Prairie View A&M University Marching

Storm Band Handbook  
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Table of Contents 
A. Welcome from Directors * 
 B. Hello from Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma* 
C. Overview of Ensembles * 
D. History of "The Marching Storm” * 
E. Responsibilities as a member of “THE STORM”  
F. Hierarchy of the band’s instructional and administrative staff 
G. Criteria for success as a member of the Marching Storm 
H. Band Room Rules and Regulations 
I. ATTENDANCE AND GRADING POLICIES 
J. Hazing Policy and dismissal Policies
K. Social media policies
K. Creed 
L. Fight Song 
M. Alma Mater 
N. Signature Page 

 
 
 
 

 
Welcome from Director 
Greetings to all Marching Storm members who proudly embody the
unwavering spirit of Prairie View A&M University.  It is without a doubt that I
have one of the highest privileges in the world to lead the Marching Storm
and University Bands. Our focus is to uphold ten fundamental pillars of the
band: 
 1. Preparation 
2. Commitment 
3. Consistency 
4. Discipline 
5. Character 
6. Pride 
7. Scholarship 
8. Family 
9. Responsibility 
10. Marching Storm  

The future looks bright for the Marching Storm! We are in the process of
seeking more performances on the world stage, such as The Rose Bowl
parade, Macy’s parade, and professional sports team performances, as
well as local community events. We will continue to support the overall
recruiting efforts at Prairie View A&M for incoming students. We will
continue to lead in our efforts to showcase cutting edge technology,
innovations in ensemble sound, marching techniques, and student
academic success. 
It has always been my vision that at Prairie View, we not just build
outstanding bandsmen, but we make exceptional people.  My dream for the
Prairie View A & M University bands program is that we have incredible
musical successes on and off the field and, ultimately, an incredibly high
graduation rate among Marching Storm members. 
  
Sincerely, 

 
Dr. Timmey T. Zachery 
Director of Bands 
 
Hello from Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma 

Welcome to The Storm! It is with great pleasure to extend a

warm welcome to you as a member of The Storm. We are

Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, the fraternity and

sorority created solely for the betterment of the university

band program. It is our duty to help all band members

navigate through their journey as a Storm member. We are

here to help you in any way we can...... 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview of Ensembles 
University Band (The Marching Storm) – The Marching Storm Band is open to all qualified
musicians who pass the audition requirements. The 300-member band has earned national and
international acclaim. It is also the University’s largest public relations organization,
representing the University in many prestigious events on the campus and throughout the State
of Texas. 
University Wind Ensemble and Concert Band – The University Wind Ensemble and the
University Concert band perform original music and transcriptions written by the world’s
greatest composers with a special emphasis on the long and unique legacy of original music for
the wind band. 
Flute Ensemble – All flute majors enrolled in applied flute courses are required to participate in
Flute Ensemble.  Qualified non-majors are admitted by audition. Flute Ensemble rehearses two
hours per week: one hour under the Director’s supervision and one hour independently. 
Clarinet Choir – The Clarinet Choir affords woodwind students the opportunity to play standard
chamber music written for clarinetists. Students interested in performing with a chamber clarinet
choir may obtain membership by audition. The choir’s repertoire spans a few decades of
European-classical music and American Jazz literature. The Clarinet Choir is a small ensemble
performance group provided by the PVAMU University Band Program. 
Saxophone Choir – The Saxophone Choir affords woodwind students the opportunity to play
standard chamber music written for saxophonists. Students interested in performing with a
chamber saxophone choir may obtain membership by audition. The choir’s repertoire spans a
few decades of European-classical music and American Jazz literature. The Saxophone Choir is
a small ensemble performance group provided by the PVAMU University Band Program. 
Trumpet Choir/Trombone Choir/ Low Brass Choir/Brass Choir – All brass majors enrolled
in applied lesson courses are expected to participate in either Trumpet
Choir, Trombone Choir, Low Brass Choir or Brass Choir. Qualified non-majors are admitted by
audition. Rehearsal schedule is set at the beginning of each semester. 
Jazz Band I & II (MUSC 1141) – The jazz band affords students the opportunity to play
standard literature from all style periods of jazz, ranging from early jazz, swing, big band, bebop,
and modern repertoire. In addition, the band serves as a performance laboratory for students to
actively develop proficient skills for improvisation. Membership may be obtained by audition. 
Percussion Ensemble (MUSC 1171) – The University Percussion Ensemble affords percussion
students the opportunity to study and perform the standard literature for percussion ensemble.
Interested students should play an audition before enrolling in the course. 
 
