UAPB’s marching band wins prize
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff marching band, the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4), won the $5,000 grand prize for the “All Hail The Queen: HBCU Band Tribute” honoring Aretha Franklin.
UAPB won for its performance of one of Franklin’s greatest hits, “Freeway of Love,” according to a news release.
“I consider this award to reflect the hard work of our students and talented staff that have brought this to fruition,” said John Graham, UAPB band director. “We are honored to celebrate the life and legacy of Aretha Franklin. She inspired people to respect and love one another.”
Marking Franklin’s birthday,
National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha and Watch The Bands announced that UAPB’s band was the winner of “All Hail The Queen: HBCU Band Tribute.”
Watch The Bands is an online platform that focuses on preserving and promoting the marching band and dance culture of historically black colleges and universi
M4 hosts a “Band Day,” where several high school bands from throughout the country get the opportunity to attend a Golden Lion football game, play as a mass band and perform their half-time shows for each other. M4 performed in the 2008 inaugural parade of President Barack Obama.
ties (HBCUs.) The project is owned by Watch The Yard, according to the release.
The announcement also comes on the heels of all eight episodes of Genius: Aretha becoming available for viewing on Hulu.
The UAPB band, M4, is under the direction of Graham and assistant directors Darryl Evans and Harold Fooster. M4 usually performs for home football games and travels to almost all games away from campus. The marching band has made appearances at the Gateway Classic, at professional football games, on national television and at countless “Battle of the Bands” competitions.
M4 hosts a “Band Day,” where several high school bands from throughout the country get the opportunity to attend a Golden Lions football game, play as a mass band, and perform their halftime shows for one another. M4 performed in the 2008 inaugural parade of President Barack Obama.
“Great news!!!” said UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander, who was one of many to offer congratulations to the band. “Congratulations to you, Mr. Graham, and also the faculty, staff, students and alumni who contribute to the success of the “Best Band in the Land”—M4!!!”
UAPB’s performance during the Franklin event can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFHCjRpVH7s&t=22s.