File #: RS2022-1351   
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 1/10/2022 In control: Metropolitan Council
On agenda: 1/18/2022 Final action: 1/18/2022
Title: A Resolution recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands and commemorating their participation in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade.
Sponsors: Sharon Hurt, Tanaka Vercher, Courtney Johnston, Bob Nash, Bob Mendes, Kevin Rhoten, Jeff Syracuse, Tonya Hancock, Freddie OConnell, Jonathan Hall, Brett Withers, Erin Evans, Brandon Taylor, Larry Hagar, Dave Rosenberg, Jennifer Gamble, Zulfat Suara, Kyonzte Toombs, Kathleen Murphy, Ginny Welsch, Emily Benedict, Nancy VanReece, John Rutherford, Angie Henderson, Joy Styles, Russ Bradford, Colby Sledge, Gloria Hausser, Thom Druffel, Burkley Allen

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A Resolution recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands and commemorating their participation in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade.

 

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WHEREAS, the Tennessee State University’s marching band, better known as the “Aristocrat of Bands,” was first organized in the fall of 1946 at the request of the university’s president Dr. Walter S. Davis. J.D. Chavis was selected to serve as the band’s first director; and

WHEREAS, the band emerged from the Jazz Collegians of Tennessee State University (“TSU”) and was organized as a 100-piece marching band who first took the field after six weeks of practice. The band was originally called the “Marching 100,” but was termed the Aristocrat of Bands by a sportscaster during a National Football League (“NFL”) game and has become a well-known moniker; and

WHEREAS, the band marches in the traditional high-stepping style incorporating classical, jazz, contemporary, and popular repertoire in its performances. The band is led by four drum majors known as the "Fantastic Four" and is accompanied by The Sophisticated Ladies dance team; and

WHEREAS, a “Band of Firsts”, the Aristocrat of Bands are known for achieving many historic milestones. They were the first Historically Black College or University (“HBCU”) to appear on national television during the 1955 Rams vs Bears NFL halftime show. They were the first HBCU to perform at a presidential inauguration when they played the inaugural parade of President John F. Kennedy in 1961; and

WHEREAS, they were also the first HBCU to be appointed as an official band for an NFL team when they were named the official band of the Tennessee Titans in 2002. They were the first band to play on the White House lawn when they were invited by President Barack Obama to perform for the celebration of the opening of the National Museum of African American History & Culture in 2016; and

WHEREAS, this season marks the 75th Anniversary of the Aristocrat of Bands. As a cap to a historic season, the Aristocrat of Bands was selected to perform the 133rd Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2022. This historic parade precedes the Rose Bowl Parade and features floats, performers, and bands from across the nation; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council celebrates 75 years of excellence from the TSU Aristocrat of Bands and congratulates the band on their participation in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands and commemorating their participation in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.