A ‘Classic’ sibling rivalry
Tuskegee percussionist faces his sister on UAPB flag line at Battle of Bands
Of the St. Louis American
This time, it’s personal.
The battle will begin on the streets of St. Louis and end at halftime of the St. Louis Gateway Classic college football game at the Edward Jones Dome.
The flag lines, drum lines and bands of the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Tuskegee University will strut their stuff during the annual parade on Saturday morning Downtown and then settle the score in the Battle of the Bands between halves.
While the stakes are high for both talented groups of entertainers and musicians, for one St. Louis area family this is almost civil war.
Introducing Stacey Thompson, UAPB flag line member, and her brother, Sterling Thompson, a proud percussionist on the Tuskegee drum line.
If ever the spirit and enthusiasm that takes over much of the black community during Gateway Classic Weekend could be captured in two voices, it is those of the Thompson siblings.
“We’re most definitely looking forward to it,” Sterling Thompson, 23, said from campus earlier this week.
“As soon as we found out we’d be going head-to-head, that kicked the action up.”
Undeterred, Stacy Thompson, 21, said she and her fellow Golden Lions are ready for the challenge.
“Oh we’ve got something for them,” she said from the UAPB campus.
“I definitely plan to be at my best. You know it!”
Like collegiate athletes, the members of bands and flag and drum lines must balance a grueling practice and travel schedule with academics.
They also seek perfection when performing on the field, or on the streets of a city, during a band competition or parade.
“There’s no question. This really is a competition,” said Warren Duncan, Tuskegee band director.
“We practice 10 hours a week. We just got back from a band competition in Houston at Rice Stadium and we’ve also been to St. Petersburg, Fla., this year too.”
UAPB opened the year with a trip to Chicago for a game against Mississippi Valley State in the Chicago Football Classic, and then it was south to Daytona, Fla., where the Golden Lions took on Bethune Cookman.
This is bus travel, no jets involved.
Tuskegee’s Crimson Piper Band marches with more than 150 members, including piperettes, flag line and drum majors.
For nearly 100 years, the Marching Crimson Pipers have been known for their unique marching style, powerful musical arrangements, intricate dance steps and quality presentations.
The UAPB Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South, known as “M-4,” has become a staple of the Gateway Classic Weekend since its football team has played in the majority of Earl Wilson Jr.’s contests in St. Louis.
Also marching more than 150, UAPB has performed at not only college games, but also many professional football contests, including St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs home games. Each year, its Band Day attracts hundreds of high school students and instructors, and a UAPB band scholarship is one of the most sought-after among the nation’s HBCUs.
The same is true at Tuskegee, where Sterling Thompson had to compete with other skilled drummers for a scholarship.
“When I found out I won the scholarship, I knew I’d be attending a dream school,” he said.
“My sister and I have always been on the same team. This is the first time, even going back to when we were kids, that we’ve been against each other.”
Stacey Thompson said the added excitement of competing with her brother’s school “just makes the trip to St. Louis all the more special.”
The Thompsons are the son and daughter of Samuel and Mary Thompson, who now reside in the Metro East area.
They are the grandchildren of Dorinne Miller of Kirkwood, and both say they were active in band and other pursuits because of their family.
“It’s going to be special,” said Sterling Thompson.
“I can’t wait,” said Stacey.
While the bands are scheduled to visit some area high schools, the first chance to see the Thompsons and their respective bands will be at the Hardee’s Parade that begins at 9 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 24) at 12th and Market streets downtown.
Kickoff for the St. Louis Gateway Classic is at 4 p.m., with the much-anticipated Battle of the Bands at halftime.
For game tickets, call (314) 621-1994.
