January - May 2016 Performances and Conferences Pep Band

The
EXPLOSION
Issue Eight
January - May
2016
A Publication of the Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Booster Association
Pep Band Begins Its Performances at Basketball Games
Several people have asked if the Pep Band is the same as the Trojan Explosion Marching Band. The
answer is that the Pep Band is a smaller version of the marching band and is composed of 30 musicians, most
of whom are members of the marching band. During the second semester, the Pep Band begins its
performances at basketball games and other university and recruitment events. The music department has
several ensembles of which the Pep Band is one. Music majors are required to participate in the marching
band and scholarship recipients are required to participate in three ensembles. This year the Virginia State
University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Professor James Holden, Jr., made its performance premier
at the Hampton University Annual Week of Jazz Festival in April 2016. See pages 29-30 for photos of the
Virginia State University Jazz Ensemble at the Festival.
Performances and Conferences
Trojan Explosion Booster Association
Officers & Committee Members
President
Barbara R. Steverson
Vice President of Finance
H. Ray Davis
Vice President of Donor Engagement
Bill McGee
Treasurer
Harold Allen
Program Committee Chair
Robin Brown
Recording Secretary
Stephanie Smith
Committee Members
Valarie Jones
Aaron Lewis
Mike Linares
Margaret Macklin
Angela Moseley
Reginald Moseley
Nellie Spann
•
Freedom Classic
January 17, 2016 – Richmond Coliseum
• International Saxophone Symposium – Mr. Holden
Conservatory at Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA
• Intercollegiate Music Association
February 4 – 6, 2016 Hosted by North Carolina
Central University
•
Explosion Experience – February 20, 2016
Multipurpose Center – Virginia State University
• CIAA Basketball Tournament – February 21-27, 2016
Charlotte, NC
• Recruitment Visits and Performances
During CIAA, at Various High Schools and on Fox
Morning News, Charlotte, NC
• Hampton University Jazz Week – April 6, 2016
Hampton University, Hampton, VA
• HBCU Directors Consortium – April 14-17, 2016
Atlanta, GA
• VSU Jazz Ensemble – April 29, 2016 – Trojan Corner,
Foster Hall, Virginia State University
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
Rev. Sylvester Bullock, M.Div.
Assistant Director
Mr. Taylor Whitehead, M.M.E.
Operations Director
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 (Announcer).
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Virginia State University’s Trojan Explosion Marching Band won First Place in the
Colonial Heights Christmas Parade. On January 12, 2016, Director of Bands Professor
James Holden, Jr.( second from right) Operations Director Maurice B. Jones (center) and
Assistant Director Taylor L. Whitehead (second from left) accepted the award. Pictured
with them are Mayor T. Gregory Kochuba (left) and Director of Recreation & Parks Mr.
Craig Skalak (right).
VSU Trojan Explosion received a certificate and a
$200 check as first place winner in the parade’s
marching band category.
2nd Semester Begins and Pep Band Kicks In
Rev. Bullock sees that marching
uniforms are cleaned and stored.
Students meet to discuss
pep band season.
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R E C R U I T M E N T
Highland Springs High School
Varina High School Band Director,
Mr. Chris Mosely, with Mr. Holden.
Looking for some talented
recruits at Greensville
County High School
Emporia, VA
Band Director Ms. Shawn
Batten is a band alumna
of VSU.
4
Professional Development
for Director of Bands at
International Saxophone
Symposium Conservatory
Shenandoah University –
Winchester, VA
On January 15 – 16, 2016, the Shenandoah
Conservatory partnered with the United
States Navy Band for the 38th Annual
International Saxophone Symposium. This
symposium provided the opportunity for our
Director of Bands to share his knowledge,
improve his skills and continue to learn
techniques to pass on to his students.
The two day event, which was first hosted by
the Navy Band in 1978, featured a mix of
performances, master classes and lectures.
VUU parent and band supporter, Rev. F.
Wayne Henley, discusses forming a
booster association for Virginia Union
University.
VSU Operations Director,
Mr. Maurice Jones,
Booster President, Mrs.
Barbara Steverson, and
Booster Program Chair,
Ms. Robin Brown, after
the game.
