Ocean Beat April 4, 2019 Volume 1, Issue 1
Special Interest Articles: • Ocean of Soul 50 t h Anniversary (pg.2). • OOSAC Executive Board meets with Ocean Band Staff. (pg. 4) • Professor Howard Harris Retires (pg. 6)
Individual Highlights: 50 t h Anniversary Band 2 50 t h Anniversary Calendar 5 OOSAC Chapter Meeting 7 Ocean in Jet Magazine (1969) 7
Page | 1 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
OCEAN OF SOUL 50TH ANNIVERSARY In July 1969, Professor Benjamin J. Butler, II became the new band Director of the Texas Southern University Marching Band. Mr. Butler created a band program that is world renowned and has inspired musicians everywhere. This year, Texas Southern University, the City of Houston and Ocean supporters celebrate the founding of the 9th Wonder of the World, the Ocean of Soul Marching Band.
the Oceans place in history, raise money for TSU students, and build for the future.
The Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter, with the guidance of Professors Butler, Lee
Regards,
Ocean family, it starts with each of you getting involved. Please read through the first edition of the 2019 Ocean Beat, and sign-up to become a part of something that is truly inspiring.
and Gibson have planned a full year of events and activities. These activities give us an opportunity to commemorate
Donald Greer President, Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
OCEAN TRIVIA Q. How did the Texas Southern University band get the name “Ocean of Soul�? A. Q. Who came up with the unique Ocean of Soul logo? A. Q. How many members were in the inaugural (1969) Ocean of Soul? A. Q. Has the Ocean of Soul Marching Band ever performed at the NFL Superbowl? A.
Answer all questions correctly at tsuoceanalumni.com for a free entry in our 50th anniversary prize pack drawing and learn more about the 9th Wonder of the World.
50th Anniversary BAND 50TH Anniversary Band preparation is in full swing. Our 50th Anniversary Band Committee Chair, Juan Morrison, has an exciting show planned in coordination with Directors Gibson, Lee, and Butler. Close to 100 people have already signed up to participate during halftime. Key information to know: UNIFORM- The 50th Anniversary Alumni Uniform will be $125 (warmup, plume, spats +$25 to Ocean). Auxiliary fee will be just $25 Ocean donation, as they have additional uniform and costume requirements.
PRACTICE- Wednesdays in May and June from 6-8pm. Wednesdays and Saturdays July & August. Each session will be 1-hour music and 1hour conditioning. MUSIC- PDF versions of the music will be provided for all participants. Audio recordings will also be made available. Whether you plan to march or stand with the band at half-time, please sign-up at tsuoceanalumni.com. We are asking all Ocean members to join us as we celebrate this historic milestone.
Page | 2 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
Page | 3 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
OOSAC Executive Board meets Band Staff “Pick up your feet! Play your Part and Drive! Drive! Drive!”
OCEAN OF SOUL UPCOMING SCHEDULE
The OOSAC Executive Board met with Professor Gibson and the band staff (Mr. D, Ms. Coach, Mr. Rose and Mr. Grey. The meeting gave the group a chance to discuss the upcoming year and needs of the band. Topics included: Recruiting, Mentoring, Performance schedule, Fundraising, 50th Anniversary, Homecoming and Operations. Action Items: 1. Assemble Recruiting Package. Work with Ms. Coach and TSU Admissions.
2. 2nd Pull-up banner for Band recruiting table. 3. Ocean Uniforms CommitteeNeed Alumni help with sizing, correct fit, and distribution. 4. Instruments- Band needs new instruments. Alumni Chapter to collect information on number, model and cost. 5. Use Ocean Charms app to send correspondence. 6. Alumni to work with Band on “Merge”. 7. Finalize Alumni and Directors meeting schedule.
TSU Investor Rating Elevated to ‘Positive’ Texas Southern University received its second consecutive financial rating upgrade since 2017 when Moody’s Investors Service revised its outlook from “stable” to “positive” and affirmed the university’s revenue financing system bonds within the Baa3 rating category.
April 9 - Honors Day Wind Ensemble (HPE) 13- Spring Football Game (Campus) 25- African American Mayors Association Convention (George RB) 26- Spring Fest (Campus Plaza) 27 – Maroon & Gray Gala -(Marriott) 30- MD Anderson Cancer Center Conference Welcome Night (BBVA)
operating performance in 2019, along with continued improvement in the university’s financial reserves.
