LORMAN, Miss. (WLBT) – The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite are gearing up to embark on a historic journey to the Big Apple.
After months of preparation, Alcorn State University’s band is headed to perform in the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“You can expect, okay, that’s Mississippi. That’s Alcorn. That’s SOD. You know, we definitely wanted to bring our flavor, but at the same time just represent in a good way, in a positive way. So, it’s going to be exciting. We’re going to play some nice catchy tunes, we’re going to do a little dab or two here and there. I think people are going to enjoy it,” Band Director Dr. Everson Martin said.
Students in the band are excited to show off their talent and hard work on the national stage.
“Traveling this far and being a part of the Macy’s parade that I would usually see on TV, that’s like, dang, that’s not real,” Lola Nogzi, sophomore band student, said.
Supporters on campus gave the band a roaring send off.
Martin said the community raised over $500,000 to make this trip happen.
“The community support is so important. It’s everything. You’re talking about raising half a million dollars. You can’t do that alone, you know,” continued Martin. “So, it took a lot of support from the community, parents, alumni, supporters, just friends of friends, you know.”
The band made stops in Port Gibson, Vicksburg, and Clinton before heading to New York City.
Martin and his students are ready to step into the spotlight and showcase just what the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite have to offer.
“Why not us? We’re just as good. We need the opportunity; we need the exposure. So, this feeling right here, I think about accomplished,” Martin added.
“Now that we’re actually getting the recognition that we’re getting now, it kind of feels rewarding to the fact that people actually see us,” Carmello Miles, sophomore band student, said.
Next time you see them, they’ll be performing on one of the biggest stages in America.
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