Former Chicago Prep Athlete Takes Pride in Playing in Howard Univ. Band
Marcus Prince considered himself a better than average soccer player on the junior varsity team at Jones College Prep High School in Chicago.
But the Englewood resident acknowledged that his team didn’t have the best record – winning just a handful of 20 or so games. So after his freshman year, Prince turned in his cleats and directed his attention to another passion – music.
His hard work paid off. Prince, 21, is now a first trumpet player for the marching band at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
The high stepping band was on display Saturday at the Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr.
Howard, however, lost the football game, 21-13 to Morgan State University. Morgan State is in Baltimore, Md.
Even though the stands were filled with excited football fans, many were there to watch Prince and other members of both marching bands.
“It is all part of school spirit,” said Prince, a senior music and education major. “It is a lot of hard work. There are late night practices. And a lot of personal practices. . . But during show time, we always give the people what they come to see.”
John Newson, Prince’s band director, had a similar view.
“People are there to unite . . . and eventually there to enjoy the half-time,” Newson said.
Newson acknowledged that band performances are a special part of football games at historically black colleges.
Even some fans at the game acknowledged that they attend the games to enjoy both football and music.
“I wanted to watch both,” said Nikita Campbell, 43, of Hyde Park, a Chicago State University graduate.
On the band performances by both schools, she said: “I guess they were OK,” Campbell said.
Prince said he enjoys the out of town visits from his school.
But he acknowledged that they are hard work – almost like competing as an athlete.
During the Chicago visit, Howard not only performed during half-time and at the game, but at pep rallies.
The band also had an intense practice Friday evening on the football field at Hales Franciscan High School, 4930 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
The band played music in stands. It also practiced its high marching drills on the field.
During the last couple of years, Howard, which has other Chicagoans tied to the band, has increased its profile as a marching band.
For the first time in at least a decade, Howard competed in January in the Honda Battle of the Bands exhibition in Atlanta, Ga.
Howard was selected as one of eight selected schools from 32 colleges for the annual event.
“It was an amazing experience,” recalled Prince who hopes to come back to the Chicago area and teach music when he graduates. “Everyone gave us great reviews... But sounding good and looking good.. is always surreal... It is great to be in my home city and marching.”
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