 
 

 
History of "The Marching Storm”  
 
1. Prairie View has records of having a band as early as the 1890’s and was
initially a military band.  
2. The first band director (by name) was A.D. Ewell, and he served from the
years of 1912 to 1919.  
3. J.H. Haywood succeeded Mr. Ewell as the university band director.  
4. Will Henry Bennett became the next known director in the 1940s.  
 a. His band, The PV Collegians, was a jazz big band.  As World War II
ensued, the army draft would affect the males in his band. Eventually,
that led to the creation of his all-female group known as the PV Coeds—
playing at the Apollo theater was a history making performance for the
PV Coeds.  
5. In the 1950s, Julius Jones took the mantle as band director.  
6. The accomplished twirler, Joseph Daniels, became band director in 1962 he
passed the torch to James P. Moseley in 1970.  
7. 1966 gave rise to Kappa Kappa Psi, Honorary Band Fraternity Inc. Delta Psi
Chapter 
8. Mr. James P. Moseley was named director of band in 1970.  
9. In 1974 Dr. Lucius Wyatt was named Director of Bands  
10.Dr. Wyatt directed the symphonic band for more that 40 years until his
retirement. 
11.Mr. Moseley continued in the capacity of assistant director of bands in
charge of marching, while Dr. Lucius Wyatt, began to emphasize symphonic
band and arrange music for the marching band.  
12.In 1976 Mr. Victor Hebert was appointed director of the marching
band. Also, in the 1970s, Dr. Margaret Sherrod—a student in the band—
became a dance coordinator and started a group of dancers, known as the
Black Foxes, under her administration. 
13.Dr. Sherrod directed the Black Foxes for over 40 years and retired in 2012.  
14.Prof. Victor Hebert served as the director of bands in 1976 and 1977.  
15.1976 ushered in the establishment of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary
Band Sorority, Epsilon Psi Chapter   
16.In 1978, Prof. William F. McQueen, his assistants Prof. George Edwards
(Arranger and Woodwind coordinator 1978-2009), and Prof. Larry Jones
(Percussion Professor 1976-Present) directed the band. The band was
called the SOS (Sounds of Success.) 
17.Prof. Edwards (Patriarch of the Marching Storm) became head director in
1984 as Prof. McQueen pursued law school.  
18.Dr. Mark Phillips joined the band staff in 1988 as an assistant director of
bands; he had a 10-year tenure before leaving to become the Director of
Bands at Virginia State University in 1998.  
19.Circa 1989/90, the students in the band voted on a names for the group.  
20.Several names circulated, but Corey Maddox and Mark Gordon (Assistant
Director 2005-2014) created the name of the Marching Storm. Ultimately
this moniker became the brand name of the University Marching Band.  
21.On May 28, 2009, Prof. Edwards passed away due to sustained injuries in a
car accident. 
22.Broken, but not defeated, the band continued under the familiar name of
Prof. William F. McQueen, the interim director from 2009 to 2012.  
23.In 2012, Dr. Timmey Zachery—was named the Director of Bands, he joined
the Marching Storm after holding a position at Norfolk State University as
an assistant director of bands from 2002-2012.  
24.Dr. Zachery brought three assistant directors to the Marching Storm Staff in
2012 
. Prof. Ricardo Brown-Associate Director-high-brass,
coordinator/business manager. Prof. Brown left the post of Associate
Director at PV and took a position at the University of Connecticut in the
summer of 2017. (2012-2017) 
a. Prof. Christopher Grey-arranger (Fall 2012) 
b. Mrs. Shawn Zachery-Assistant Black Fox Coach (2012-Present) 
c. Ms. Danyale Taylor-Black Fox Director (2012-2013) 
d. Mrs. Shanita Jeffery-Twirling Thunder Director (2010-2016) 
. In 2013 Mrs. Shawn Zachery was named the Black Fox Director 
26.In the summer of 2014, Mr. Ralph Chapman Joined the band staff as a
woodwind instructor, jazz band director and arranger. (2014-Present) 
27.In 2014 Mr. Loran Bailey Joined the band staff as an assistant percussion
instructor (2014-Present) 
28.Prof. Brandon Hopkins joined the band staff in the summer of 2015 as a
Low Brass coordinator and arranger. (2015-Present) 
29.Making a return in 2015, Dr. Phillips became the Head of the Department of
Music at Prairie View. (1988-99 and 2015-Present) 
30.In 2018 Mrs. Krystal Greene joined the band staff as the director of the
Twirling Thunder line. (2018-Present) 
31.In 2019 The Marching Storm hired Prof. Bria Douglas as the first female
assistant director of bands at Prairie View as a woodwind/brass coordinator
and arranger.  
32.The Marching Storm also hired Prof. Eric Jimenez, Mr. Jimenez is a brass
and woodwind specialist and Director of Jazz Band I (Both are proud alumnus
of the Marching Storm) 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
RESPONSIBILITIES AS A MEMBER OF  
“THE MARCHING STORM” 
1. Responsibility to Yourself 
 
