The Marching Hornets have gained national recognition as a result of their presentation of a sparkling halftime show on NBC’s national televised professional football games between the NY Jets vs. KC Chiefs, December 10, 1967; CBS’s nationally televised professional football game between the New Orleans Saints vs. the Green Bay Packers in 1969 and was twice televised on the Blue-Gray Football Classic, Montgomery, AL, December 1976 and 1977; halftime for the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints October 1976 and 1977; and the pre-game and halftime for the Cincinnati Bengal vs. Houston Oilers at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, 1976.
In 1980, The Marching Hornets put together a halftime show saluting the late, great Joe Louis. In 1985, the Marching Hornets were invited to perform at the second annual Freedom Bowl classic in Fulton Stadium, Atlanta, GA, representing the SWAC Conference. They also performed for the Atlanta Falcon vs. Chicago Bears in 1986, where they presented a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and were the Exhibition Band for the South Central Marching Band Classic in Homewood, AL., November 1, 1986 The Marching Hornets also performed at other classics and games such as the Bronze Classic in Atlanta 1991, the Motor City Classic in Pontiac Michigan 1991, Alma Heritage Bowl in Miami 1991, the Circle City Classic of Indianapolis 1992, Battle of the Bands in Mobile, AL 2000, the Detroit Football Classic 2003 and 2004, and Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, Ga. in 2006. The band appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show in 2007. The Marching Hornets Band motto is: “THE PRICE OF GLORY IS HIGH”
Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority
Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority was founded in 1946 by Wava Banes Henry. The Delta Theta chapter was founded at Alabama State University on March 20, 1970 by eight members including current faculty member Ms. Alma Lyle. It was reinstalled on March 21, 2004 by the Eight Essential Elements of Elegance and are still serving today. The ladies are currently under the direction of Ms. Atoyia Mason- Sponsor and Director of Bands Dr. James B. Oliver- Advisor.
Ladies of Distinction Color Guard
The flag corps made its debut in 1975. They were the first flag unit in the band. Atoyia Mason is the current instructor. In the spring of 2011 Dr. James B. Oliver approved the current coordinator, Atoyia Masons, request for a name for the Flag corp. The name “LADIES OF DISTINCTION” was approve and greatly represents the young ladies accepted for our squad.
Stingettes
The Stingettes is the name of Alabama State University’s dance line. Their name is derived from the stinger of the Hornet mascot. They made their debut in 1977. Ellisa Porter is the current instructor.
Honey Bees
The Honey Bees first performed at the Southern vs Alabama State University game in Montgomery, Alabama in 2004 under the leadership of Dr. James Oliver. They started as a five-member team, each adorned a throw-back jersey. The Honey Bees are known for ending each high spirited performance with cartwheels and splits.
