Norfolk State University "Spartan Legion" | Allstar Battle of the Bands | watch in 4K!!!

[@willtimbales557]

Many years ago when I was a member of the Spartan Legion, Governor Wilder became the first black governor of the state of Virginia, The Spartan Legion was invited to perform in Richmond Virginia for his inauguration parade. "Chief " Emery L. Fears, Band Director and founder of the Spartan Legion said specifically for the parade we will march and show our musicianship. We are black they already know we can shake out butts and dance. Tradition in the excellence of music and discipline valued to this day. And Chef's rule of thumb back then was not to put the instruments on the ground and dance. His common sense motto was that instruments cost to much damn money. Spartan Legion I congratulate you at the no 1 HBCU Marching Band of 2022. You are now the "hunted".

[@Askanison29]

Some of took that same logic with us to our own bands..you better not put my damn horn on the ground...

[@JourneyToTheTopWithKingMike]

What year was this?? Im from Richmond I Marched For Henrico High In 06-10 we modeled our program off of Norfolk. The greatest

[@leospriggins7069]

The Marching is ON POINT. Seems like every step was at the same height! One unit, no individuals out dancing the non dancers, Very Clean! One of the Best Field Shows this year for ME! Great Mucicality!

[@BrooklynLeadership]

Forgot the band was on the field for a second, and thought I was watching a music video. #CaterToYou Great job NSU.

[@SaLee25]

Spectacular job Spartan Legion. Expected nothing less. But let’s take a moment and recognize those Spartan Guards. From the opening with the 16 count dance (Smoooooth) to the drill maneuvers in the center of the band, the flag feature with that high toss was 🔥. (Their poles big as crap) then they sealed the deal with that split during the dancer feature!!! These boyyyzzz made history this night. Definitely one of the highlights of the night. The crowd was going crazy for them. Great to see them displayed. Definitely enjoying this new era of Spartan Guards. They’ve always been a tight group. But this was top tier! Shout out the leadership over there. Definitely changing the game. New Orleans would definitely enjoy these guys!

[@koolkharisma5298]

Yes, New Orleans would, as many high school flag boys are down there...

[@TheStudio15219]

I'm not sure how they sounded in person... But in surround sound this was amazing. I've only watched two so far... We have to learn to appreciate without tearing these people down... I think the arrangements were some of the best I've heard... and if there are people who say they have played better arrangements... That is a testament that this is truly one of the best HBCUs in America! Finally good to hear a band play music of this century.

[@A1MediaBands]

They sounded Great in Person as well, the Mercedes Benz Stadium Just isn't a great space for the pure sounds of bands.

[@TheStudio15219]

The promoters should consider reinforcing the sound with field mics as they are used in DCI

[@qdanv9663]

Bro they was pressure u gotta behold the green and gold

[@Biggy581]

Great job, A1Media! Yeah, the reverb in MB stadium definitely hard on the ears

[@keithyounger9397]

ReallyJames, the S.W.A.C. Arrangement are fire,they play the difficult and up to date music, that’s what the S.W.A.C. Do! Their marching and music is catered toward their show and formations! My brother, come witness a Southern or Sonic Boom experience,I promise you will witness one Halftime show that will be lit! Please except my invitation to come to Our football games! In the South, it’s all about the Real bands, not the fake ones!!

[@jonathanjackson5386]

The band went on next to last in the BotB. So if you were bored it may have had something to do with the venue. The show was good and you have to take in consideration the size of the stadium. Just listen to the arrangements. This was a good performance. No stand battles, sectional battles or drum line battles. Strictly field shows. This wasn’t a traditional BotB. You’ve seen NSU all year and they haven’t disappointed.

[@jtoobreezy8477]

Flagline alway on point

[@JustParyss]

NSU will always be the best band in the building no argument needed!! #Behold💚💛

[@tinajohnson2000]

🔰🔰🔰

[@cjackson2972]

Great show... knowing they only learned it in less than 2 weeks!!! Amazing sound and song arrangements !!! Behold!!!

[@97amani]

It don’t take 2 weeks to learn a fieldshow tho

[@tlhbehold]

@@97amani it may not take two weeks to learn a show but to make it great takes time as a member of the staff this was all new music and formations for them coming off the rose parade, starting a new semester, rainy weather in VA

[@norfolkstateuniversityspar6566]

Thank you!!!!

[@legion2004]

@@97amani Sound like a high school Comment. If you are learning all new music and a new show your sound and presentation is not going to be looking as good as those that performed Saturday.