a. You owe it to yourself to always try! Try to play to the best
of your ability. Try to march to the best of your ability. Try to
perform your routines to the best of your ability. Try to be
positive and productive. Try to get along with others. Try to get
 the most commitment, focus, and energy possible out of
yourself. 
 
2. Responsibility to Each Other 
 
a. Getting along with others in our complex society is indeed a
difficult task at times. You have an obligation and responsibility
to respect the rights and opinions of others. Antisocial behavior
will only breed the same in others and bring discord into the
program. Excessive talking, rumors, vulgar language, bad
manners, etc., are examples of this unwanted behavior. Please
respect your fellow “Storm” members both on and off the field
and treat them as you wish to be treated.  
 
 
 

 
HIERARCHY OF THE BAND’S INSTRUCTIONAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 
(Please follow this “chain of command” and direct your questions and comments accordingly at an appropriate
time) 
The Directors 
The directors oversee every aspect of the band’s performances and rehearsals. This includes the
administration of the program as well as the vision of the band’s musical and visual direction. As
they say, “The buck stops here.” – Yes means Yes, No means No, and Now means Now! 

Auxiliary Unit Coaches 

These two coaches (Foxes and Twirling Thunder color guard) oversee all aspects of the
respective unit’s performances and rehearsals. The “Storm” is fortunate to have two of the most
dynamic and talented professionals in their fields serving in these positions. 

Graduate Assistants 
The GAs serves in various capacities including, but not limited to, various office duties,
attendance record keeping and policy enforcement, and other administrative duties. These are
excellent people who do an enormous job extremely well. 

Drum Majors(C5) 
The DM serves as teacher, demonstrator, conductor, motivator, and living example of the ideal
bandsman. This prestigious position is reached through an audition process after the season. 

Student Leadership Staff 

This group of “Storm” members consists of the Band Captains, Auxiliary Captains, Brasswind,
Woodwind, and Percussion section leaders. These student leaders are called on by the Director or
GAs to lead sectionals, help teach drill movements, set a good example for all performers, do
odd jobs, and basically help whenever and wherever. These positions are also by audition. 

Equipment Managers (EQ) 

The Equipment Managers are students who do the extraordinary job of handling the logistics of a
long SWAC football season. Everything from lining and setting up the practice fields to some
aspects of the uniform distribution, stocking water coolers, etc. This is such an important job and
yet it can be quite thankless. Please take the time someday during the season to thank these
people for making it possible for you to perform. 
 
 

CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS AS A MEMBER OF  

“THE MARCHING STORM” 
(Expectations, Rules, Do’s and Don’ts – call them what you will because here they are!) 
1. Be Early to Rehearsal 
Arrive at rehearsal at least 10 to 15 minutes early and warm-up on your instrument or
equipment as well as stretch out physically. Be prepared mentally, physically, and musically
for rehearsal to begin on time. 
 
