The HBCU Band Experience with Christy Walker

From the AoB to After 7 (and more!)

Christy chats with her friend Joe Johnson, who marched in Tennessee State's "Aristocrat of Bands". Christy finds out how he parlayed his experience as a saxophone player and drum major, to a thriving career as a session musician and musical director for R&B greats such as Freddie Jackson, Angela Winbush, and After 7. 

Joe's website can be found at www.joejohnsonmusic.com

Season 1 Finale - We'll be back January 2021! 

Hidden in Plain Sight

Christy interviews Geoff Thompson, who marched for Morris Brown, and later, Mississippi Valley State. You may recognize him as "the White guy with the tuba" in the movie Drumline. Geoff discusses memorable games, his love for concert season, filming Drumline, and what it's like being a minority in a HBCU band. 

Guest: Geoffrey Thompson

From Marching to the Ministry

Christy interviews Dwayne Dixon, who marched in Southern University's "Human Jukebox" in the 1970s. Are the rumors about the Jukebox really true? Listen in to find out. Dwayne also talks about his winding path from Chicago, to Southern, to Kappa Kappa Psi, to Iota Phi Theta, and to the ministry.

Guest: Dwayne Dixon

Dwayne's podcast "The Corporate Minister" can be found at www.thecorporateminister.com

 

 

What's it like being a (Male) Piccolo Section Leader?

In the interest of balance, Christy interviews Stan Holloway, who was a (male) piccolo player and section leader in Florida A&M University's "Marching 100". Stan discusses how he chose the piccolo (or did it choose him???), how being under the microscope worked in his favor, and the importance of giving back to his section and band.

 

Guest: Stanley Holloway

What's it like to start a HBCU Band Podcast?

Christy interviews Joseph Beard, who created The Marching Podcast, which is another great podcast for HBCU bands. Joe talks about his path in  marching for Johnson C. Smith AND Jackson State University. He's used to being the interviewer but now it's HIS turn on the hot seat! 

Guest: Joseph Beard  

The Marching Podcast can be found on YouTube, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you find your podcasts. 

From HBCU Band to the US Army Band

Christy interviews Stephen Edgerton, who marched for not one, but TWO HBCU bands, and used those experiences to launch his career as a musician in the US Army Band. Stephen shares stories about his time as band member, (freshman!!!) section leader, and drum major, and gives advice to those who may be thinking about a music career in the military. 

Guest: Stephen "Toofpick" Edgerton

 

What's it like being a (Female) Percussion Section Leader?

Christy interviews Rasheda Gregory, the first (female) section leader of Norfolk State University's Million Dollar Funk Squad (MDFS). Rasheda shares some of her stories about being a female section leader in a male-dominated section, and gives some advice to women who want to follow in her footsteps. Literally.  

Guest: Rasheda Gregory

Arranging for a HBCU Band

Christy interviews Warren Shaw, Chief Arranger for Clark Atlanta University's Mighty Marching Panthers, and an alumnus of Alabama State University. She learns about how he got started in the arranging game, and shares some tips for future arrangers. Plus, Christy talks about getting published in the New York Times. 

Guest: Warren Shaw

Marching in the 1960s

What was it like to march in a HBCU band in the 1960s? Christy interviews her favorite bandhead, her mom, about her experience marching in NC A&T's "Marching Aggies" in the mid to late 60s.  

Guest: Zenobia Walker