HBCU show style marching bands are a key ingredient to the HBCU experience. It’s something about hearing those horns cranking, the drums booming, and those familiar tunes that makes your whole body tingle. There is nothing in the world quite like the high stepping marching bands that exert a contagious energy that gets everyone on their feet. Movies like “Drumline” and shows such as “Bama State Style” popularized the show style college bands on a mainstream level, and the nation got just a glimpse into the world of an HBCU band member. But what does it take to be a part of such an amazing group of musicians and performers?

The Hampton University Marching Force lives by one simple phrase that covers everything you need to know about marching in an HBCU band: Having P.R.I.D.E. in your performance.

P for Precision

Being precise is the best way to be a successful band member. All musicians know that when it comes to a good performance, there is not much room for errors. One of the things that makes HBCU marching bands spectacular is the extreme attention to detail. Known for their wow factors and crowd pleasers, HBCU marching bands always seem to pull out all of the stops to deliver an impressive show. The band has to be in sync. You don't want to be that person that sticks out like a sore thumb because you're off step or you play a wrong note. The most popular bands have their reputation for having flawless performances, but good execution of a drill could not be possible without this next tip.

R for Respect

This may be the most important tip to having a successful marching band experience. The reason most college bands have a family bond is because of the mutual respect that they have for each other. Every HBCU band has their own unique style and traditions, so as an incoming freshman, you will be treated like a rookie until you earn their respect. It's typical to be treated with little to no respect until you prove you do your job well whether it's playing, dancing, twirling, or marching.

Every person in the band is equally important to the overall performance, but the responsibility of the band’s success is divided into a hierarchy of leadership. A part of gaining your respect in the band is measured by your ability to follow directions from your section leaders, drum major and band director. This process is called “crabbing." Crabbing is the process of removing all of the bad habits from your high school marching band, and implementing the ways of the band you have joined. There is a widespread myth that this process is associated with hazing after Jackson State University was involved in a hazing scandal in 2009 and Florida A&M University in 2010. An alumni band member of Hampton University’s Marching Force stated, “Hazing has no place in the band, however people are confusing discipline and rigorous exercise as a form of hazing in certain band programs.”

I for Integrity

Having Integrity is another important tip to remember. Integrity is defined as: adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. This is a lesson that can go a long way while being on your own in college for the first time. In the band, having integrity is being responsible for yourself and your actions. It may take a while to get use to and you'll mess up plenty of times, but a part of having integrity is also owning up to your mistakes.

There is a million things you have to remember when you're on the field or in the stands. Integrity is being on time, having everything you need for a performance, being dressed correctly, and remembering your music and routine. Even though daily practices, sometimes twice a day, and performances every weekend can become hard to balance, you don't have to do it alone. Get some friends in the band that will help you remember report times, or who will wake you up so that you don't miss the bus. When you're new in the band, this can be a lot to take in, but after a while, it just takes being a responsible person and learning to prepare.

D for Dedication

Being in the band will take up a lot of your time. Practices can last all week long, and performances can eliminate your weekend plans. You're going to miss events and activities happening on campus, including homecoming events whenever you're preforming. This is when you will have to learn to be dedicated to your band. As the band director at Hampton University, Rasan Holmes would say, "This is the life you chose."

A part of being dedicated is making your contribution to the band a priority. We are all guilty of slacking off in practice from time to time, but if you put no real effort into being great in practice, you can never expect the performance to be any better on the field or in the stands. When people don’t show up to practice or performances, it hurts the band, and it hurts your credibility as a reliable member.

E for Enthusiasm

Being in the band is a blast. You work hard for weeks for a show you may only do once. After you master the music and the drill, the only thing left to do is execute. HBCU bands are all about that extra swagger they add to a show. That’s when your personal style as a band can come out. The most commonly known example of this is the Honda Battle of Bands when eight bands bring their best work to Atlanta to compete and display their musical talents in the Georgia Dome of Atlanta. If you have ever attended a battle of the bands, or seen the movie “Drumline," then you know how exciting and entertaining this event can be. So, enjoy your band experience. Besides, if you don't, then the crowd will not enjoy your band, either. Have fun!