In December 1967, the Alabama State University Mighty Marching Hornets received their first invitation to perform for halftime during a professional football game.
Since that time, the Mighty Marching Hornets have performed during halftime at least five times for professional football games with the latest performance on Sunday, Sept. 10 durng the football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Tennessee Titans.
For many members of the Mighty Marching Hornets, this was a trip-of-a-lifetime as five chartered buses traveled to Ceasar’s Superdome Stadium in New Orleans.
The band played four songs that entertained the audience and demonstrated the musicality and showmanship of the band and its auxilaries.
Director of Bands James Oliver, Ed.D., said the Saints’ invitation to play again before the NFL crowd is an important tribute to Alabama State University’s excellent band program and its superb musicians, who are known for their high-quality, high-energy performances.
“It can’t get any better than to have this opportunity because they just don’t invite anybody; they invite the best,” Oliver said. “We are among those that are the best. We are happy and honored to be back there again.”
He continued.
“I prepared my band as I always have to perform with pride and to represent the state of Alabama, the city of Montgomery, and Alabama State University.”
Oliver feels that opportunities of this nature present a number of advantages for both the students and the university.
“It’s good marketing for the university,” he said. “The game advertises the kind of band that we are to interested high school students, and it gives the current band members an opportunity to play at a professional football game. That is impotant because that experience will remain with them for the rest of their lives.”
Oliver reflected on his first professional football game.
“I can remember the first time I went to a pro football stadium; it was amazing,” he said. The experience was for those who have never been to New Orleans. It was a big opportunity for them.”
Devin Bradley, a sophomore music education major, said, “My trip to New Orleans was the best one so far. We experience a whole pro NFL football game.”
He continued.
“We had free time to see the actual city, although Dr. Oliver works with my band members and I a lot. But many things we saw were experiences like no other, 10 our of 10.
Jahania Dale, a sophomore communications recording and technology major, was very happy for the band.
“It was awesome that we were able to watch the game,” Dale said. “We watched the New Orleans Saints vs. Tennessee Titans and performed for a pro football team. It was a good experience.”
Brianna Walker, a freshman business major, agreed.
“Performing for a pro football team was a great experience, especially because it was my first big performance.”
She continued.
“I was able to experience performing for others in a professional setting while lasting forever.” Walker said, “I also was able to experience new places with people who I can call family.”