On Christmas Day, Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band had the most extraordinary opportunity to perform with the one-and-only Beyoncé. This incredible performance took place during halftime of the Christmas gameday matchup between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens. It is no wonder that this particular band was chosen to accompany the megastar during the “Cowboy Carter Christmas” show, as the award-winning TSU marching band is widely recognized for bringing the most entertaining, electric, and soulful artistry to football fields and national stages across the country.

 

Director of the Ocean of Soul Marching Band, Brian Simmons, rose to success very quickly and is known as one of the youngest band directors at a HBCU program. He is a talented instructor, musician, adjudicator, and clinician, and was overjoyed to lead his students in such a momentous event.

“Being a part of Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter Christmas” was a once-in-a-lifetime time experience. It was the culmination of all the hard work we’ve been putting in over the past four years. I couldn’t think of a bigger performance with a bigger artist that would give my students that kind of exposure and knowledge of the music industry and business,” Brian explained.

 

 

He was named the band’s director in July of 2021 and the following year the TSU Ocean of Soul was named Band of the Year! Brian also helps design the drill for the band’s electrifying performances. After taking a Pyware workshop a few years ago, he then spent countless nights testing out different concepts in the software, creating different designs, and how to best convey those to his students.

“The workshop opened my eyes to new possibilities. Pyware has not only been effective in helping my vision come to life but a medium to help the students understand and bring it into fruition.”

 

 

 

Implementing the software into his design process has allowed Brian to further explore writing drill in his primary style of marching but also gain a better understanding of designing in other styles of marching that the band can perform as well.

“Doing “show style” band, we do a lot of line drills and 8 to 5 marching. Pyware has helped me delve deeper into my area of expertise all while allowing me to learn different marching styles. I recently incorporated some Military Marching Fundamentals and concepts with an 8 to 5 twist. Pyware has been not only a guide but a resource in understanding those fundamentals.”

 

The band’s showstopping flair was on full display Christmas Day; they were the ideal accompaniment for one of the biggest names in music history. And what a well-deserved present for the Ocean of Soul Marching Band to perform with music mogul, Beyoncé.

Congratulations to Texas Southern University and their outstanding marching band for such a special performance!

To view the full halftime performance, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azC86cNcJ7g