FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION-COME ONE-COME ALL-COME-ONE COME-ALL, GRANDMAS, AND GRANDPAS, AND CHILDREN ARE WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED TO COME AS WELL
GOSPEL GREAT FRED HAMMOND WILL BE AT NEW LIGHT CHURCH THE EAST LOCATION ON SUNDAY SEPT. 6TH, AT 7:30PM , AT 7317 EAST HOUSTON ROAD FOR OUR GOD-INSPIRED GLORIOUS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT, AN EXCEPTIONAL CONCERT FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMMITTMENTS, FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION, COME AND DISCOVER THE NEW HOUSTON AND "GET BLESSED AND NOT STRESSED" STARTING LOCALLY AND CONTINUING LOBALLY IN JESUS' MIGHTY NAME
YOU CAN CALL 281-87-LIGHT FOR MORE INFO AND LET THEM KNOW YOU FOUND IT ON PINMANWORLD'S BLOG OR THE PINMANWORLD WEBSITE OR SEND ME A QUICK NOTE OR GIVE US A CALL AT THE OFFICE AT:281-876-1544 press #1 For MARK "PINMAN"
Press 3 to submit a FUTURE Event to be possibly covered by
YOUTH CORP. INTERNATIONAL,
PINMANWORLD AND THEIR STUDENTS, Starting locally, COVERED and documented CONTINUOUSLY GLOBALLY
WISHING YOU GOD'S BEST AND TRAVELLING GRACES FOR THOSE WHO ARE COMING TO THE CONCERT FORM OUT-OF-TOWN GLOBALLY
OK ALL TOGETHER LET THE CHURCH SAY
"A----------------MEN".
Thursday, September 3, 2009
FRED HAMMOND IN HOUSTON AT NEW LIGHT CHURCH SUNDAY SEPT. 3, 7:30PM EAST LOCATION
FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION-COME ONE-COME ALL-COME-ONE COME-ALL, GRANDMAS, AND GRANDPAS, AND CHILDREN ARE WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED TO COME AS WELL
GOSPEL GREAT FRED HAMMOND WILL BE AT NEW LIGHT CHURCH THE EAST LOCATION ON SUNDAY SEPT. 6TH, AT 7:30PM , AT 7317 EAST HOUSTON ROAD FOR OUR GOD-INSPIRED GLORIOUS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT, AN EXCEPTIONAL CONCERT FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMMITTMENTS, FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION, COME AND DISCOVER THE NEW HOUSTON AND "GET BLESSED AND NOT STRESSED" STARTING LOCALLY AND CONTINUING LOBALLY IN JESUS' MIGHTY NAME
YOU CAN CALL 281-87-LIGHT FOR MORE INFO AND LET THEM KNOW YOU FOUND IT ON PINMANWORLD'S BLOG OR THE PINMANWORLD WEBSITE OR SEND ME A QUICK NOTE OR GIVE US A CALL AT THE OFFICE AT:281-876-1544 press #1 For MARK "PINMAN"
Press 3 to submit a FUTURE Event to be possibly covered by
YOUTH CORP. INTERNATIONAL,
PINMANWORLD AND THEIR STUDENTS, Starting locally, COVERED and documented CONTINUOUSLY GLOBALLY
WISHING YOU GOD'S BEST AND TRAVELLING GRACES FOR THOSE WHO ARE COMING TO THE CONCERT FORM OUT-OF-TOWN GLOBALLY
OK ALL TOGETHER LET THE CHURCH SAY
"A----------------MEN".
