of the Bands –VUU - 10/11/15 Recording Secretary – Lincoln University-PA – 10/24/15 Robin Brown • Exhibition Performance at Huguenot High School’s Homecoming Game 11/6/15 Partnership Chair • Intramural Football Championship 11/17/15 Stephanie Smith • Colonial Heights Christmas Parade 12/1/15 Parent Involvement • Dominion Christmas Parade –Richmond- 12/5/15 Nellie Spann • Petersburg Holiday Parade 12/5/15 1 Band Staff

A Mississippi native, Mr. Holden received undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Education from Jackson State University. He participated in post-graduate studies at North Texas State University and Berklee School of Music. He has performed with B.B. King, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Michael Bolton, Solomon Burke and for Pope Benedict’s Christmas Concert. Arguably one of the top arrangers in the country, Professor Holden is known throughout the musical world as an exquisite saxophonist.

Interim Director of Bands Professor James Holden, Jr., M.M.E.

Assistant Director Assistant Director Operations Director Rev. Sylvester Bullock, M.Div. Mr. Taylor Whitehead, M.M.E. Mr. Maurice B. Jones, M.S.

Support Staff from left to right above: Ms. Salena Scott (Coach, Essence of Troy Dancers), Mr. Jairamie King (Choreographer, Essence of Troy Dancers) and Mr. E Elisha Powell (Percussion Coordinator).

Not pictured: Mr. Franklin Johnson, Jr. (Recruitment), Mr. Alan Morton (Drum Major Coordinator), Mr. Perry Evans (Satin Divas Flag Coach), Mr. L. Darnell Spicely and Mr. Parris Bowles (Double-Time Entertainment - Media Production), Ms. Aliyah Hoye, Ms. Sidney Freeman and Mr. Dahkel Darling (Equipment Managers), and Mr. Avery Jacobs, former Drum Major (Announcers).

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Mr. Holden meets with parents and students on the first day of band camp. After students move into the temporary dorm where all band members stay during camp, parents leave and the hard work of camp begins. The days consist of early morning PT, marching, learning drills, learning new music and practice, practice, practice.

A workshop on Time Management is important as students often have a hard time managing academic Building stamina is important. Band members march work and band practice. pass Lindsay-Montague, the old music building, toward front campus.

Drum Majors Sam Jones and Deonte Terry eat well and rest whenever they get the opportunity. They are leaders and expected to lead by example. 3 The band practices marching from the band room to the stadium. They practice entering the stadium and where and how to sit in the stadium. Practice does not end when the sun goes down. Of course there is always a little time to have fun.

Thank you to Mr. John Griffin, Director of Food Services at VSU, for honoring Mr. Holden’s request to open the Chick-fil-A a day before the grand opening just for the band. Mr. Griffin treated the band to free meals.

4 Mr. Holden and drill assistant, Mr. James “Butch” Students reluctantly send Mr. Jones (second Robbins, discuss formations with Holden’s long time from left) off to a consulting job in partner and now retired Director of Bands, Mr. Washington, DC for several weeks. He Harold J. Haughton. Drills are learned and practiced promised to return at the end of the project. on the band practice field beside the gym.

As the only full-time band staff member, Mr. Holden was responsible for transporting tubas and other instruments to the vendor for repair. Having a full-time assistant would provide much needed help in planning for the upcoming year and in accomplishing all of the tasks needed to keep the band running smoothly during marching and recruitment season. The band boosters will continue to advocate for a full-time assistant band director and for having Mr. Holden’s title changed from Interim Director of bands to Director of Bands for Virginia State University. 5 Boosters Begin Planning With The Band During the Summer

Band Booster President, Mrs. Steverson, meets with Mr Holden to discuss funding and support for the 2015-16 marching season. One essential item discussed was instrument repair, which involves cleaning, part replacement, dent repairs, acid dipping and soldering. As of this newsletter, instruments taken for repair have been returned and are in good condition and ready for use. The band boosters paid the cost of repairs.

Getting Ready For Academics

Class scheduling, financial validation and all other academic matters must be finalized to begin classes.

Ms. Zelda Tucker-Dugger (right) assists the band students with financial issues wearing her Trojan Explosion jacket.

Try the Band for a Day A suggestion from Mr. Dijon Knight, Cymbal Player from Brooklyn, New York

This event was held to allow those who are not familiar with the skills and work ethic needed to participate in the band the opportunity to give band a try. Even current band members decided to try other instruments and other positions. They learned that everyone’s job looks easier until you have to do it.

Woo-Woo Cheerleader Ms. Tierra Evere tries the cymbals. 6 How Hard Can It Be?

Dancers tried to play the cymbals, drum majors tried the tuba, instrumentalist tried to be drum majors, saxophone players tried to play the drums and others thought they could twirl a baton. The activity gave everyone a new appreciation for other band positions and provided a lot of fun.

7 Alumni Chapters Who Donated To The Band Boosters Are Represented At The Brunch

Mr. Tim Thompson, President Tidewater Chapter Mr. Darryl Sharp (right), Vice President Northern Virginia Chapter, with VSUAA President Mr. Franklin Johnson, Jr.

12 Students Receive Scholarship Awards

Mr. Barry Harris (seated), Richmond Chapter President, with booster Dr. Conrad Gilliam.

Booster Treasurer, Mr. Harold Allen, talks with recipients before the presentation of awards.

Mr. Jeremiah Dent Mr. Samuel Jones Ms. Aliyah Hoye Mr. Herbert Pollard Trombone Head Drum Major Equipment Manager Quints (Percussion) 8 Ms. Cornesha Elliott Ms. Crystal Sivells Mr. Leonard Prescod Mr. Jonathan Reese Twirler Satin Divas Flags Tuba Tuba Section Leader

Mr. Deontre Wilks Ms. Natalie Anderson Mr. Fisher Reaves, II Mr. Deonte Terry Baritone Saxophone/Band Pres. Baritone Drum Major

Boosters Mr. & Mrs. Powell and Mr. James Clark, Sr.

Mr. Holden provided two solos before brunch.

Dr. and Mr. Haughton and Mrs. Anne Taylor are Rev. Michele Armstrong, Band Parent and Booster Band Boosters. 9 Mr. & Mrs. Linares, Band Parents and Boosters Mr. & Mrs. Kylor Reed, Band Boosters

Ms. Barbara DeBerry and Ms. Frances Owens are guests interested in learning more about the Band Boosters.

Director Holden and Mr. Bill McGee, Booster VP Mr. Steven Banks, Band Booster, and Ms. Gena of Membership & Recording Artist (Trumpet) Jones

Band Booster and Board of Visitors Member Mrs. Daphne Maxwell Reid joined us for the brunch and agreed to help draw for the door prizes.

10 This slide from the presentation shows the Band Booster Treasurer, total direct funding provided by TEBA to Mr. Harold Allen, enjoys a the band for 2015. mimosa and takes care of the money. Ms. Anita Wynn, Band Booster and Director of Planned Gifts, agreed to model the latest fundraising item – The Spiritrap.

Trojan Explosion Boosters September 2015

11 Band Boosters Purchase Bright New Canopy

Selling fundraising items, sharing the goals of the organization and recruiting donors is a lot easier when protected by our bright orange canopy from the scorching sun of early September or the rain in October and November. Last year TEBA borrowed the VSUAA canopy. This year it was time to purchase a TEBA canopy. After practicing the set up and take down process a couple of times, Boosters Jimmie Steverson and Harold Allen have perfected both and in record time, sometimes with the help of a lady Booster. See tent behind band in top photo at the VSU versus Kentucky State game.

Recycled pieces from the banner, shown above, provided pieces to decorate a new orange canopy awning seen in the photo to the right.

Customers visit the sales tent during Homecoming. In the fore ground, Director of Bands, Mr. Holden, is photographed with Trojan Explosion Booster Association President, Mrs. Barbara Steverson. 12 October 10, 2015 On the Road with the Trojan Explosion, where the importance of the Operations Director is Evident – He’s the Director’s Right Hand Man

Operations Director, Mr. Maurice Jones, and Director of Bands, Mr. James Holden, coordinate every aspect of the trip to Elizabeth City State University to insure a successful day. Days before the trip, band staff and students receive an agenda from Mr. Jones, which advises the attire for the day, times to arrive at Davis Hall for departure and times and locations of each point of arrival, departure, meal and performance. Coordina- tion with the bus company, restaurant where the band will dine and the band director of the visiting university is crucial for a smooth visit. For this trip, the Elizabeth City State University Director of Bands is Mrs. Tomisha Brock, a graduate of VSU.

