The 5th Quarter: Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul
A behind-the-scenes look as the band prepares for one of the last home games of the season
The 5th Quarter in the world of football games at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) takes place after the game, when the bands of the two opposing schools battle each other for bragging rights to the best musical performance. These displays of musical showmanship, from the choreographed routines to the song selection, require a lot of practice and work by every member of the team. The Undefeated will take you behind the scenes to show what goes into pulling off those amazing performances.
Jordan Jackson, Giovandre St. Cyr and Devin Cash all drum majors of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band march through campus on the way back to the band hall after a performance on September 27, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
A member of the drum line of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band plays her instrument during practice on September 27, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
Mikaela Odom of Texas Southern University’s Motion of the Ocean dance team dances as the band marches through campus on September 27, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
Wendell Shello, a cymbal player in Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band plays his instrument during practice on September 27, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
De’Coryn Wright of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band plays the euphonium during practice.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
A flautist in Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band plays his instrument during practice on September 27, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
Clarence Gibson, the interim director of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band snaps along to the music during a practice in the band hall on campus on September 28, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
Davon James of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band plays the cymbals during practice in the band hall on September 28, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
Members of the sousaphone section of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band march and play during practice on September 28, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
Associate band director Darryl Singleton (right) watches as members of the Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band do chair dips for being late to practice on September 28, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
Assistant Band Director Christopher Gray leads the band during rehearsal on September 28, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
(Left to right) Thaddeus Sterling, Adam Landry, Markell Brown, Ian Tynes, Brandon Grace and Avery Gibson, members of the euphonium section of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band rehearse after practice on September 27, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
The Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul marching band plays during a home football game against Alcorn State at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
Morgan McGown of Texas Southern University’s Motion of the Ocean dance team performs a routine while the band plays during a home football game against Alcorn State at BBVA Compass Stadium on September 29, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
Interim band director Clarence Gibson directs the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul marching band during a home football game against Alcorn State at BBVA Compass Stadium on September 29, 2017.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated
Jose Martinez of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul marching band dances to the sound of the band during a home football game against Alcorn State at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Michael Starghill, Jr. for The Undefeated