GOSPEL GREAT FRED HAMMOND WILL BE AT NEW LIGHT CHURCH THE EAST LOCATION ON SUNDAY SEPT. 6TH, AT 7:30PM , AT 7317 EAST HOUSTON ROAD FOR OUR GOD-INSPIRED GLORIOUS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT, AN EXCEPTIONAL CONCERT FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMMITTMENTS, FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION, COME AND DISCOVER THE NEW HOUSTON AND "GET BLESSED AND NOT STRESSED" STARTING LOCALLY AND CONTINUING LOBALLY IN JESUS' MIGHTY NAME
YOU CAN CALL 281-87-LIGHT FOR MORE INFO AND LET THEM KNOW YOU FOUND IT ON PINMANWORLD'S BLOG OR THE PINMANWORLD WEBSITE OR SEND ME A QUICK NOTE OR GIVE US A CALL AT THE OFFICE AT:281-876-1544 press #1 For MARK "PINMAN"
Press 3 to submit a FUTURE Event to be possibly covered by
YOUTH CORP. INTERNATIONAL,
PINMANWORLD AND THEIR STUDENTS, Starting locally, COVERED and documented CONTINUOUSLY GLOBALLY
WISHING YOU GOD'S BEST AND TRAVELLING GRACES FOR THOSE WHO ARE COMING TO THE CONCERT FORM OUT-OF-TOWN GLOBALLY
OK ALL TOGETHER LET THE CHURCH SAY
"A----------------MEN".
FRED HAMMOND IN HOUSTON AT NEW LIGHT CHURCH SUNDAY SEPT. 3, 7:30PM EAST LOCATION
FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION-COME ONE-COME ALL-COME-ONE COME-ALL, GRANDMAS, AND GRANDPAS, AND CHILDREN ARE WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED TO COME AS WELL
GOSPEL GREAT FRED HAMMOND WILL BE AT NEW LIGHT CHURCH THE EAST LOCATION ON SUNDAY SEPT. 6TH, AT 7:30PM , AT 7317 EAST HOUSTON ROAD FOR OUR GOD-INSPIRED GLORIOUS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT, AN EXCEPTIONAL CONCERT FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMMITTMENTS, FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION, COME AND DISCOVER THE NEW HOUSTON AND "GET BLESSED AND NOT STRESSED" STARTING LOCALLY AND CONTINUING LOBALLY IN JESUS' MIGHTY NAME
YOU CAN CALL 281-87-LIGHT FOR MORE INFO AND LET THEM KNOW YOU FOUND IT ON PINMANWORLD'S BLOG OR THE PINMANWORLD WEBSITE OR SEND ME A QUICK NOTE OR GIVE US A CALL AT THE OFFICE AT:281-876-1544 press #1 For MARK "PINMAN"
Press 3 to submit a FUTURE Event to be possibly covered by
YOUTH CORP. INTERNATIONAL,
PINMANWORLD AND THEIR STUDENTS, Starting locally, COVERED and documented CONTINUOUSLY GLOBALLY
WISHING YOU GOD'S BEST AND TRAVELLING GRACES FOR THOSE WHO ARE COMING TO THE CONCERT FORM OUT-OF-TOWN GLOBALLY
OK ALL TOGETHER LET THE CHURCH SAY
"A----------------MEN".
GOSPEL GREAT FRED HAMMOND WILL BE AT NEW LIGHT CHURCH THE EAST LOCATION ON SUNDAY SEPT. 6TH, AT 7:30PM , AT 7317 EAST HOUSTON ROAD FOR OUR GOD-INSPIRED GLORIOUS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT, AN EXCEPTIONAL CONCERT FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMMITTMENTS, FREE ADMISSION=FREE ADMISSION, COME AND DISCOVER THE NEW HOUSTON AND "GET BLESSED AND NOT STRESSED" STARTING LOCALLY AND CONTINUING LOBALLY IN JESUS' MIGHTY NAME
YOU CAN CALL 281-87-LIGHT FOR MORE INFO AND LET THEM KNOW YOU FOUND IT ON PINMANWORLD'S BLOG OR THE PINMANWORLD WEBSITE OR SEND ME A QUICK NOTE OR GIVE US A CALL AT THE OFFICE AT:281-876-1544 press #1 For MARK "PINMAN"
Press 3 to submit a FUTURE Event to be possibly covered by
YOUTH CORP. INTERNATIONAL,
PINMANWORLD AND THEIR STUDENTS, Starting locally, COVERED and documented CONTINUOUSLY GLOBALLY
WISHING YOU GOD'S BEST AND TRAVELLING GRACES FOR THOSE WHO ARE COMING TO THE CONCERT FORM OUT-OF-TOWN GLOBALLY
OK ALL TOGETHER LET THE CHURCH SAY
"A----------------MEN".