The report also affirmed TSU’s ongoing strategic initiatives, including its emphasis on recruitment and retention of students, as well as continued “We are doing the right things when it comes to our financial support from the state in contributing to fiscal health,” said TSU President, Dr. Austin A. the positive rating. Lane. “We have dramatically increased our financial reserves through the use of strong fiscal Dr. Lane pointed to the university’s Top 5 Priorities controls. To move from ‘negative’ (2016) to ‘stable’ as being a critical component to success. These (2017) to ‘positive’ (2018) in a three-year span is include 1) Student Success and Completion; 2) outstanding news for our students, staff, alumni Academic Program Quality and Research; 3) and the entire TSU community. But we aren’t done. Culture; 4) Partnerships; and 5) Finances. We will continue to move toward even stronger ratings with the plan we have in place.” “Together, our strategic priorities give TSU a clear purpose,” added Dr. Lane. “This has led to our last In its rating action, Moody’s cited “improved fiscal two investor rating increases, which is a significant discipline and success with strategic initiatives” achievement, and they keep us pointed in the right that have led to a stronger cash and debt service direction.” position. It anticipates continued positive
Page | 4 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
OCEAN 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT CALENDAR
APRIL
13
JUNE
80’s PARTY
OCEAN FISH FRY
AUG.
11
AUG.
RBTS TOP GOLF EVENT AUG.
30
50th BLOCK PARTY
12
OCT.
HOMECOMING
2019
15
18
OCEAN MERGE
AUG.
31
Labor Day Classic TSU vs PV
SEPT.
01
National Battle of the Bands
NOV.
02
21
SEPT.
SEPT.
50th Ocean Cookout
OCEAN REVIVAL
16
50th Anniversary Celebration Page | 5
The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
OOSAC MEMBERSHIP If you are as excited as we are, and want to become part of the great work the Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter is doing for our TSU Band Students and the Ocean of Soul, join today at https://www.tsuoceanalumni. com/store/c1/Featured_Prod ucts.html.
Each 2019 Chapter member will receive an Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter shirt with your paid membership.
.
2019 Executive Board
Donald Greer President Joselyn Coats V.P. of Membership Garnet A. Foster V.P. of Finance Darran Champs Recording Secretary Brandon Collins Corresponding Secretary
Ocean Spotlight- Professor Harris
Justice Smith Financial Secretary Donald Black Treasurer
On April 7th, a retirement celebration will be held for Professor Howard Harris at Martini Blue starting at 5 pm. Mr. Harris has served as a Professor of Music at Texas Southern University for over 48 years. He began his career at Texas Southern on the invitation of Maestro Benjamin J. Butler, II, who enlisted him as an associate director and musical arranger for the world-famous Texas Southern University “Ocean of Soul" Marching Band, 1971 through 1981.
Workshop, now known as The People's Family Workshop the first Black-originated and multi-cultural arts organization of Houston to present in the city’s major performing arts venues. A few of his former participants and students are Yolanda Adams, Kirk Whalum, Beyonce, Preston Middleton, Bernard Pierre, Vincent Powell, Horace Alexander Young, Dvonne Parker, John Norman, Robert Glasper, Bryan-Michael Cox and Josh Dunham. Professor Harris is credited with founding the TSU Jazz Ensemble. Join us as we pay tribute to one of Additionally, in 1979 Professor our own, Professor Howard Harris. Harris founded The People
OPEN Sgt. at Arms January Harris Parliamentarian Reginald Thompson Chaplain Linda Boyd Auxiliary
Page | 6 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter- 3/16 Meeting Notes
Committee Reports
b.
A.
B. C.
a.
Fish Fry 4-13, same day as Spring Football Game.
50th Fundraiser- 72 hours of giving
Money is used for
Presale plates are $10, day
raised $1700 as of 3/16/19. Thanks to
emergency scholarships.
Tau Beta Sigma, which raised over
Need to make sure Ocean
$900.
students know it is available.
party at the Party Kings
Law School HB232-
House (Horace Robinsons)
Ronald B. Thornton Scholarship
c.
of game $12. b.
HBCU Alumni Party- 80’s
Top Golf event scheduled for 8/11
President Lane stated that
50th Anniversary Band- Juan
this bill was not brought to a
Morrison reported that committees
vote. Submitted to prevent
second week of band camp.
identified for each section, planning is
TSU from being absorbed by
Partner with Alumni Chapter
on-going, but practice will start in May.
larger system.
84 people have signed up for the
d.
Alumni Band TSUNAA Board Meeting Update a.
investing in new facilities. B.
TSUNAA National Convention July 25-28th
TSU Building Maintenance
6/15/19 c.
C.
The Merge 8/18/19 the
to promote and host. D.
costs are high, proposed
New Business A.
Maroon and Gray Affair $300 per ticket April 27th.
Old Business
OOSAC Membership- Each paid member will receive an OOSAC polo.
E.
Ocean Family Weekend will be Labor
OOSAC E. Board Meeting with Band
Day Weekend. 8/30 Block Party, 8/31
Staff (see page 3)
LD Classic, 9/1 NBOTB at NRG, 9/2
Fundraising
Ocean Cookout Announcements TSUNAA National Convention 7/25-7/28
JET MAGAZINE OCTOBER 30, 1969
We’re on the Web! See us at: www.tsuoceanalumni.com
Page | 7 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
Page | 8 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
Page | 9 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
Page | 10 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
Page | 11 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter
Page | 12 The official publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter