Ocean of Soul
| The Ocean of Soul Marching Band | |
|---|---|
| School | Texas Southern University |
| Location | Houston, Texas |
| Conference | SWAC |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Director | Professor Clarence K. Gibson |
| Members | 180+ |
| Website | Ocean of Soul official website |
The Ocean of Soul, also known as the The Ocean, is the marching band representing Texas Southern University, and is currently under the direction of Clarence K. Gibson.
The marching band at Texas Southern University (TSU) was founded in 1969 by Benjamin J. Butler II. Under the direction of Clarence K. Gibson, Ocean of Soul performs at all university home football, SWAC home basketball games, various parades and university sponsored events, on national television, and before crowds at professional athletic games. The Ocean gained a reputation for its rich sound, heavy beat, precision drills, and intricate dance routines.
Besides TSU's televised football and select home basketball games, The Ocean has been featured in other events.
Several Pro Football games for the Houston Oilers and the Houston Texans. Also the band has performed for the Dallas Mavericks fans in Dallas, Texas.
In 2004, the Ocean of Soul was featured in Super Bowl XXXVIII's halftime show along with the Spirit of Houston.
In 2005, The Ocean performed on the Stellar Awards with Kirk Franklin.
In 2008, The Ocean performed at their first Honda Battle of the Bands in the Georgia Dome. The Ocean was the only band to receive a standing ovation after performing that year.
In 2012, The Ocean of Soul's drumline, "The Funk Train", became the first black collegiate showstyle drumline in history to compete in the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC)'s Marching Festival. The drumline placed 3rd and gained an award for "Best Cymbal Line".
In 2014, The Ocean of Soul performed at the premiere of The Wedding Ringer in Houston. Co-star Kevin Hart accepted his invitation to become an honorary lifetime "Ocean" member at the event and donated $50,000 to the band.
Also in 2014, The Ocean of Soul performed at TSU alumnus Michael Strahan Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio. Strahan donated $100,000 to the band for their outstanding support.
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