The Intercollegiate Music Association
February 4 – 6, 2016
Hosted by North Carolina Central University
The Intercollegiate Music Association (IMA) was founded in 1960 as a vehicle for enriching and enhancing
the development of the students of its member institutions. The founders of the Association include Dr.
Evelyn Johnson, Dr. Albert Grauer, & Dr. Nathaniel Gatlin (former Director of Bands for Virginia State
College).
Continued on page 6
5
( Continued)
The founders believed that the IMA could present an opportunity for cooperative, non-competitive
activities among the students who attended colleges and universities in the then, CIAA athletic conference.
As the principle leader in the development of IMA, Dr. Gatlin believed that there should exist a program that
inspired mutual improvement, growth, cooperation, and respect in the musical arts among students and
faculty within these conference institutions. The first conference occurred May 11-13, 1962 at Elizabeth City
State University. The IMA is divided into three geographical areas North Carolina, South Carolina and
Virginia/Maryland. At its inception, the schools that represented the IMA included Elizabeth City State
University, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central University, Fayetteville State University, Shaw
University, Winston-Salem State University, St. Augustine’s College, Livingstone College, Hampton University
(Institute), Norfolk State University, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University and Benedict College
in South Carolina.
Band directors from the member universities hold a
planning meeting.
Mr. Holden and Mr. Derreck Moss prepare
for the trip to North Carolina.
Mr. Treyvon Williams, rising junior and music major at
Virginia State University, performs “Yellow After the
Rain.”
Mr. Holden assists one of the student
participants.
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(continued)
Jarvis Hinton
Trey Pollard
VSU students Mr. Jarvis Hinton and Mr. Trey
Pollard work with the percussion students.
Intercollegiate Photo Op
Students from all participating universities have opportunities
to learn and play together in a non-competitive atmosphere.
We had fun, but it’s time to head back
to “The Hill”.
Boosters Supply Tickets for
Explosion Experience – 2/20/16
The Trojan Explosion offered high school band students, their band
directors and parents the opportunity to experience an afternoon with the
Pep Band on game day. The Lady Trojans and Trojans were playing their
final home basketball games of the season and the first basketball games in
the new Multi-Purpose Center (MPC). Upon arrival, guests were greeted in
the band room by the band staff, department chair, band students and
members of The Trojan Explosion Booster Association. Information was
provided about becoming a Trojan and a member of the Trojan Explosion
and about the support received from the band boosters. Time was
provided for questions before tickets were distributed to student guests and
their directors for the basketball games.
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Explosion Experience (continued)
With the band in formation, guests lined up behind them and marched with drum cadence through
campus to the MPC. The band and guests sat together under the giant digital display board as the Lady
Trojans and the Trojans won their games against Lincoln University. Guests also experienced the band’s
performances in the stands and on the floor at halftime. This experience was a wonderful recruitment
activity and the band boosters purchased tickets for the 80 students who attended the event. Students
and directors in attendance represented 13 different school districts.
Band boosters Ms. Robin Brown, Mr. Harold Allen and Mr.
Jimmie Steverson join the band and guests in the band
room. Also attending but not pictured were Ms. Nellie
Spann, Ms. Margaret Macklin, Mrs. Barbara Steverson, Mr.
Aaron Lewis and Dr. H. Ray Davis
Students, their directors and parents are greeted by
Director of Bands, Mr. James Holden, Jr.
Band Booster, Mr. Bill McGee,
welcomes guests to VSU.
The Pep Band
leads the way to
the Multi-Purpose
Center as the high
school students
and their band
directors march
behind them.
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Explosion Experience (continued)
The Trojan Explosion is
represented in the MPC
mural by drum major,
Mr. Sam Jones.
Mr. Veasey Wilson and Mr. Derwin Cox of Friends of Virginia
State University, join Mrs. Steverson for a photo. FOVSU
donated more than $10,000 to the band boosters during the
2015-16 school year, some earmarked for recruitment.
Pep Band performs
at halftime as
boosters (photo
below) and a crowd
celebrating Military
Appreciation enjoy
the game and the
new MPC.