[@liquidlightz]

@@97amani it doesn't take two weeks to learn a field show but since their main focus for a month was practicing and preparing for the Rose Bowl events, get some rest and then learn this show in two weeks should be commended.

[@marchingbandnerd8653]

This college's concert choir peformed at my school but I wanna see this band

[@gregorypridgeon1104]

The Spartan Legion is a fine band with a great sound. Glad to see them elevate their game. Hope they continue to improve and grow into their big boy pants.

[@DistrictOfCrankage]

That DANGEROUSLY IN LOVE 😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 I need to hear a full arrangement of that song alone!

[@DelmusicLover]

Best overall sound for sure! They were clean 😮‍💨🎶 I love their marching style, best in HBCU.

[@sellina4life]

This was a Beyoncé and Jay Z medley with a lil Juvenile Cash Money and Linkin Park sprinkled in I see. Nice show🔥

[@norfolkstateuniversityspar6566]

Thank you so much! We used remixes as well as the homecoming version of crazy in love (juvenile mix)

[@melleaux1493]

Great footage. This was my 1st time seeing NSU in person

[@A1MediaBands]

Absolutely Loved their show/sound 🔥.

[@norfolkstateuniversityspar6566]

Thank you

[@melleaux1493]

@@norfolkstateuniversityspar6566 Keep up the great work. I was very impressed with your show and sound

[@Magnum5840]

Congratulations to the Norfolk State Spartan Legion Marching Band for being voted #1 Best HBCU Band 2023 on a poll taken by HBCU Buzz....BEHOLD THE GREEN & GOLD!!! 💚💛

[@michaelgraves7718]

Killed it! They sound amazing 👏

[@mauricebryant5817]

Great show again , very proud of NSU , showed up and showed out . Bring that chi town smoke !

[@msk8533]

I love this!! 🐝

[@laddytragedy]

love love love the flag feature..so fire

[@fabionwilson6992]

Love it NSU!!

[@jesusisdahomie5348]

Beautiful!

[@anthonyphillips7374]

Last I checked this is 2022 -2023 not 1982 1992 or even 2002. I am a 1997 alum and I know change is inevitable so I embrace it. It is called evolution. To remain relevant and for the program to grow some things remain the same, and some things must change. You should be happy for your program. Instead of passing judgment. In my opinion. Once a Spartan. Always a Spartan. BEHOLD! PS strap up Lace up in the alumni band should you want to make a contribution or a change for the better. Ahh ha OK what’s up shut up.. IN CLOSING I LOVED EVERY THING ABOUT THE SHOW.

[@seyqyanabrams4333]

That show wasn’t it brother

[@tracy8882]

Nothing but 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@tanyabenson]

Great Show. You sound and look amazing !!!! Nothing like that NSU sound. What an amazing year!!! I'm super proud of the Legion!!! BEHOLD

[@DConDemand]

BEHOLD! 🔰

[@mrfamu]

Let me wipe my feet I don’t want to be bias so let me watch the show first and then come back with a second statement but as always superb video no one touching u bro

[@leapatterson3888]

Shut it down ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@theodorethompson8405]

Behold

[@devinsbt]

Song at 7:45

[@A1MediaBands]

Show Me What You Got - Jay Z

[@tinajohnson2000]

#BEHOLD 🔰🔰🔰

[@tronnbradham2080]

Whats the name of the song @7.50

[@A1MediaBands]

Show Me What You Got - Jay Z

[@justathought5561]

I’m all for tradition, but I would love to see the color guard in sequins once 😂 Great show overall 💚

[@liquidlightz]

I think the alumni would revolt if that was to happen. The Silkettes don't smile. Sequins and a serious demeanor would clash. 😀

[@justathought5561]

@@liquidlightz 😂

[@lazurusredd8682]

@@liquidlightz 💯

[@KhadineStLouis]

What was the name of the media team on the field? I’m trying to find some Jumbotron shots

[@A1MediaBands]

The Norfolk State Spartan Legion Media Page has a good video with field shots

[@rickeydgreene7475]

song name at 2:55 ??

[@Zyz804]

Cuff it

[@tylerlawrence2989]

Cuff it- Beyoncé

[@norfolkstateuniversityspar6566]

Cuff It and Schoolin Life Mix by Beyoncé

[@rickeydgreene7475]

@@tylerlawrence2989 thanks

[@mrfamu]

Okay the show was okay not show stopper was kind of boring not gone lie but I give it up to nsu when ever I see them I’m always happy very underrated band program with super big potential

[@PALMERMEDIA]

“Mr.Famu” 💀

[@cjackson2972]

It's boring??? Let me see you do this (learn new music and new formations)in less than two weeks of practice. They sound amazing 👏🏽 and look great! 😍 Behold, the Green and Gold!!!