7 a.m. to 8 a.m. – Arrival, load instruments and equipment under buses, get breakfast snack bag and board buses for roll call before departure.

From left: Band Booster and parent, Ms. Robin Officer Price, VSU Police Dept., escorts the band Brown, Booster President, Mrs. Barbara Steverson, on trips away from campus. Officer Price was a Director of Bands Mr. Holden and Band Booster member of the band while attending VSU. and Parent, Ms. Nellie Spann.

13 Vikings Here We Come

Drum major Sam Jones rides bus 3, where he is responsible for the percussion section.

The bus serves as a dressing room for Essence of Troy dancers as they apply their makeup for the performance. Mr. Jones contacts the restaurant in Elizabeth City to verify prices and seating for 100 plus for dinner. Seamstress Talasha Carrington-Lewis completes last minute mending on uniforms needing seams repaired or buttons attached.

10:30 AM --- Vikings and Trojans have brunch together in the cafeteria at Elizabeth City State University before the football game. 14 Coach “J” checks on the dietary choices of Essence of Troy dancers. 11:15 AM - Coach Perry Evans (Satin Divas Flags), Dr. Haughton and Rev. Bullock get information on the logistics of unloading, dressing and warm up in the ECSU gym before the game. Mr. Jones reminds group of time to be dressed and ready to march to stadium.

Mr. E. Elisha Powell, Percussion Coordinator Satin Divas prepare to dress before the game.

Ms. Aliyah Hoye, Band Manager, helps when needed. 15 Mr. Powell is dressed and loads empty drum cases. 11:30 AM Full Band Warm Up

S t r e t c h i n g

12:15 PM - Led by Assistant Band Director Rev. Bullock, band marches to Roebuck Stadium for1 PM game.

Miss Virginia State University, Lauren Papillion, is a former Essence of Troy Dancer and is being escorted by Mr. Freshman, Mr. Derrick Wiggins.

16 Trojan Explosion Field Show and Performance in the Stands

Miss Cornesha Elliott, Twirler

Dancer Briesha Rader performs her signature flips.

Head Drum Major Samuel Jones

On the field or in the stands, The Trojan Explosion displayed musical expertise. During the 5th Quarter, both university bands alternated showing their musical talents until the rain began to ended the friendly competition. 17 Drum Major uniform malfunction means work for Ms. Carrington-Lewis before the Battle of the Bands the next day in Richmond.

Drum Major Deonte Terry ripped a seam, but never stopped performing.

Elizabeth City State University’s Marching Band

Load instruments, change into warm ups and leave for dinner by 6:15 PM.

18 6:30 Golden Corral Eliz City

8:30 depart for VSU

Coaches Ms. Salena Scott, Mrs. Ruth Maclin and Assistant Director Rev. Bullock and Director Mr. Jairamie King Mr. Holden

Far Right: Band Boosters Ms. Nellie Spann and Dr. Ethel Haughton and Mr. Harold Haughton Mrs. Barbara Steverson talk with Band and Athletic Booster Mrs. Mary Reed (standing). 19 Mr. Jones must verify number of diners and be sure the bill is correct and paid.

10:45 PM - Arrive VSU, unload instruments and uniforms and prepare items for Battle of the Bands the next day at Virginia Union University.