9
The above message was posted on Facebook by Mr. Taylor
Whitehead, Trojan Explosion Assistant Band Director, to Mr.
Quinton Joyner of Hugh M. Cummings High School in Burlington,
NC.
The band made every minute of the trip productive
and fun. From stops along the way to showcase their
talents and recruit new band members, to providing
school spirit at our basketball games, to
performances and interviews on the Fox Morning
News Show, the trip was a success.
Right: President Abdullah visits with the band on the
stadium floor. Someone get that man a band
uniform!
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The VSU Pep Band was featured
on the Fox 46 Morning News
Show. They played several
selections as the station went to
breaks and students and staff
were interviewed by Fox 46
News personality Barbara Lash.
Way To Go Pep Band!
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The band thanks Jared Johnson for
giving the VSU “Trojan Explosion”
Pep Band the opportunity to come to
Independence High School and
perform for your students. You have
an amazing group of musicians and
we appreciate those seniors who
auditioned today.
Taylor Whitehead
VSU Asst. Band Director
Horsepower
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On the Jumbotron
With Mr. CIAA
On the way to the
Education Day
Performance
Winning A Food Lion Gift Card
Taking the Skills Challenge
And of course, cheering for our team.
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A New Favorite
Place to Dine in
Charlotte, NC
Above: So many great choices.
Left: Mr. Holden and Mr. Jones with
the owners of Nana’s Soul Food
Kitchen.
And then there’s always pizza!
Everybody needs a meal and Mr. Lamar
Clark, Tuba Section Leader, gives his food to
a homeless man.
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President Abdullah expressed his appreciation to the band for the music and
spirit provided for the basketball teams during the tournament.
Trojans in their
Championship shirts and
caps
A great win for the Trojans
and Coach Blow. President
Abdullah helps celebrate
the championship - his first
as president of Virginia
State University.
Band witnesses the win!!
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A Trojan Celebration On Campus
Headed To Recruitment in Tidewater
First Stop is Kings Fork High School
Suffolk, VA
Mr. Bernard Bradley, Band Director
Thanks to
Mr. Jairamie King for
the VSU Car Magnets!
Advertising on the
highways!
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Kings Fork High School
Suffolk, VA
Recruitment at I. C. Norcom High School
Portsmouth, VA
Mrs. Juliet Boykins, Band Director
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Nansemond River High School
Suffolk, VA
Mr. Edward Woodis, Band Director
Heritage High School - Newport News, VA
Mr. Stephen Arrington, Band Director
Mr. Kyle East (in band warm up jacket), rising
sophomore at VSU, helps with recruitment at
his high school alma mater.
This young man came dressed in the right
tee shirt for the audition.
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Western Branch High School
Chesapeake, VA
Mr. Jason Taylor, Band Director
Highland Springs High School’s Concert Band practices in the band room at
Virginia State University for an upcoming competition and receives feedback
on the performance.
Mr. Davon Yonkers, Band Director
Mrs. Danielle Yonkers, Asst. Band Director
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My Ride Along to the HBCU Director’s Consortium
April 14-17, 2016
By Barbara R. Steverson, President, Trojan Explosion Booster Association
It was my honor to travel with the staff and students selected to attend the HBCU Director’s Consortium in
Atlanta, GA. I was asked to serve as a presenter for the Consortium on the topic of Starting and Growing a
Band Booster Association on the University Level. I learned how much hard work these students put into
rehearsing and honing their musical skills. They take their crafts seriously and each rose to the tasks set for
them at the Consortium. The auditions were not easy and the rehearsals were long and required much
talent and dedication to playing the instruments in concert with others in the same ensemble or band.
There were concerts each day of the Consortium. I have provided a pictorial account of the Consortium
with captions that I hope will give the reader a sense of the hard work and dedication displayed by our
Virginia State University students and staff. In addition to student participation, our band staff participated
in the college recruitment fair and auditions and our director served as the keyboardist for the Jazz
Ensemble during their performance at the Saturday night Annual Consortium Banquet.
Left: Loading instruments, music stands and luggage for the trip to Atlanta, GA. The bus leaves at 9 p.m.
