The Alabama State University’s Mighty Marching Hornets returned to the National Football League (NFL) field. 

Marching Band Director James Oliver, Ed.D., led the band into a remarkable triumph during the Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers halftime game on Oct. 31. As they continue their delicate partnership with the NFL’s very own Atlanta Falcons, the Mighty Marching Hornets have previously performed at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Atlanta Falcons against the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. 

According to Oliver, the Falcons’ head of event entertainment emailed him, stating they were impressed with their energy while performing, in addition to checking the band’s availability for the Falcons halftime on Oct. 31. 

“We do have that relationship with them, as halftime entertainment for the Falcons, and I do believe that we will probably go back there next year,” Oliver said. They love us …” 

There was one thing that concerned Oliver about the performance of the Marching Hornets.

“The only thing that disappointed me was that we couldn’t take students that were not vaccinated. Unvaccinated individuals of the roughly 215-member band could not attend this performance due to restrictions of the NFL COVID-19 policy guidelines,” Oliver said. “However, approximately 140 musicians, color guard members, and auxiliaries gave it their all to put on a fine display.”

Humdah Salahadyn III, a junior piccolo player, has been a member of the Mighty Marching Hornets since August 2019. 

When asked about their progression as a band, she shared, “We’re more together now than during the COVID outbreak.  There was a barrier because of social distancing. However, now we’re able to build a stronger bond while also taking precautions of the CDC guidelines.” Salahadyn also noted she usually puts up material the night before and gets up early the following day, checking for missing items when preparing for shows. 

Another junior and tenor saxophonist from Atlanta, Georgia, Tamia Harrell spoke on the issue of time management.

“Lately, we’ve been learning really fast, working on timing and time management,” Harrell said. “Time management is imperative to be a part of the band.”   Harrell also indicated the band has been getting the help they needed, more so in frail regions requiring extra assistance. 

“Most people are really shocked about how we sound this year because we’ve been consistent. We haven’t had any downfalls yet, and we don’t plan on having any. It’s only up from here,” she said.

One of the band’s senior members, Gabriel McGaughy, affirms his gratification for the overall performance. First joining the Marching Hornets in 2018 playing the baritone, McGaughy indicates, “This is definitely the most I’ve ever traveled.” 

“We’ve progressed as far as sound quality,” McGaughy said. “We have just been producing a better sound, as a whole, and definitely paying closer attention to details.” The senior musician hopes to continue the school’s affiliation with the Falcons as they rehearse daily for last-minute performances as such.  He insists, “The show gives us a lot of exposure.” 

Before their participation with the Falcons, the acclaimed band has been in various documentaries, films, and guest appearances. Each year, however, a new batch of freshmen join the team in the hopes of improving their musical skills and earning valuable experience. For the Falcons, band members put on a phenomenal six-minute halftime display that left an indelible impression.

“I was overly pleased with the band’s performance,” assistant band director Ernest Harris Sr. “Students made the necessary adjustments and put on an outstanding show.” Adjustments aiding formation changes due to NFL football fields being moderately distinct from a college field. Harris also goes into vast detail about the difficulties of preparation due to COVID protocols. 

“There is always room for improvement in every aspect of the band program. The challenge is to make sure that the students do not get complacent and get them to understand their next performance must be better than the last.” Harris dishes out a bit of tough love.

“A lot of us have never been out of Alabama or never really left their own city. So going to different states, traveling will be a fun, enjoyable experience for everyone,” according to Allison Jackson, a second-year quad drummer. The sophomore encourages her teammates to drink more water. With gigs one after another, their tight schedule might lead to slight exhaustion. “Coming straight out of the Magic City Classic, it was a lot on our bodies. So taking care of ourselves is majorly important,” Jackson continues. “Taking in more Powerade, Gatorade, & water while eating the proper meals before performing, mentally prepares us for anything to come.” 

“My experience was great, especially with the positive energy in the air. It’s just so different from anything I’ve ever experienced… It’s a brand-new fresh horizon for everybody,” described by Ceodric Mangum as a tuba and sousaphone player in his first year with the Hornets. The freshman also mentioned that the band’s focus has been critical; this year’s song selection is excessively challenging, requiring each member’s undivided attention.

“Getting to perform for my home state, Georgia was a really cool experience,”according to Dynasty Bennett, an additional first-year trombone player. “It was new performing for such a large crowd.” Bennett acclaimed the improvement of the fundamentals within the band. She said, “We focus on other aspects rather than just marching, that actually helps us grow as musicians.” Bennett revealed it was slightly more manageable for the band to get in order, with over a quarter of the musicians out of attendance.

Oliver said with presentment, “We had to leave 60 to nearly 70 members out. It would’ve been nice to have taken everybody, but it worked out flawlessly.” The band’s large number of members results in solid sound quality and immense projection. Oliver followed up on Harris’s statement, “There’s always room for improvement. Over the next couple of bye-weeks, we’ll be drilling parades and sharpening our pinwheels since we have the extra open time.” 

The marching band has a national reputation for its superb productions. Before arriving for the Falcons, the band showcased an extended performance at the annual Magic City Classic in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 30, 2019. The band’s performance at a professional NFL game is yet another significant step forward for the university and its students.