Gov. Ivey Proclaims Today the Mighty Marching Hornet Day

By Hazel Scott/ASU

It’s official.

Today, May 11, is now proclaimed the Alabama State University Mighty Marching Hornet Day.

Gov. Kay Ivey issued the proclamation in recognition of the Marching Hornets’ invaluable impact on the state and nation.

“Today is a Great Day to be a Hornet! I want to thank God for this great blessing and opportunity and thank Gov. Ivey for making this day the Mighty Marching Hornet Day. This is a day that every Marching Hornet in the past will be able to share and celebrate with us. It’s humbling to be recognized for the hard work over the years and for our great performances representing not only this University but the city and state,” said Dr. James Oliver, director of bands.

Oliver stressed the importance of the proclamation. “It’s important not only to ASU, but to each alumni, each student and each fan who have always supported us. This day will be around forever.”

He noted the special day couldn’t happen without his staff, especially his assistant band director, Dr. Earnest Harris, Sr.

Kenneth Mullinax, the spokesman for ASU, said the state recognition is deserved. “We have the best band in the nation, Anyone can attest to that who has seen them perform on or off the field. On behalf of the University,  we thank Gov. Ivey for acknowledging our students and for understanding what the Hornet Nation family has known for a long time, we are just incredible. We are so proud of our students.”

Oliver suggested alumni, fans and students celebrate the day each year by posting their favorite half-time show, a favorite picture of the band, or post comments or a video they made about the Marching Hornets on social media.

Under Oliver’s leadership, the renowned band has performed on the Ellen Degeneres and Steve Harvey Shows, the Georgia Dome, MTV Awards, Apollo Theater, Nikki special, Robin Thicke’s “Give it to You” video, A&E/Lifetime Network Reality Show “Bama State Styles,”  “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” Motion Picture, performed a halftime show at the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers game​ and at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. They have been asked to perform in the Macey’s Parade, but the University’s Turkey Day Parade falls on that day.  The Marching Hornets has received several awards and recognitions.

When the nationally known Mighty Marching Hornets perform, Oliver said audiences around the nation know something spectacular is about to happen on the field.

“We work so hard to put these shows together so even the little kids can enjoy them.  We work from Monday to Friday for that Saturday performance. That’s what makes us so special. All that hard work shows when we hit that field for halftime or wherever we perform. We know we are giving our all while having fun. That’s why our fans love us,” Oliver said.