Right: Early morning breakfast before heading out again in order to arrive in Atlanta for an early morning
(8 a.m.) first rehearsal. It was so early that we had the restaurant to ourselves –- just the manager, the staff
and the Trojan Explosion team.
The first item on the agenda was to check in at
the Georgia International Convention Center
Headquarters to let everyone know that VSU had
arrived. Students began the first auditions to
determine their placement in the All-Star
Chamber Ensembles, All-Star Jazz Orchestra, AllStar Concert Band and All-Star Symphonic Band.
Rehearsals began on day one and continued
through day two. Concerts featuring the
students took place on day three.
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Directors secured hotel rooms and then all
enjoyed a relaxing lunch.
The Opening Concert on Thursday evening (photo below) featured the Jackson State
University Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Other concerts during the Consortium featured the
Morehouse College Symphonic Band and the Morehouse College Jazz Band. Also featured
were the Conrad Johnson Jazz Orchestra and the Southwest Dekalb High School Bands.
21
Presenter
Mrs. Barbara Steverson
Virginia State University Trojan
Explosion Booster Association
Topic: Starting And Growing A
Band Booster Association
Our fundraising items were displayed. The tote bags made
from retired band uniforms garnered a lot of attention from
band directors who have retired uniforms boxed in storage
at their universities.
Representatives from Clark Atlanta University, Central State University, Tuskegee
University, Norfolk State University and Jackson State University were among the
participants attending the session. For universities with booster organizations already
active or being reactivated, there were many questions about the role of the boosters
with the band. Concerns were voiced about band boosters wanting to make band
decisions. It was made clear to participants how our association is run and how our
band director and booster president spend time discussing band needs, but the
boosters do not make decisions regarding band activities. Our association supports but
does not control the band. Much discussion centered around getting organized,
selecting enthusiastic and hard working volunteers and choosing fundraising items and
events. Several of our newsletters were shared and Mr. Holden was also asked
questions about how we work together.
Other sessions were presented by musical clinicians throughout the day.
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VSU Students in All-Star Percussion Ensemble
Jarvis Hinton
Treyvon Williams
D’Andre Barnes
VSU Students in the All-Star Trumpet Ensemble
Derrick Wilson
Derreck Moss
Deval Knox
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All-Star Saxophone and Trombone Ensembles
Talbot Layne
Gillian Stables
Kristian Ruffin
Jeremiah Dent
Michelle Logan
Kayla Hicks
All-Star Flute Ensemble
All-Star Concert Band
Talbot Layne
Derrick Wilson
Deval Knox
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All-Star Jazz Orchestra
Jeremiah Dent played in
this Orchestra, conducted
by Emmy-Award Winning
trumpeter, composer and
educator Orbert Davis. Mr.
Davis is the director of
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.
All-Star Symphonic Band
Kayla Hicks and Michelle Logan were selected for this band, conducted by Colonel (Ret.)
Thomas Palmatier, who was the Leader and Commander of The United States Army Band, the
largest military music unit in the United States.
25
VSU Students at the Annual Convention Banquet
The final concert of the
Consortium took place at the
banquet. The All-Star Jazz
Band performed. VSU
musicians who played in this
band were Mr. Holden on
keyboard, Derreck Moss on
trumpet, Desean Bartholomeo
on alto saxophone and D’Andre
Barnes on drums.
These gentlemen represent
more than 40 Years of Service
as Directors of Bands for
Virginia State University
From Left –
Mr. O’Neil Sanford 1973-1976
Mr. Harold Haughton, Sr. 1984-2003
Dr. Mark Phillips 2003-2013
Mr. James Holden, Jr. 2013 26
Time to load the
instruments, music stands
and luggage and head back
to Virginia. Mr. & Dr.
Haughton traveled with us
to the Consortium. Mr.
Haughton, VSU Band
Director Emeritus, is well
respected by the music
and band community and
was honored at several of
the events.
Mr. Harold “Big Whistle” Haughton, Sr.
We stopped in Charlotte
for a great meal on the
way home.
Mr. Holden and Mrs. Steverson –
well fed and ready for the ride to
Petersburg.
We made it home safely. Thank you to our driver,
Mr. Will Thombs , for a great trip.
