As Alabama State University freshmen students endured August heat to audition Wednesday for a spot in Alabama State University’s Mighty Marching Hornets, a film crew for an internet television channel captured their nerves, sweat and excitement. The filming was for a miniseries that aims to capture for a national audience the marching band culture that has been a tradition among black colleges in the South.
The miniseries, titled “Magic Before the Classic,” is set to follow the rivalry between the Mighty Marching Hornets and the Alabama A&M University’s Marching Maroon and White Band as they prepare to face off during the Battle of the Bands competition at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center on Oct. 26, the night before the Magic City Classic football game.
Alabama State University’s March Band Director Dr. James B. Oliver says the band, which is expected to have around 300 members this year, will greatly benefit from their participation in the project.
“The miniseries is an opportunity for us to do something for ourselves, gives us the chance to market the university and show kids that band is an option for them,” said Oliver.
Oliver says he also hopes the miniseries might help cast a positive light after the hazing death of a Florida A&M Drum Major made headlines in December of last year. Referenced from Al