[@mrfamu]

@@cjackson2972 again wasn’t coming for Norfolk at all I’m just saying if this is a battle and also a showcase for recruits I’m going bring my A game yes they sound good but the show was bland I went to famu where we had to learn shows in a couple of days with a 330+ band so def don’t come saying oh let me see u do this I have big high hopes for nsu they def can hold they own all I’m saying is just unleash that beast that’s dormented within

[@cjackson2972]

@@mrfamu Whatever!!! Just because you have a thousand people in a band doesn't mean you sound and look good. Period!

[@mrfamu]

@@cjackson2972 u coming at me and haven’t u noticed folks that love the gold and green said the same exact thing they probably band members wise diddnt want to be there honestly speaking

[@kareemjohnson4128]

Seeing a band do things that are outside of what they’re known for really makes me cringe. This ain’t it. This is not Norfolk. And the arrangements have gotten worse over the years. Where Adams? Where are his arrangements. This is so bland.

[@troystrong8041]

So keep playing all of the songs Paul Adams arranged😂😂😂you say this show was boring, the Legion’s shows would truly be boring playing the same songs a retired arranger constructed…their arrangements are fine…one show that pale in comparison to what they did all year doesn’t diminish who they are…now if it becomes a trend, that’s when you should worry…the Legion will always be true to themselves more so than other bands who copy and have no identity and are followers instead of trendsetters…we may not have cared for the show that much but you can’t deny they are unique and put a great product on the field…there have been other times I didn’t like a Legion show but it never bothered me long because I KNOW who they are and 99.9% of the time I’m going to get what I want…this show was good but it did not live up to what I wanted and that’s ok…the Legion is not a one hit wonder…their body of work is amazing and I will put them up against any band, HBCU or PWI and expect them to outshine whomever

[@liquidlightz]

Funny thing. All of the songs they have played from the Earth Wind and Fire show like Loves Holiday to the New Jack Swing show like Don't Leave by BlackStreet and their California Mix at the Tournament of Roses parade weren't written by Paul Adams and were well received. It's hilarious to me that people think that the history of the Legion began when Paul Adams rejoined the staff in the early 2000s. It's also funny that people think that Paul Adams wrote ALL of the arrangements while at NSU. Some arrangements were written by students and you would never know because they were that good. The Legion doing something out of the box is what the Legion has been doing since 1975. At this event there was one band who has been doing the same thing for the past 20 years but once the Legion does something you don't like it's now the sky is falling. You didn't like the show, fine. Go back and rewatch all of the shows from this season that made you happier with the band.

[@AKINGSKYD]

When y’all gon’ let Mr. Adams enjoy his retirement !🤣 He’s a living LEGEND. Musical genius if you will. But trust and believe what you heard in these arrangements stem some kind of way from him. Wether it was his signature tags, or how’d he voiced his arrangements. It’s in these selections.

[@mrfamu]

Let me say this be fore I get bashed on my comment I made Norfolk has one of the top tier programs I just feel this band botb and performance wasn’t it at all they diddnt being there best to me great sound great show but it’s not what put some of us on notice bout them

[@jamesholthoff3423]

Themed shows geared towards one artist puts you in a box. This was not a good show. And I’m a fan. But this ain’t Norfolk what happened to those tough Earth Wind and Fire drills. Cmon. Just be true to who you are. Doing way too much trying to be progressive.

[@chaspenny4597]

Lol the very ideology that kills anything historically black. “We’ve always done it like this.” You’ll be okay bro. I promise.

[@TellTheTruthAnt]

Legion has BEEN doing themed shows

[@liquidlightz]

LOL they did a Chris Brown show, a Motown Show, a Prince show, an EWF show, a New Jack Swing show, a gospel show and they were all well received and stellar shows. The Legion doesn't have to rely on an over reliance of themes unlike some other bands but when they do them they are well received.

[@TellTheTruthAnt]

@@liquidlightz this! I was a part of the Whitney show and Chris Brown one

[@conn3692]

Baby…where YOU been? The legion has been doing themed shows..

[@KingQue011]

😴

[@SAX-MATIC98]

This was truly boring, I have love for this program i just need them to do something outside of a regular season halftime show, all i keep hearing is "they sound good" TRUE, now can we get some entertainment please, something fresh from them.

[@troystrong8041]

Fresh? They were “fresh” all season…explain please! Say what’s truly on your mind and not make broad statements without an explanation….waiting

[@SAX-MATIC98]

@@troystrong8041 Fresh where? this is the same formation/drill from almost every damn game since 1999. People kill me with the school pride.

