Alumni Band

Verge Modeling Troupe(Homecoming)

There were many Homecoming festivities throughout the week. One function was the fashion show between two of A&T's modeling Troupe. One is named Couture Productions and the other is named Verge Modeling Troupe. Here are a couple of photos of how Verge Modeling Troupe got prepared for their show.







Arista Ratchford is the president of Verge Modeling Troupe. She was asked a few questions about the Homecoming Fashion Show.



MF: What is your role for Verge Modeling troupe and what are some of the things that you do for the organization?

AR: I am the President of the organization. I have to do a lot of behind the scences work. For fashion shows so that my models will not have to buy clothes, I have to go to several stores to see if they will sponsor clothes for the troupe. I have to look for props and other things that make up a performance besides the models.

MF: How important is the Homecoming Show?

AR: The homecoming fashion show is a very important show. It is important to us and to our fellow peers. We work very hard to put on a great show for the students and also Alunmi from the organization so they can see how well we are doing.

MF: What types of things were done in preparation for this event?

AR: At the beginning of the school year we were practicing about twice a week. Towards the day of the show we were practicing everyday. Although we practiced long hours we give the models time to do homework. We also had to send the models to stores to get fitted for outfits.


MF:The day of the show what are your expectations out of the members and the show finally being put on stage?

I expect each and every member to "Go Off". That means to give it all you got. That is one of our saying's in our modeling troupe. So when we say go off, we mean to walk that runway like it your last time ever.

MF: The day of the Homecoming show, how hectic is it to get ready?

AR: It is a very hectic day, trying to make sure everyone has what they need, and also making sure we have everything for their performace. I also have to make sure I am ok. There are over 40 models that I have to look after so it is a lot of work.

MF: What can people expect out of a Verge performance, and why show people come to you all shows?

People can expect a great performace from every last one of out members. We put on a show from the beginning to the end. We have creative themes, and creative routines. Our technique is very sharp, and we make sure our runways and performaces keep you interested. People should come to out performaces because we put on a great show everytime, and will a there to please the crowd. Our performaces are fast,fun, and amazing.

Homecoming

Cherrief Murray was in the band in Fall 2000-2002 as a member of Golden Delight Auxiliary Squad. She served as the Captain during 2002 season. She is also a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc. She came back during homecoming to fellowship with her fellow Alumni.

MF: What did you enjoy about being in the band?

CM: Everything! I loved dancing/performing, the insane people who made up my band family, traveling, and hearing live music everyday!

MF: What are some of the types of things that you did while in the band?

CM: As a member of the Golden Delight Squad, we were given alot of control over what we did everyday. We don't have a choreographer so the advisor pulled from the girls' creativity and molded our ideas to make the shows! Also as a captain of the section, we were often delegated to run practice in her absence, giving us a chance to exert leadership by making sure squad tasks were completed, enforcing discipline, and molding the squad in our own way. Off the field, the girls participated in bonding activities like going to the movies, parties, and potluck dinners.

MF: Now that you are an Alumnus, what makes you excited about coming back?

CM: I'm excited every year to come back and see my band family. I literal family is really small, so my band members became the cousins, brothers, and sisters (staff were like aunts and uncles) that I never had. I honestly don't come back for the parties or the game (besides halftime). I come back to see my friends who are now scattered across the world. Just seeing their faces brings back memories of good times that I wish didn't have to end!


MF:What is your favorite part of homecoming?

CM: The tunnel of course! The final part of the band's performance is to form a tunnel to the band room and perform to drum cadences as each section goes through. Years of past Golden Delight members fall back in line and march next to their sisters one more time and relive the Golden Days! If I could still be marching, I would, but its the next best thing!


MF:What is something that the band does to fellowship with other Alumni during homecoming?

CM: It's an unwritten tradition that alumni band members show up to practice on Friday of homecoming. Some show up to see the show since they won't be in the stadium the next day; others show up just to see their friends and meet current members of their respective sections of the band. The members of the band fraternity and sorority, Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma respectively, have a cookout on their plot after the game every year for everyone and usually has a breakfast Sunday just for the chapter. Also, the Alumni Band organization has a hospitality suite at the Sheraton every year.


MF:What did you most enjoy this year at homecoming with the band?

CM: The Halftime Show! This was one of the best Homecoming shows I've seen from the Blue & Gold Marching Machine! Golden Delight performed an awesome double feature including a dance where the flipped over chairs and a flag routine where they performed somersaults with a flag tucked under their legs!!! To top it off, they let the Alumni Band participate in the show and let everyone see that they still got it! People who marched in the 60's-70's were on the field next to people who graduate last year and it was exciting to see how much fun they were STILL having on the field!

Here are a Few Photos of Cherrief Murray during homecoming and other Alumni Members.