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
EDWIN HAMPTON, MY COACH, MY MENTOR AND MY FRIEND
Edwin Hampton, band director at St. Aug's, dies at 81
by Lolis Eric Elie, The Times-Picayune
Tuesday July 21, 2009, 10:16 PM
Legendary band director Edwin Hampton, a beloved community pillar, mentor to thousands of musicians and founder of the iconic St. Augustine High School Marching 100, died Monday night at home in his sleep.
Daniel Erath/The Times-Picayune archive
Edwin Hampton 'didn't just teach music. He taught manhood,' former St. Augustine drummer Bernard Johnson said He was 81.
A gallery of photos of Edwin Hampton.
Mr. Hampton will forever be remembered for the look and sound of his Purple Knights, the purple-and-gold-clad band members who march each year in Carnival parades. But his contributions to his school and community extended far beyond parades and football halftime shows.
"He didn't just teach music. He taught manhood, " said Bernard Johnson, a professional musician and former St. Augustine drummer. "We practiced, I thought, harder than the football team.
"We would start Aug. 1, in the heat of New Orleans summer, and we would start at 7 in the morning and go on to the evening."
"He was preparing us for the future beyond St. Aug, " recalled Gregory Davis, one of the founding trumpet players with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. "That discipline, I know, I have carried with me throughout my lifetime."
YouTube videos of the St. Aug's Marching 100.
While his former students remember his impact on their lives, most New Orleanians remember Mr. Hampton's influence on their most cherished holiday: Carnival.
"He founded and led the quintessential New Orleans Mardi Gras marching band. They are just emblematic of all of Mardi Gras, " said Arthur Hardy, publisher of "Arthur Hardy's Mardi Gras Guide."
"They were the most imitated band in all of Mardi Gras."
Searching for a style
St. Augustine was founded in 1951 as a Catholic high school for African-American males. Mr. Hampton took over the band in the school's second year.
He had a lofty vision of what a marching band could be. He honed that vision by studying college bands across the country.
At football games, most bands would march into a formation, then stand still while playing the music.
"He wasn't happy with that, " recalled Carl Blouin, a former student who served as assistant director from 1959 to 1992.
Blouin's first year as a teacher at St. Augustine was also the year the band revealed the fruit of its director's studies.
"Mr. Hampton had gone to workshops in the summer. He wanted to instill in us a different style of marching, " Blouin said.
The result was "patterns in motion, " an approach in which band members created complicated formations while marching a precise eight steps every 5 yards. Soon, Mr. Hampton's halftime shows rivaled the games themselves for entertainment value.
"I don't want to get in a fight with the football coach, but I do know a large number of people who go to our games come to hear the music and see the band, " Mr. Hampton said in a 1981 interview.
Such was the band's renown that, in 1967, St. Augustine's band desegregated Carnival, becoming the first black band to march down St. Charles Avenue in the Rex parade.
Though a great honor, marching in previously all-white Carnival celebrations was not without a price.
"Parades used to march through the French Quarter, " Blouin recalled. "That wasn't too pleasant because the people on the balconies would throw things on us and some of the things they threw, you don't drink those things. You know what I mean?"
Band earns accolades
Under Mr. Hampton's direction, the St. Augustine band achieved national renown, performing for Pope John Paul II, eight U.S. presidents, several Super Bowl audiences, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.
The band was able to march through insults, vile projectiles and roses in part because of the St. Augustine mystique, an unwritten code of conduct and point of pride the band director helped instill in his young musicians.
