The Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul confirmed its attendance for the 2013 SWAC Battle of the Bands. At the conclusion of the Toyota SWAC Football Championship, AAMU along with other band member institutions will showcase their group Saturday December 7 in Houston, TX. The BOTB will be held inside of the professional venue of Reliant Stadium.
There are many bodies of water in the world but Houston is home to the only ocean filled with “Soul”. The celebrated "Ocean of Soul" Marching Band of Texas Southern University can always be found striking up a beat on the “yard”.
Founded by the Maestro Benjamin J. Butler, II in 1969, this astonishing and versatile "ocean" of musicians has always given its audience an electrifying performance.
The "Ocean," as the band is referred to on the Texas Southern campus, has developed an enviable reputation for its thrilling performances; which include kaleidoscopic precision drills, stellar stereophonic sound, and dazzling dynamic dance routines.
The Director of Bands is Houston native Richard F. Lee, a member of the 1969 inaugural edition of the “Ocean of Soul”. Each of his staff members are active performers, composers, clinicians, arts technologists, and music educators both inside and out of the great state of Texas.
Throughout its star-studded history, the Ocean of Soul has performed with entertainment greats. It also has been the training ground for many successful musicians and entertainers who at one time or another have marched in its ranks. Barrie Hall and Q. “Rocky” White, members of the distinguished Duke Ellington Band; jazz singer Anita Moore; flutist Bobbie Humphrey; James Bolden, lead trumpet player with B.B. King; Don Patterson, principle bass player with the group Sessions, and celebrated jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum all once wore the instantly recognizable “Ocean Wave” as members of the band. Jennifer Holliday, who appeared in the Broadway play, "Dream girls" has also been featured with the Ocean of Soul. Head Band Director Richard Lee, himself a professional trumpeter, has played with the O’Jays as well as Nancy Wilson and Redd Foxx.
Source: http://www.swac.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27400&ATCLID=209268827