HOUSE OF FUNK
HISTORY


The Morehouse College Maroon Tiger Marching Band has been acclaimed as one of the finest College Marching Ensembles in the country. Many of its members enrolled at Morehouse come from some of the nation’s strongest high school music programs. The House of Funk was first organized under the very capable leadership of Dr. Wendell Whalum, who began a “Legacy of Excellence” that has now become the cornerstone in which the Department itself is built. This leadership has continued for decades under the direction of Dr. Ted McDaniel, Roderick Smith (both Morehouse College graduates), Blake Gaines, Bill McGhee and Tim Turner all who during their tenure, continued performing at half-time shows and as guests or as a featured band at parades and competitions throughout the Atlanta area and the nation abroad.
In 2004, the faculty of the Department of Music was joined by Mr. Melvin M. Jones, who is currently the Director of Bands at Morehouse College. Mr. Jones is continuing the tradition with the "House of Funk Band" by giving an educational account of the historical development of popular American music that will serve to inspire members and audiences to appreciate and understand the contribution that American music has given the world of music.
The Morehouse College Maroon Tiger Marching Band performs various repertoire ranging from contemporary popular music to rap, swing and various traditional marching band literature. Great emphasis is placed on providing innovative drill as visual effect with modern arrangements of today’s most popular compositions.
The 110 member House of Funk is a source of extracurricular pride. Known for its innovative half-time performances, the band features the eye-catching troupe of dancing girls dubbed "Mahogany in Motion." The band has had quality exposure in recent years. Selected to perform at Super Bowl XVIII in January of 1994. Also appeared at the Anheuser Busch National Sales Convention, Coca-Cola's VIP Ball, Good Day Atlanta Show, Bryant Gumbel's Today Show, 6th Annual Gold Coast Classic in San Diego, CA, 1st Annual Honda Battle of the Bands and the Atlanta Falcons.


For more infomation contact:
Melvin M. Jones, Director of Bands
830 Westview Dr., S.W.
Atlanta, Ga. 30314-3773

Office:(404)215-2601
(404)215-2693
Fax: (404)215-2684

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