 2. Avoid Wasting Time 
Develop a quiet learning atmosphere at rehearsals. 
 
3. Be Organized 
Take good care of all your music, equipment, instrument, uniform, etc. Respect yourself
enough to always have your music, drill charts, etc., with you for every rehearsal and in an
organized and usable state. Make sure your uniform and instrument or equipment is in good
condition throughout the season. The biggest problem is usually neglect. Take the time to put
away your equipment, uniform, etc., properly after each rehearsal and performance. 
 
4. Give 100% Effort All the Time 
How you practice determines how you perform. Don’t sell yourself or your fellow bandsmen
short: give it all you’ve got all the time. Every single member of this group
is accountable for the success of the whole band. 
 
5. Be Respectful and Patient with All Instructors The instructional staff puts out a
tremendous effort on your behalf. Help them help you by being polite, attentive, and helpful. 
 
6. Perform as a Group in the Stands 
All playing at the games will be done in an orderly manner and will be directed by the Drum
Major. No one will play when not directed. 
 
 
 
 

 
CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS AS A MEMBER OF
“THE MARCHING STORM” Continued 
 
7. Accept Criticism Without Excuses 
Criticism should always be given and received in a constructive manner. Do not take it
personally and do not make it personal when you are receiving or giving criticism. 
 
8. Act Appropriately at All Band Activities 
Vulgar language and socially unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Complete
 professionalism is expected at all performances (this doesn’t mean not to have fun and cheer
for the Panthers). Your behavior is equally important at rehearsals, sectionals, on listservs,
etc. Many people are offended by non-politically correct behavior and we all must work
together to accomplish our goals – so think before you speak. 
 
9. Practice Individually Between Rehearsals 
To memorize music and routines is not just knowing most of it. Music will be completely
memorized including all dynamic markings, articulation markings, rehearsal letters –
everything! 
 
10. Follow Code of Conduct with Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Tobacco 
A band member shall not drink, be under the influence of, or in personal possession of
illegal drugs or alcohol during any event, practice, or on any trip, nor during any other
time and/or place designated by the Director( this includes in between a rehearsal and a
performance on the same day ). Also, a band member shall not use tobacco during any
practice or at the site of the competition or in the spectator area of any PVAMU athletic
event, nor during any other time and/or place designated by the Director. The use of
tobacco is restricted in all forms. 
 
11. Deal With It!!! 
Whatever it is, learn to deal with it and always try to be part of the solution, not part of the
problem. 
 
 
 

 
Band Room Rules and Regulations 
 No hair/head scarves or head ware during rehearsals. You will be asked to
remove them or take them down.  
 NO GUM ALLOWED during rehearsals.  
 NO CELL PHONES are to be out and must be placed on silent or vibrate
during rehearsals!!!!! If we see it, you will be penalized.  
 Wait at the door until a Director, Band Captain, or Drum Major
acknowledges you. 
  No high school paraphernalia 
 Wear the shirt color of the day or a white shirt 
 No slides or sandals (Band boots, sneakers and/or tennis shoes are
required)    
 No jewelry! 
 No cursing or profane language 
 Answer with sir and ma’am (No sir/yes sir, no ma’am/yes ma’am) 
 No talking during rehearsal 
 No getting up during rehearsal (Bathroom breaks are between each segment
of rehearsal)  
 No cut-out or tank top shirts 
 No leggings or short shorts 
 
 
Failure to meet up to the expectations listed in this criterion may result in any of
the following: 
 Dismissal from rehearsal 
 Dismissal from a performance 
 Dismissal from the ensemble 
 Change in performance status from full-time to alternate 
 Any problems regarding Code of Conduct may result in expulsion from the
University. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
ATTENDANCE AND GRADING POLICIES  
 
