Historic HBCU’s Young Marching Band Gains Global Spotlight in Music Video
Wilberforce University’s Hounds of Sound marching band, established just four years ago, has achieved a remarkable milestone by featuring in a music video with international artist GloRilla. This opportunity has catapulted the young band into the national spotlight, an achievement typically reserved for more established programs.
Founded in 2021, the band’s inclusion in a major artist’s project is a testament to the significance of their efforts. As the oldest private HBCU in the United States, Wilberforce University, with its 167-year legacy, now adds this modern achievement to its storied history.
The Call That Changed Everything
Resolve Media reached out to the Director of Digital Media due to prior collaborations. Initially, students were skeptical about the news of being chosen for GloRilla’s video. However, once shown the official roster, excitement erupted among them.
For a fledgling program, such an opportunity seemed improbable until it became a reality. The journey to the video set included a memorable stop at Buc-ee’s, marking the beginning of their unexpected adventure.
Behind the Scenes: An Unforgettable Experience
During the trip, students experienced Buc-ee’s for the first time, indulging in purchases as if at a high-end mall. On set, a few drummers assisted GloRilla with performance elements, discovering her approachable nature and reinforcing their own aspirations.
The dancers joined GloRilla in several scenes, witnessing her commitment to the choreography firsthand. The band director even taught her some conducting basics, encouraging her to personalize the experience, emphasizing the importance of owning her moment.
Significance for the Emerging Program
The band director highlighted the national exposure as a monumental achievement for the young program. Such visibility is invaluable, especially when competing with bands established for decades. This exposure is expected to enhance recruitment efforts, attracting future students who aspire to similar opportunities.
“We hope this leads to stronger recruitment,” the director stated, emphasizing the dedication and potential of the growing program.
The Legacy of Wilberforce University
Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University has a rich history as the nation’s oldest private HBCU. It played a significant role in American history, especially during the Civil War era. The university has produced notable alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields.
Despite its long history, the university only recently established its marching band in 2021. The Hounds of Sound’s participation in a GloRilla video represents rapid growth and a new chapter in its legacy.
The Importance of HBCU Marching Bands
HBCU marching bands are celebrated for their dynamic performances and serve as ambassadors for their institutions. The global reach of GloRilla’s video will showcase Wilberforce’s band to a vast audience, highlighting their choice to invest in a young program with immense potential.
The students’ experience, from their Buc-ee’s adventure to collaborating with GloRilla, provides them with lifelong memories and reinforces the idea that new beginnings can lead to remarkable achievements.
Wilberforce University’s Hounds of Sound has made a significant impact in a short time, demonstrating the power of talent and opportunity within a historic institution.
Learn more about Wilberforce University and the Hounds of Sound marching band at wilberforce.edu.
