Winston-Salem State has experienced rapid growth in enrollment recently and so has the marching band.
The Red Sea of Sound now totals 180 members, up from 130 members during the 2007-2008 season.
Director of Bands, Dr. Michael Magruder credits the bands participation in the 2008 Honda Battle of The Bands competition in Atlanta for the increase in ranks.
“We’ve opened up a lot of eyes and given our band and university exposure,” he said.
“We also have a recruitment team that travels to various schools and makes personal appearances.”
“I noticed the band was larger this year at one of their performances at a yard festival,” junior Carese Bates said. “I was impressed.”
Magruder began as a band director and an instructor five years ago.
During this time he has implemented a “paradigm shift” that his student leaders follow throughout the program. The paradigm shift entails the transition that students go through when coming into the program as well as older members influencing and teaching the younger members.
“We are changing the entire perception of our band, the way we warm-up and how we rehearse,” Magruder said.
Helping Magruder with his mission are staff members James Armstrong, Raymond Mietus, Tika Douthit, Kevin Poplar, Katrina Leake, Benetta Dease and Charlene Braceley.
“We are not just a band at this level. We are a band of musicians,” drum major, Alan Sturdivant said.
“We have real student leaders who understand the paradigm shift I began,” Magruder said. Leading the band are drum majors Travis Thompson, Matthew Goodman, Alan Sturdivant, Willie Stroud and Theodis Chunn, a group also known as “Chain Reaction.”
“All the students understand the total program,” Magruder said. “The music program does not only consist of the marching band, it also includes the symphonic band.” The WSSU symphonic band has spring and winter concerts.
“The goals for our program this season include remaining competitive and gaining the respect of their peers. We are not the biggest band, but we want others to say they still sound and look good,” Magruder said.
The WSSU Red Sea of Sound is vying for a spot in the 2009 Honda Battle of The Bands competition. To vote for the Red Sea of Sound, visit hondabattleofthebands.com.