For us to accomplish our standards of excellence, our attendance policies
have been established as follows. 
 Attendance at all regularly scheduled rehearsals, dress rehearsals,
and performances including extra scheduled events is mandatory.
For any trips or other events scheduled during school time, all
 students will receive an official excused absence from the Dean of
Students. 
 The only acceptable excuses for missing rehearsals are severe
illness, emergencies and approved class conflicts. 
 In the Marching Storm your grade is based on success in three
areas: Performance, Tests and Attendance. 
 Performances and Test grades will be 40% of your final grade. 
 Every member of "The Marching Storm" will be evaluated a
minimum of 3 times during the semester. These Performance Tests
will take place just before or immediately following rehearsal and
will evaluate any and/or all the following: Music memorization,
routine memorization, drill marching, performance accuracy
and showmanship. 
 If you are not satisfied with the grade you receive on one of these
tests, you may petition the director for a re-test to prove your
ability on that material. 
 60% of your final grade is based on your attendance at
rehearsals. 
 For every unexcused absence your attendance grade will drop one
full letter. So, with one absence not approved, your grade will drop
to a "B", with two, a "C", and so on. 
 If you do miss a rehearsal, it is important to submit an Excuse
Form, which is available online at the Band website. This form
should be submitted before you are going to miss the rehearsal,
if possible, and will not be accepted after a week has passed
since your absence. 
 

ATTENDANCE AND GRADING

POLICIES Continued... 
 Submit the form as soon as possible. The forms will be reviewed by the
Director of the ensemble for approval. Students may appeal the decision to
the Director of the ensemble. The Director, however, does have the right to
the final decision. Forms will be returned to you via email as soon as the
decision is made. 
  Also, two tardies to a rehearsal will be counted as an absence. A tardy may
also be excused, at the Director’s discretion, with the Excuse Form. A tardy
is 5 or more minutes late. 

 Marching Band members who miss dress rehearsal will automatically be an

alternate for halftime for that same day. The director of the ensemble has the
option of dismissing any student from a rehearsal or for the semester. 
 
 CLASS/LAB CONFLICTS 

 We understand that there are occasional conflicts with a class or lab that may
make it difficult for you to participate in the Bands. We have another form
for this – known as the Class/Lab Conflict Form. 

 If you have a class scheduled which takes away from some rehearsal time,
fill out this form and bring it by the Band Office. You, as the member, must
understand, however, that you have the responsibility to learn the
music/drill/routine and keep up with the other members of the organization
who are attending all rehearsals. It is imperative that you obtain the
Class/Lab Conflict Form from the Band Office or a Band GA and submit it
so that we know about your conflict. 
 
 

Dismissal policies

7. The significant violations that result in suspension or

expulsion from the program are rehearsal/
performance absences and GPA.
 8. Next in line are behavior problems and being late for
rehearsals, poor attitude or leaving early.
9. The following six items are unacceptable and will
result in immediate suspension or expulsion from the
program:

1. Disrespect to Directors,
2. Use of drugs or alcohol while representing the
University at or on:
a. Band Rehearsal
b. Band Trips
c. Performances
d. Leisure time while wearing band paraphernalia
3. Participation in any form of hazing, whether as a
victim or perpetrator, will also lead to loss of a band
scholarship and expulsion from the program.
4. Fighting of any kind
5. Cyber Bullying or Any bullying
6. Improper Use of Social Media

Social media policies

 
 The Marching Storm has a zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol,
and other inappropriate behavior while with the Marching
Storm or representing the Storm, including on social media. 
This is cause for automatic dismissal. 
1. Marching Storm members will not be allowed to post or
re-post any material that is considered inappropriate,
detrimental to the image of the Marching Storm or
University Bands, or not aligned with the purpose and
image of The Marching Storm on any social media
platform. 

2. Band members will not engage in arguments or

inappropriate discussions with other social media
members for ANY reason. 

3. All personal social media content and posts should

always be representative of your position as a member
of the Marching Storm. Band members will be asked to
remove any social media content that does not fall in
line with this rule. 

4. Cyber bullying of any kind is not permitted and serves

as grounds for dismissal and referral to student
conduct.

Creed 
We the Marching Storm, 

Dedicate ourselves to a higher standard,  

Believing that no one man can accomplish a team goal,  

To be the best,  

To work on for the best,  

And to expect life’s daily test,  

Through Hard work and preparation,  

Even through the cloudiest days, 

We are The Storm,  

We abide by our Creed, 

We All We Got, 

We All We Need. 

 
 
 
CHEER FOR PRAIRIE VIEW  
 
 
Cheer for Prairie View  
 Cheer for the purple and gold  
Let’s cheer them on  
Till they make a score.  
Get the ball and score some more  
Cheer for Prairie View  
Cheer for the purple and gold  
We’re marching on once more  
Till we make the score  
For a VICTORY!