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About

About

Norfolk State University Spartan "Legion" Marching Band

  • Founded in 1975, the award-winning Norfolk State University Spartan "Legion" Marching Band of Norfolk, Virginia, has established itself as one of the premier marching bands in the country.
  • Mr. William Beathea and Ms. Stephanie K. Sanders were distinguished band directors at rival SWAC schools before joining Norfolk State University in 2000.
  • Norfolk State University's signature piece, "BEHOLD," was composed by Mr. Paul Adams.
  • Norfolk State University was founded in 1935 with an initial enrollment of 85 students, growing to over 6,000 students today.
  • The NSU Spartan "Legion" band comprises over 250 staff and student musicians, dancers, and flags from the United States, Virgin Islands, and Bahamas.

Highlights

Norfolk State University Spartan "Legion" Marching Band Highlights

  • Our Bandfest Show features music from the 1990s New Jack Swing Era.
  • Our head drum major is known as Mr. Spartan.
  • Our second drum major is known as Captain Soul.
  • The entire band staff, comprising 34 people, are all former students of the band, except for William Beathea (Director), Stephanie Sanders (Associate Director), and Chikeita Jones-Elliot (Operations Coordinator).
  • This is the Spartan "Legion's" first Rose Parade appearance.
  • The band program has grown by 125 members since 2014.
  • The Spartan "Legion" performed for Missy Elliot, a four-time Grammy Award winner and Virginia native, in November 2022.
  • The Spartan "Legion" also performed for Grammy Award winner and Virginia native Pharrell Williams in 2021 at the Something In the Water Festival.
  • The Spartan "Legion" has performed for Grammy Award winners Lalah Hathaway and Karen Clark-Sheard during the university’s Homecoming Festivities.
  • Regally attired in forest green uniforms with shimmering contrasting overlays, capes, and helmets, the "LEGION" is truly a sight to behold!
  • The "LEGION's" precise marching styles, reflective of its fierce look and demeanor, include synchronized high-step marching, the rigid strut, and "The Glide Step" – better known as military-style marching.
  • The "LEGION's" presence exudes pride, coupled with its robust and magnificent sound.
  • The Spartan "Legion" drumline, known as the Million Dollar Funk Squad, performed for Pharrell Williams, a 13-time Grammy Award winner, in November 2022.
  • William Beathea is an accomplished percussionist endorsed by Dynasty Percussion, Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets, and Remo Drum Heads.
  • Stephanie K. Sanders is a performing artist who has worked with artists such as The O’Jays, Jennifer Holiday, Peabo Bryson, Jill Scott, Teddy Riley, Kirk Whalum, Will Downing, and "Slide" Hampton.
  • Ms. Quiara Jackson made history as Norfolk State University's first female Drum Major.

Awards

  • 2024 Circle City Classic Battle of the Bands Winner

  • 2018, 2019, and 2022 Norfolk Grand Illumination Parade Best Band Award
  • 2021 National Battle of the Bands Winner
  • 2019 HBCU Band of the Year
  • Ranked the #1 Division One HBCU Band on ESPN’s Undisputed HBCU Band Rankings final poll in December 2021
  • Performed for President Barack Obama at both Presidential Campaign Rallies
  • Philadelphia Parade commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Constitution in 1987
  • Rex Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans, LA in 2003
  • MLK "Drum Major for Justice" Parade in St. Petersburg, FL in 2006
  • HONDA Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase (2007 and 2008)
  • Featured in the Grammy Award-winning group Justice's video "Heavy Metal" in 2018