[@troystrong8041]

@@SAX-MATIC98 so bands that do step two drills every game, every year are fresh? I think I see different curvilinear shapes when Norfolk drills…am I blind? Secondly, I did not attend NSU nor do I have unabashed fandom to NSU…if you have seen my posts, I have given praise and criticism of Norfolk since I have been posting on their videos…what I do not do is make broad generalizations and not have proof of what I am talking about…if you look at Norfolks drills, they may look similar but they are different…open your eyes

[@SAX-MATIC98]

@@troystrong8041 However you feel about NSU let me be, these opinions of both of us. Nothing you'll say will make me change how I feel so what are we debating about.

[@anthonyphillips7374]

Interesting banter. The writing is on the wall. Check the facts. Crowd response does not lie. Spartan Legion is critically acclaimed as one of the premier HBCU national marching bands in the nation. You have every right to your opinion? As for me I bleed GREEN & GOLD! ………………….

[@spartanmania2986]

Not feeling this one. They’ve had a good season. Probably should have sat this one out.

[@jayk3874]

Decent show ..sounds great . Boring. But sounds good.

[@prettyassassin57]

Sound good but this wasn't it. I was expecting alot more. Should have just didn't the show yall did for Bandfest. Yall showed out there. This especially Hot Ice feature (no-fault of the girls) almost put me to sleep.

[@SupervillainDW]

I think it’s the arrangements… They don’t sound bad but Norfolks previous arrangements sets an extremely high bar…

[@mrfamu]

See it’s crazy I though I was the only one from past experience seeing and hearing this band def wasn’t they best performance regardless of just learning a show in two weeks

[@mrfamu]

@@SupervillainDW so I kno I’m not crazy with my statement

[@DistrictOfCrankage]

@@SupervillainDW I agree! Their drill songs used to be out of this world! That’s what set the bar high for them!

[@SupervillainDW]

@@mrfamu no not at all… you don’t sound crazy… They sounded great in person yesterday but the wow factor is definitely missing from their arrangements… This was still definitely one of the top performances of the night but when you know the pinnacle of excellence of arrangements and execution from them in the past from Norfolk it definitely puts them at a HUGE disadvantage when you’re a band head… I am still extremely proud and impressed how this program has made a resurgence and hope they continue on that trajectory… Still a great performance nonetheless… I have really been missing that powerful MEAC sound 🥹

[@keithyounger9397]

P.S.A. Announcement: N.F.S. Marching band didn’t not impress me at all with this core style type of boring show! Their show really caters to a white P.W.I. Field show! Not to a black H.B.C.U. Type of field show! Overall it was a nice core style show!

[@liquidlightz]

Good. Even with your P.S.A. they were still named the 2021 HBCU Band of the Year by ESPN'S the Undefeated (voted by HBCU directors, musicians auxiliary coaches and not white folks), 2022 HBCU Band of the Year by HBCU Sports, had the #1 & #3 halftime shows for the year by HBCU Sports. 2023 HBCU Band of the Year by HBCU Buzz, and was the only HBCU band to be given an opportunity to perform a grandstand performance at the Tournament of Roses parade all while playing DC gogo music, Chaka Khan, Frankie Beverly and Tupac. Thanks for watching video though. We still winning 🔰 and what is core style? There is no such thing as core style.

[@keithyounger9397]

@@liquidlightz listen my brother, until yeah get invited to the Crank fest in Baton Rouge, your point is not valid ! H.G.B. Crank on yeah so band, Their music is on a different level than yeah! They arrangement are better than N.F.U. Theirs no comparison, We’ve performed at so many event, N.F.L. Tournaments of Roses parade in 21, Presidents inauguration, Suoer bowl, All kind of rap artist videos, It’s not about N.F. WHO? Bring your band to Crank fest, The best of the best S.W.A.C. Bands go at it! H.B.C.U. Buzz, Really??? Please schedule a Jackson st or Southern U. On yeah football schedule! Play at a neural site! Let the fans vote on who has the best halftime show period!

[@lazurusredd8682]

@@keithyounger9397 son, both Jackson and Southern was on the same stage as the Legion on 3 occasions and everytime it was the Legion on top. Talk is cheap

[@koolkharisma5298]

@@lazurusredd8682 and this is so factual. Whenever the Legion was in the same venue as J-State & Southern, Norfolk outshined them all.

[@koolkharisma5298]

@@keithyounger9397 Sir HBCU buzz is a neutral site. And if you really think Cranfest is the mecca for better arrangements and next level musicianship you don't know much about music. You know a lot about noise!