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Explosion 2016
Explosion Day is the biggest recruitment activity for the
band. This year, approximately 400 students and directors
attended. Starting with greetings and introductions in the
band room, the students then divided into instrumental
and auxiliary sections. Sessions on sight reading and other
musical topics were presented. After lunch, sections
continued practicing and then played together in
preparation for the performance at the end of the day.
Students learned the music assigned and practiced playing
as a complete band. Parents, band directors, alumni and
others form the audience for the students. The photo
below shows students in Daniel Gymnasium performing at
the end of the day.
A session for parents provided information
about band dues, practice schedule, trips and
support provided by the band boosters.
Newly selected drum majors, Desean
Bartholomeo (Hampton, VA) and Jeremiah
Dent (LaPlata, MD), made their premier
performances.
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Ms. Jillian Stables and Mr. Talbot Layne
arrive on Hampton University’s Campus.
VSU Attends the Hampton University
Jazz Festival
Left: Mr. Derrick Wilson checks out Ogden Hall, the
performance venue at Hampton University.
Above: Mr. Desean Bartholomeo and Mr. Talbot
Layne show their saxophone skills.
The
The Virginia State University Jazz Ensemble
Conducted by Mr. James Holden, Jr.
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Left: Mr. Brenten Layne,
rising sophomore music
major, plays drum set for
jazz band. Brenten is a
Hermitage High School
(Henrico County) graduate.
Right: Mr. Holden talks with
Mr. Chris Smith, VSU band
alumnus and long time
director of bands at
Lafayette High School in
Williamsburg. Mr. Smith is
now assistant principal at
Woodside High School in
Newport News, VA.
Above left: Desean is joined by his mother. Above right:
Jarvis is joined by his mother and a family relative.
Mr. & Mrs. Jones join their son, Sam, for
the concert.
30
The Jazz Ensemble held a concert
on Friday, April 29, 2016 at The
Trojan Corner in Foster Hall. The
admission was free and the event
was well attended. The first
performance of the ensemble was
at the Hampton University Jazz
Festival.
31
Mr. Holden gives the audience information about
each selection.
Derreck Moss delivers a trumpet solo.
The Trojan Corner provides a comfortable
and intimate atmosphere for listening to
the performance.
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Above: Seniors Ms. Michelle Logan, Ms. Naprea Chatman, Ms. Crystal Sivells, Ms. Landis Hazelwood, Mr. Samuel
Jones and Mr. Marcus Benton receive the traditional VSU Trojan Scarf as a reminder of their years at Virginia State
University and as a reminder of their duty to give back to their alma mater.
Photo Left:
Three awards are presented for outstanding service to
the band program. This year’s winners were Mr.
Desean Bartholomeo, Mr. Matthew Raton (not
pictured) and Miss Aliyah Hoye.
Not Pictured:
GPA Awards were presented to
Mr. Hezekyah Bedeau , with a GPA of 3.304 and
Ms. D’Shonte Moore, with a GPA of 3.495
Head Drum Major and graduating senior Mr.
Samuel Jones, gives a sincere and touching speech
as he will soon become a VSU Alumnus.
Mr. Holden presents gifts to his staff as a
thank you for their hard work.
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Sweet Jazz Vibes Cabaret
On May 13, 2016, the band and band boosters
sponsored a Dessert and Coffee Jazz Cabaret. The event
featured “Curve Appeal”, with band leader Mr. Curvey
Reid. Mr. Reid has served as a percussion coach for the
Trojan Explosion. Ticket sales for the Mardi Gras themed
event were responsible for a profit which will be used for
scholarships for students in September.
Band Members from the Class of
1966, and who were members of
the Marching 110, return to VSU
for their Golden Class Reunion.
From Left: Mrs. Patsy Dixon
Cherry, Mr. Ellington Churchhill.
Mrs. Beryl Pierce Clarke (twirler)
Mr. Starrie Jordan, Mrs. Barbara
Richardson Steverson (twirler)
and Ms. Sandra Harris
May graduates from the Trojan Explosion left to right: Mr. Clyde Tucker, mellophone, Ms.
