One of HBCU’s most storied and disciplined band programs has roots in a part of the country known more for its CIAA sports pedigree and culture. The Spartan Legion of Norfolk State University is taking this early season form to re-establish their respective place in the pecking order of HBCU bandom. Check out their performance at this year’s Cracker Barrel National Battle Of The Bands!
Tradition…Pagentry…Identity.
Those three concepts have become synonymous with the HBCU marching band experience. This week, the HBCU Digital Network Band Showcase features a program that has all three characteristics in spades. Norfolk State University (Norfolk, Virginia) is home to one of the most consistent programs in all of HBCU bandom. The ‘Marching Spartan Legion’ of Norfolk State University isn’t new to the visibility; The program has a reputation in CIAA and Mid-Atlantic circles that’s second to none. However, in this day and age of viral media, the entire world is getting a chance to experience this program’s special brand of performance art.
From Mardi Gras to Music Videos, the Legion has left an indelible mark on the audiences they perform for. This week, the Legion faces an old foe from CIAA days in the ‘Battle Of The Bay. A resurgent program in their own right, Hampton University’s ‘Marching Force’ looks to renew a long-awaited halftime rivalry with their foes from across the Chesapeake Bay. One thing’s for sure; The Marching Spartan Legion has one of the best looks and identities in all of HBCU bandom. From the band’s collective esprit de corps to the technical percussive wizardry of the ‘Million Dollar Funk Squad’, you’d be hard-pressed to find a program out there where tradition, pageantry, and identity merge into one singular complete package.
The Marching Spartan Legion is THAT program.
“Let the heavens resound, with your magnificent sound…Let every musical measure be the source of auditory pleasure!”
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