Beyoncé Donates Generous Gift To Texas Southern's Ocean of Soul Marching Band

The BeyGOOD Foundation, founded by global music icon and Houston native Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, has awarded a gift of $100,000 to Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band to support the band’s musical excellence and academic achievement.

“We are deeply appreciative of the BeyGOOD Foundation for this significant demonstration of its commitment to empowering our student musicians and elevating their form of artistic expression,” said Texas Southern University President J.W. Crawford III.

The grant follows the collaborative “Beyoncé Bowl” 2024 Christmas Day performance during halftime of the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens football game streamed on Netflix. Over 200 members of the Ocean of Soul took the field with Knowles-Carter during the now iconic performance that marked a powerful celebration for Houston pride and was a masterclass in excellence.

“The Ocean of Soul is known for its signature sound, precision, and choreography,” said Band Director Brian Simmons. “Mrs. Knowles-Carter’s vision for the ‘Beyoncé Bowl’ challenged us to rise even higher, and our students met the challenge with energy, soul, and discipline. To be handpicked for this performance is a testament to the legacy of Texas Southern.”

“The BeyGOOD Foundation’s impactful investment affirms the powerful role that HBCUs play in shaping the next generation of artistic, academic, and cultural leaders,” said Charlie Coleman III, Senior Associate Vice President of Development & Alumni Engagement. “This partnership does more than support the Ocean of Soul – it opens doors for our students to access the arts in life-changing ways, inspired by one of the most beloved artists of our time. It is a shining example of how philanthropy can uplift communities and ignite futures.”

Funds from the grant will support scholarships for marching band members, recruitment and retention, and enhancements to infrastructure and technology.

*Original story courtesy of Texas Southern News

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Beyoncé Performs With Texas Southern's Marching Band At Halftime Of NFL Game

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter made a grand return to her hometown, Houston, with a captivating halftime performance at the Baltimore Ravens versus Houston Texans game on Christmas Day.

Her performance was a unique blend of country music, Houston, and HBCU culture, making it memorable. She even featured the Houston low-riders that Hip Hop artists like Slim Thug have popularized in the city's Hip Hop community.

The legendary pop star also brought a touch of HBCU culture to the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. She enlisted the support of the Texas Southern Ocean of Soul Marching Band and auxiliary teams, creating a performance that celebrated diversity and inclusivity.

Under the direction of Dr. Brian Simmons, the marching Ocean of Soul took center stage with Beyoncé. The Drum Majors and the Motion of the Ocean dance team, all part of the 'Country Carter' show, added their unique flair to the performance, making it a visual and auditory treat for the audience.

A Christmas Like No Other! The Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul joins forces with Beyoncé for an unforgettable NFL Halftime Performance. TSU is shining brighter than ever! 🏈🎄🎶 #OceanOfSoul #TSU #ChristmasHalftime pic.twitter.com/LjdascCCwn
— Texas Southern University (@TexasSouthern) December 26, 2024

The Christmas Day game spectators were treated to a truly star-studded halftime show, inspired by Beyoncé's recent record-breaking album, Country Carter. The performance was a testament to Beyoncé's respect for HBCUs and the country music industry.

She brought the crowd to their feet by riding a white horse while entering NRG Stadium's tunnel to the field while singing 16 Carriages. After her dismount, fellow black female country performers Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Tanner Adell, and Reyna Roberts belted out harmonies for Blackbird.

HBCU Legends was honored to interview Roberts at Alabama State's Homecoming in October. She expressed her gratitude to Beyoncé for the opportunity to collaborate with the star and the other ladies.

The Ocean of Soul joined the Grammy-winning artist and her daughter, Blue Ivy, in the field bleachers for a Homecoming-style rendition of Ya Ya and Texas Hold 'Em.

The Texas Southern “Ocean of Soul” marching band was alongside Beyoncé while she performed tonight! pic.twitter.com/wLWRTmwfRx
— Beyoncé Press. (@beyoncepress) December 26, 2024

Hip Hop/R&B performer Post Malone and the hottest new country music star Shaboozey had duets on knocked out Levii's Jeans and Sweet Honey Buckin', respectively. Beyoncé received eleven Grammy nominations for the "Country Carter" project, including Album, Record, Song, Duo/Group, and Pop Solo Performances of the Year.

At one point of the show, the Houston native proudly let the world know that NRG Stadium was "MY HOUSE." She performed in the venue several times with Destiny's Child and as a solo artist.

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Houston Texans, 34-2, at the Christmas Day NFL game.

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