Michelle Logan, flute/piccolo and Mr. Samuel Jones (trumpet and head drum major)
Band graduates not pictured: Mr. Marcus Benton, tuba, and Ms. Naprea Chatman, Satin Divas
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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
Hydration Donations
(For cases of water & Gatorade)
(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
Mr. Ernest Ponton
Mr. Richard Love
Ms. Karisma Jones
Ms. Anita Jackson
Mrs. Jocelyn Chadwell
Mr. Bill Craighead
Mr. Leslie Winston
Mrs. Mary Frances Macklin
Mrs. Jackie Shaw
Mrs. Vivian Reavis
Ms. Brenda Macklin
Ms. Gale Smith
Mr. Wesley Epps
Mrs. Anna Price
Mrs. Laurie Turner
Ms. Brenda Macklin
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
35
Endowment Provides Funds for Drum
Major or Deserving Band Member
These are the majorettes and drum
major who can be identified from the
caption in the photo above.
From left: Lillie M from South Boston,
VA; Arletta Fountain from Richmond,
VA; Andrew Cooley from Ettrick, VA;
Miss Johnson from Bluefield, WV;
Miss Jacqueline Harris from
Richmond, VA and Miss Margaret
Howard from Newport News, VA.
Mr. Andrew Roosevelt Cooley and Mrs. Dorothy
Lee Cooley have been forever remembered by
their daughter, Dr. Joy Cooley-Doles, who
established an endowment in her parents’ names.
The endowment is to provide funds for a
deserving drum major and if no drum major is a
candidate for needed funding, a deserving band
member. Mr. & Mrs. Cooley can be seen in the
photos on this page. The photo at left shows Mr.
Cooley in his uniform along with the majorettes
who marched with him. He was the first Virginia
State College drum major. The band and band
boosters learned of Mr. Cooley from his obituary
published in February 2015, when he passed away
at the age of 90. The February – May 2015
newsletter carried an article about him.
Mr. & Mrs. Cooley in
cap and gown
The couple stroll on front campus.
Please consider a donation to the Trojan Explosion Booster Association. Your donation will help us provide
scholarships and other operating expenses needed by our band students. The band provides positive public
relations for the university with every performance and every recruitment road trip. Help us help these
deserving students. Building the University’s endowment remains a top priority of University administration.
Endowments provide continuous support of Virginia State University, into perpetuity.
For more information on Endowments at Virginia State University, please contact the Office of Institutional
Advancement at (804) 524-6986.
36
Thank you, donors, for your
generous support.
Endowments
Barbara Steverson/Spencer Timm Marching Band Endowment
Mr. Andrew Roosevelt Cooley and Mrs. Dorothy Lee Cooley Endowment
Benefactor
$5000+
Mr. Jimmie Steverson
Friends of VSU
Baton Society
$2500 - $4999
Director’s Club Level
$1000 - $1499
Dr. Conrad Gilliam
Mr. James Clark
Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph (Hattie) Powell
Mr. Claude Wood
Drill Master’s Club Level
$500 - $999
Dr. H. Ray Davis
Mrs. Rachel Hamilton
Mr. & Mrs. Conaway (Jacqueline) Haskins
Dr. Thomasine H. Mencer
Dr. & Mrs. Porcher (Anne) Taylor
Virginia State University Alumni Association
Tempo Club Level
$150 - $249
Cadence Club Level
$250 - $499
Ms. Robin Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Mike (Jackie)Linares
Mr. Steven Banks
Leadership Circle
$1500 - $2499
Mr. & Mrs. Kylor(Mary) Reed
Mr. Garvester“Tim”Thompson
Mrs. Michelè Armstrong
Mrs. Valarie Jones
Mr. Alton Dempsey, Sr.
Mr. Andy Ellis
Student
$30
Supporter
$50 - $149
Mr. Jay Brown
Mrs. Patsy Dixon Cherry
Mrs. Ethel Haughton
Mr. Bill McGee
Mr. Charles B. Owens, Jr.
Mr. Ernest Ponton
Mrs. Josephine Redd
Ms. Sadie Strong
Ms. Deborah Williams
Miss Dominique Spann
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