The band portion of SOPA consists of methods classes and marching band; headed by the well-renowned, former Director of Bands at Southern University and A&M College, Dr. Isaac Greggs. The methods classes are classes where students focus on the fundamentals on playing their repsective instruments. The fundamentals that are emphasized consist of, but are not limited to, proper horn positioning, correct embroshure, sight reading, pitch, and breathing techniques. The Marching Band component consists of an amalgamation of various students from Baton Rouge area schools that participate in the band during the Fall season. The activation of this component of SOPA is contingent upon the number of students that participate. In recent past years, marching band turn-out has been great, and the LLI Marching Band has received numerous awards and accolades within a relatively short period of time since its inception.
Participation in competitions:
The band captured top prize in the 2005 Battle of the High School Marching Bands, national competition based in Los Angeles and sponsored by The Home Depot Center and VH1 and Save the Music Foundation. Louisiana Leadership Institute Marching Band beat out famed bands such Crenshaw High School of Los Angeles, Frank Ballou High School Marching Band of Washington, D.C and Redan High School of Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Received any awards:
The award-winning Louisiana Leadership Marching Band has been selected to march in the world famous Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1st, one of 21 bands chosen to participate in the 118th Rose Parade where for the first time in the Rose Bowl history the parade stopped for the La. Leadership Band to perform. This has been a trend setter or has opened the door for other bands nation-wide to perform. As a result, La. Leadership has a lifetime invitation of participation for the parade.
Facts about All-Star Band:
Under the direction of legendary Dr. Isaac Greggs, Louisiana Leadership Institute All-Star Marching Band is comprised of (100+ band members) from Opelousas, Lafayette, New Orleans, St. Martinsville, and Baton Rouge. The high stepping, horn-blowing, drum thumping band has been amazing audiences for the past five years and is quickly gaining fame across America, performing for audiences such as former President Bill Clinton, The Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the Louisiana Legislature. When the marching band performs outside of Louisiana, the high school students are often mistaken for older, seasoned performers, much like a college band.