Thursday, April 1, 2010
Contact:        Antonio Terry
(501) 779-4980
tsupushup@gmail.com
SPRING CHARITY GALA AT GAYLORD OPRYLAND SPRINGHOUSE
Proceeds to benefit Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands
Nashville, Tennessee, March 22, 2010
The Tennessee State Collective Alumni is sponsoring the First Annual Spring Charity Gala at Gaylord Opryland Springhouse on Saturday, April 24, 2010. This semiformal event will include a formal dinner, honor the Aristocrat of Bands head Professor Graves and detail the Collective Alumni fundraising initiative. Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM. Live soft music presented by the TSU Jazz Ensemble. Complimentary parking. Proceeds from the Spring Charity Gala will benefit the world renowned Aristocrat of Bands of Tennessee State University.
The First Annual Spring Charity Gala is the opening salvo in a sustained effort by the Tennessee State University Collective Alumni to support the alma mater through giving. This effort seeks to raise one million dollars to establish a scholarship endowment in the TSU Foundation to support the first band in the United States to march and play simultaneously, the first historically black college or university band to perform on television, a band that played for President John F. Kennedy and at both inaugurations of President Bill Clinton.
Due to the increasing closure of high school band programs across the United States, it has become increasingly difficult for the Aristocrat of Bands to garner the number of musicians necessary to maintain their sterling standard. The Aristocrat of Bands not only serves the university, it serves the Nashville community including playing for the Christmas parade annually, the Tennessee Titans and others.
If you are unable to attend this event and you are able, please send a small donation to the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands at 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard, Box 9531, Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1561. Further information can be found at www.SpringGalaNashville.com.
The Tennessee State Collective Alumni is committed to giving back to historically black universities and the African American community through targeted fundraising and donor campaigns. Our innovative and quality programs will set the standard and serve as templates for raising the necessary funds to continue and increase vital institutions within historically black universities that continue to serve their surrounding communities.
Additional Contact:        Darryl McClain
(615) 541-9243
darryl.grant.mcclain@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Making a Difference
Making a difference in the lives of others is one of the most fulfilling things we can do in our lives. Levi Watkins Jr. does it through life-saving medical procedures. Oprah Winfrey does it through her nationally-televised talk show and through the hundreds of charitable causes she supports internationally. Gospel music legend Dr. Bobby Jones does it through his messages of hope, faith and love. And like these noted Tennessee State University alumni, you can make a difference, too.
On Saturday, April 24, 2010, a group of dedicated alumni and friends will come together for an important cause to help positively impact and transform the lives of Tennessee State University students. The goal is simple: to ensure their academic and social experiences at TSU are of the highest quality of excellence.
While this is a modest step, it is a step; and I believe a step in the right direction. This year, we want to make a full commitment to support the talented students who are a part of our world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands. As you know, our band's history is steeped in a rich legacy of tradition and excellence. TSU's Aristocrat of Bands has received international acclaim for outstanding musical performance, quality musicianship, innovative arrangements and precision marching. The band has achieved many impressive firsts, including being the first historically black college or university (HBCU) band to appear on national television and the first to play in a Presidential Inaugural Parade. The Aristocrat of Bands has appeared in the Mirage Bowl in Tokyo, Japan, the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami, and the inaugural Silver Dollar Classic in Las Vegas.
Yes, the TSU Aristocrat of Bands has accomplished a lot over the last few years, and it has been done with very little. Currently, band members need new uniforms, scholarships, musical development opportunities and a travel budget. Unfortunately, the funding to support these important efforts has dwindled to nearly nothing.
There is nothing more exciting than seeing TSU's distinguished Aristocrat of Bands perform during half-time football games. It is an energy and excitement that ensues great pride. TSUs Aristocrat of Bands is a national treasure and to keep this legacy alive for today's and the next generation of TSU Tigers, I ask that you please join me in supporting our band.
A special dinner affair has been planned on April 24 at the Gaylord Opryland Springs Resort at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $60 and not only help support Tennessee State University and the band, but will give guests an opportunity to personally hear the outstanding music students who perform in the Aristocrat of Bands.
If TSU is to be all that it can be for future generations, lets come together as alumni and help make it happen. This one small step can make the difference in the lives of so many students. I look forward to seeing you on April 24!
In the Spirit of Big Blue,
Antonio Push Terry
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A letter from Calvin O. Atchison II
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Tickets Now Available
If you are in Nashville, you can purchase your tickets at the following locations:
Haddox Pharmacy
1508 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203-2905
(615) 329-3943
Harper's Restaurant
2610 Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN 37208-2827
(615) 329-1909
Thursday, March 4, 2010
First Annual Spring Charity Gala
We invite...
The Collective Alumni ushers in the new year and a new decade with the First Annual Spring Charity Gala benefitting the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands. Our gala is not only an opportunity to dine with that special someone, it is also the opportunity to support a historic institution within a historic institution, the world renowned ‘Aristocrats’ of TSU.
You will...
The First Annual Spring Charity Gala will be an aristocratic affair on the grounds of one of the most prestigious country clubs in Tennessee at Gaylord Opryland. Attendees will be treated to an exclusive dinner designed by Gaylord’s head chef for this occasion accompanied by the inviting sounds of the Tennessee State University Jazz Band.
It will...
The First Annual Spring Charity Gala is the opening salvo in a sustained effort by the Collective Alumni to support the alma mater through giving. This effort seeks to raise one million dollars to establish an endowment in the TSU Foundation to support the first band in the United States to march and play simultaneously, the first historically black college or university band to perform on television, a band that played for President John F. Kennedy and at both inaugurations of President Bill Clinton. A band, an institution of this stature deserves no less.
The Collective Alumni invites the city of Nashville, alumni and former Aristocrats to come celebrate while supporting the pioneer of collegiate marching bands, dining while giving back. Out of town guests will be welcomed with luxurious accommodations at a special rate and complimentary parking. Come make this a night to remember.