Bowie State’s Marching Band Sees Dramatic Increase in Members

Growth Attributed to Business, Computer Science and other Degree Programs

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – Bowie State University’s Symphony of Soul Marching Band has made a dramatic turnaround in the number of members from a low of 28 last year to 78 for the upcoming year, due in large part to focused recruiting by Band Director Billy Bennett.

“This school year we have 78 band members which is an increase of almost 200% from 2021,” said Bennett. “The reasons we were able to recruit and attract them to Bowie State is due to the reputation of the school and the computer science, animation, business and other academic programs we offer. We also offer scholarship opportunities to students that participate in our university bands (Marching, Jazz, and/or Concert Band). That’s the bottom line.”

Bennett says the bands’ sound is richer, fuller and that the new members bring lots of energy with them. “The percussion and trumpet sections experienced the most significant growth, but we still want and need more students to join the band, particularly individuals who play trombones, tubas or any of the low brass instruments,” he said. “My goal is to continue to increase the size of our marching band and instrumental music ensembles next year.”

Important upcoming dates for the marching band include participation in the Organization Day Parade sponsored by the Elks in Frederick, Maryland on Sunday, August 28, and a special halftime performance to align with Saginaw Valley State University’s (SVSU) recognition of HBCU culture in conjunction with the football game on September 10 in Saginaw, Michigan between the Bulldogs and Cardinals.

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Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.