20 Drum Majors from Virginia Union University, Hampton University and Virginia State University

NCA&T on the field Dancers from Virginia State and Virginia Union watch A&T’s field performance

From VSU’s Empire Field Show Skit: Kelsey Nelson as Porsha, Aliyah Hoye as Cookie Lyon, Kayla Hicks as Anika Calhoun Virginia State (center) and Virginia Union (right) earned perfect (Kitty BooBoo) and Maurice Jones as scores of 10. Lucious Lyon. 21 Trojan Explosion Is Beneficiary Of Funds

The Friends of Virginia State University (FOVSU) organized with an initial goal of raising $100,000 for Virginia State University. Twenty percent of the $100,000, or $20,000, was to be donated to the marching band. The remaining eighty percent is designated for the university (60%) and athletics (20%). By homecoming, FOVSU had raised more than $50,000 with matching funds expected in January. The Trojan Explosion Booster Association was presented $10,000 at Homecoming. Mr. Veasey Wilson, member of Friends of Virginia State University, with Mrs. Barbara Steverson and Mr. James Holden. Thank you FOVSU!!

Sales at the Band Booster Tent

Top scarf salesperson, Ms. Nellie Spann

Left: Alumna, Mrs. Luvellen Spratley, learns more about items for sale, especially the tote bags made from retired band uniforms by students from the Textile, Apparel and Merchandising Management Program.

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For the band, a homecoming tradition is the return of alumni drum majors and Essence of Troy Dancers.

End of Game Tradition Brings All Trojans Together To Sing The Virginia State University Alma Mater

Mr. Jones, Mr. King, Ms. Sco, Mr. Johnson & Mrs. Maclin sing the Alma Mater. 23 Band motor coach crosses into Who is the Pennsylvania True Orange

and Blue?

Lincoln University -- Virginia State University

Below Left: Football parents and band boosters arrive on a charter bus to support VSU students.

Band arrives on their buses, unload instruments and equipment and dress for the game.

Band stretches before heading to the stadium.

24 Lincoln Lions Virginia State Trojans After the game and 5th quarter performances, the bands are still competitive and having fun.

Thank You to Chief Perry and The Department of Police and Public Security for providing lights for the band’s November practices when darkness arrives early.

25 Game Time – Rain or Shine

November 7, 2015 Virginia Union University and Virginia State University

Trojan drum logo designed by Mr. Mycah Richardson, a former drum major at John Marshall High School in Richmond, VA and alumnus of VSU.

26 VSU has produced outstanding band directors. We celebrate three in this issue.

Mrs. Valerie Chambliss Dent ‘86 Band Director Surrattsville High School Marching Hornets Clinton, MD

Mrs. Dent played under the baton of Mr. Harold J. Haughton Instrument: Clarinet

Mrs. Dent brings her high school band to homecoming to participate in the parade and they have been first place winners several times. Her son, Jeremiah, is now a member of the Trojan Explosion. What a legacy!

27 Mr. Taylor Whitehead ‘96 Director Warren County High School Marching Band Warrenton, NC

Mr. Whitehead played under the baton of Mr. Harold J. Haughton

Instrument: Tuba

Photos at left show Mr. Whitehead during his VSU band days. He now serves as Assistant Director of the Virginia State University Trojan Explosion, under the direction of Mr. James Holden, Jr. During Mr. Whitehead’s undergraduate days, Mr. Holden was Assistant Band Director.

28 Miss Shawn Batten

• 1996 Graduate of Virginia State University • Member of the band under the baton of Director Harold J. Haughton • Graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music Degree in 1996 • Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Music from Longwood University • Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Hampton University • Honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma Music Sorority • Director of Bands at Greensville County High School since 2000 Ms. Batten and Director • Greensville High School Marching Band, G-FORCE, has been ranked of Bands Emeritus Harold as high as #2 in the country. J. Haughton

Winner of best band in Virginia State University’s 2015 Homecoming Parade Competition

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Surprise!!! A Birthday Surprise for Mr. Holden

A great football/marching season has come to an end and band members proudly sing the Virginia State University Alma Mater.

30 Post Season Parades

1st Place in the Colonial Heights Christmas Parade

Band representatives have been invited to the next city council meeting to accept a $200 check and the 1st place trophy.

Below: Bands line up for the Dominion Christmas Parade in Richmond, which started at the DMV near the Washington Redskins’ summer camp facility and traveled down Broad Street to 7th Street.

