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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 o...
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