Courtesy of Virginia State University
Virginia State University has announced the VSU Trojan Explosion Marching Band and VSU Percussion Studio has formally entered into a partnership with renowned musical instrument manufacturer Pearl Corporation. The partnership means that VSU will perform using instruments manufactured by this industry leader exclusively.
“I am truly excited to help establish the musical partnership between Pearl Drums, Adams Musical Instruments and Virginia State University,” said Dr. Lamon Lawhorn, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Percussion Studies. “Being able to practice, rehearse and perform with industry-leading equipment will allow our students the best opportunity to develop their own musical identity. As a Pearl Artist, I am thankful for the years of support from Pearl/Adams and look forward to this new endeavor at VSU.”
Pearl Corporation is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Adams Musical Instruments and a worldwide leading manufacturer of acoustic and electronic drums, concert and marching percussion instruments, hand percussion, and flutes.
“The Virginia State University Department of Music is honored to enter this historic partnership with Pearl/Adams Percussion. Our motto here at Virginia State University is “Greater Happens Here,” said Dr. Samuel Rowley, Chairman of Music and Director of Bands. “Becoming a Pearl-endorsed institution is laying the foundation for continued greatness. It’s exciting to watch the evolution of our program and how our musicians will benefit from performing on Pearl/Adams’ world-class instruments.”
The Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band is comprised of talented instrumentalists, Essence of Troy Dancers, Satin Divas Flags, Troy Elegance Twirlers, and the Commanders of Troy Drum Majors. As the largest student organization on the campus of Virginia State University, the marching band serves as one of the most visible and sought-after ambassadors for the institution.
“Pearl Corporation is honored to be a chosen partner of the Virginia State University Marching Band. A program of this caliber demands the best quality in performance, durability, and dependability. Pearl’s Championship Series Marching drums are already the sound of the Trojan Explosion, and we are excited to include additional VSU ensembles with the same level of support and quality equipment,” said Shawn Lafrenz, Senior Marketing Manager, Pearl Corporation. “We look forward to being a part of the excellence, history, and the exciting future for quality music performance and education at VSU!”
The Trojan Explosion has performed at numerous Honda Battle of the Bands, BET’s College Hill, NBC’s Today’s Show, Gubernatorial Parades, and most notably, the first drumline to perform at the White House. This partnership and The Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band exemplify the VSU motto: Greater Happens Here.