1st Place for Marching Band in the Petersburg Christmas Parade. Operations Director, Mr. Maurice Jones, received the trophy at the The band performed in the Richmond Petersburg Parks and Dominion Christmas Parade in the Leisure Office. morning and went immediately to lunch and then the Petersburg Christmas Parade. in the late afternoon. 31 Exhibition Performance and Recruitment – Huguenot High School, Richmond, VA

Recruitment Table at Petersburg High School December 17, 2015

32 Students from VSU’s Honors Program attended the Thurgood Marshall Institute in Washington, DC in November and showed their school pride wearing Trojan Scarves. Congratulations Trojans!!

Trojan Scarves & Other Fundraising Items

33 2015 – 2016 Marching Season Cap Inscription

Front- Raised VSU and the words Virginia State

Back – Trojan Explosion

Side - Booster

There are several ways to donate to the Trojan Explosion Marching Band. Whether making a cash donation to help with scholarships, travel and other needs of the band or buying a Trojan Scarf, your assistance is needed and welcomed. Another option is to purchase a Trojan Explosion Booster cap (shown above). These caps sell for $25, of which $15 covers the cost of the cap and $10 will be used to purchase two cases of water for the band. Hydration Donations (For cases of water & Gatorade)

Ms. Cathy Wysong Ms. Sabrina Henriquez Mr. James Harrison Ms. Annie Smith Haskins Mr. Mike Linares Mr. Hubie Harris Ms. Carolyn Roney Mr. Keith Drew Mr. Bristol Rush Ms. Alexis Seaborn Mr. Marvin Parker Mr. & Mrs. Conaway (Jackie) Haskins Mr. Verrandall S.Tucker Ms. Wanda S. Hill Mr. Anthony L. Parker, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Michael (Lori) Culbert Mr. Ricky Williams Ms. Anita Jackson Ms. Karisma Jones Mrs. Ruth Hairston Ms. Vanette Bagby M. Henderson

Thank you to all of our donors. Your support makes it possible for our students to enjoy a wonderful marching band experience.

We supply water@$5/case and Gatorade@$12/case

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Endowments Barbara Steverson/Spencer Timm Marching Band Endowment

Benefactor Baton Society Leadership Circle $5000+ $2500 - $4999 $1500 - $2499 Mr. Jimmie Steverson Mr. & Mrs. Kylor(Mary) Reed Friends of VSU

Director’s Club Level Drill Master’s Club Level $1000 - $1499 $500 - $999 Dr. Conrad Gilliam Dr. Harold R. Davis Mr. James Clark Virginia State University Alumni Association Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph (Hattie) Powell Mr. & Mrs. Conaway (Jacqueline) Haskins Dr. & Mrs. Porcher (Anne) Taylor

Tempo Club Level $150 - $249 Supporter Cadence Club Level $50 - $149 $250 - $499 Mr. Garvester“Tim”Thompson Mrs. Thomasine H. Mencer Mrs. Michelè Armstrong Mr. Jay Brown Ms. Robin Brown Mrs. Valerie Jones Mr. Ernest Ponton Mr. & Mrs. Mike (Jackie)Linares Mr. Alton Dempsey, Sr. Mr. Bill McGee Mr. Steven Banks Mr. Andy Ellis Ms. Deborah Williams Dr. Ethel Haughton Mr. Charles B. Owens, Jr.

Student $30

Miss Dominique Spann

35 2015-16 Donor Levels for the Trojan Explosion Booster Association (TEBA)

Trojan Explosion Booster Association PLEASE PRINT Name (Title) (First Name) (Last Name) Address

City State Zip

Home Phone Cell Phone

Email Benefactor/Baton Society/Leadership Circle/Director’s Circle/Drill Master’s Club Circle one - Cadence Club/ Tempo Club / Supporter/ Student /Troy’s Troupe

If band alumnus, instrument Year

Who was your band director?

Auxiliary? Which (Ex: Flag, Twirler, etc.)

Band Parent? Band Student’s Name

Donation Amount For Office Use Only

(Make checks payable to VSU Foundation & add Trojan Explosion Booster to memo line.) Member Mail checks to Trojan Explosion Boosters #______c/o Barbara Steverson Thank you for your support. 1726 Hungary Road Henrico, VA 23228

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