Changes with NCCU marching band strike sour note with students, alums
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Students and alums of North Carolina Central University are reacting to a big shakeup for the "Marching Sound Machine".
Jorim Reid, who has led the band for more than a decade, is not getting his contract renewed. An online petition says the news "came without warning."
Reid helped transform the band, which gave the school national exposure.
Donald Parker III, who graduated with the NCCU class of 2011, is a product of the Marching Sound Machine, which was created and cultivated by Reid.
"Allegiance, order -- I mean he brought a list of different things that a lot of people in the band are looking to stand on," said Parker.
That made it all the more shocking when Parker learned last week that NCCU wasn't renewing Reid and his supporting staff's contracts.
"It's absolutely unfair, especially to the students that march in the band," said Parker.
Reid is credited with bringing discipline, and taking the Marching Sound Machine to the Rose Bowl Parade back in 2011. However, the following year, the entire drum line got suspended for hazing violations.
Still, hundreds of students have signed a change.org petition urging the university to reconsider.
"If everyone speaks their voice, and let it be heard, something could possibly happen," said NCCU junior Derrick Vaughn.
Like blended and balanced music, Parker said he wishes for the university and Reid to harmonize and work together again.
"At the end of the day man, we're all a team," said Parker. "This is team NCCU, Team North Carolina Central University Marching Sound Machine. We're a team, and right now we're not really looking like it."
School officials released with written statement which, in part, says "North Carolina Central University's Marching Sound Machine band is under new leadership as of Friday, May 30, 2014. NCCU remains focused on our No. 1 priority: student success. NCCU looks forward to enhancing and improving the Marching Sound Machine's overall student experience, signature sound and quality showmanship this fall and in years to come."
Currently, the music department chair is supervising band operations until the university can name an interim director.