"The first thing he did was appeal to our integrity, " said Terence Blanchard, the Grammy-winning trumpet player who played in the St. Augustine band in the late 1970s. "He constantly talked about having pride in what you did, having integrity in everything you did."
"Hamp taught us discipline, respect and leadership, " said D'Juan Hernandez, a local businessman who played trombone in the band in the 1980s.
"Those were critical value traits you had to have for him. All he asked of you was to be honest with him and to work hard."
If St. Augustine can be said to have a certain mystique, Mr. Hampton can be said to have exemplified it.
"He was like a legend, " said Michael White, a jazz clarinetist who played in St. Augustine's band from 1968 to 1972.
Someone to look up to
For his students, Mr. Hampton embodied the same kind of authoritative cool they saw in the silver screen detective John Shaft.
"At the time when the Black Power Movement came up and people were looking at 'Shaft' and folks like that, Hamp was like a living legend, " White recalled. "He used to wear the leather jackets and drive gold cars."
This combination of street credibility and no-nonsense teaching defined Mr. Hampton's style.
"This majestic man walked in front of the band with this white beard, and I was just in awe, " said celebrated trumpeter Leroy Jones, who played in the band in the 1970s.
"Mr. Hamp was a disciplinarian, yet he was a gentle man, " Jones recalled. "He would quickly call you a clobber head if you did something you had no business doing."
While always aware of prevailing trends, Mr. Hampton managed to maintain his high musical standards in a changing musical world.
"At a time when bands were starting to play pop music to please the crowd, he played pop music too, but he also emphasized the difficult marches, " White said.
The band's signature tune was the Roland Seitz composition "March Grandioso." Other classic marches in the Marching 100 repertoire included "Barnum and Bailey's Favorite" and "Confidence, " White recalled.
"For a kid to play in a marching band and never play a John Phillips Sousa march is blasphemy, " Mr. Hampton said in a 2004 interview.
In addition to his work at St. Augustine, Mr. Hampton also played piano and saxophone, most notably in the Royal Dukes of Rhythm.
'St. Augustine was his life'
Mr. Hampton was born in Jacksonville, Texas, in 1928. He came to New Orleans to attend Xavier University.
His only child, Tamara Hingle, remembered him as "a very humble man, a very loving and caring man."
Though he was a doting father, "St. Augustine was his life, " Hingle said.
"I talked to him when I took over the band, " said Virgil Tiller, who in 2006 became only the second band director in St. Augustine's history.
"He told me if I was serious about teaching kids music, there were some things I'd have to give up, " Tiller recalled. "It would take over my life."
Mr. Hampton's love for the school continued even after he retired, his daughter said.
"Living with him in the last five years was real rough, " Hingle said. "He was sick. He fought with Alzheimer's disease.
"He was still dedicated to St. Augustine. He was still just wanting to be of assistance to the band, to the school, up until the very day he died."
Mr. Hampton is survived by his daughter and her four children, Yakitha Hingle, Mikell Hingle, Malcolm Hingle and Anthony Hingle.
Funeral arrangements, which are being handled by Rhodes Funeral Home, are not complete.
. . . . . . .
Lolis Eric Elie can be reached at lelie@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3330.
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Reddit Digg del.icio.us Google Facebook Buzz up!COMMENTS (26)Post a comment
Posted by ignatiusyes on 07/21/09 at 11:07PM
Thanks for the great obit.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by topeka1 on 07/21/09 at 11:54PM
As an alum of St. Augustine H.S. he was an inspiration to me and I wasn't in the band, later i would talk to Mr. Hamp about a wide range of things at the school's quarterback club meetings in the mid 90's and i found that he was well versed on various subjects which garnered him even more respect and appreciation for him in my eyes....
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by MyIrishEyes on 07/22/09 at 12:27AM
May he rest with the Angels and give the Cherubim a St. Aug beat. Condolences to his family.
-Irish
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by playawho on 07/22/09 at 12:46AM
If only I could hear you call me CHAMP one more time.
R.I.P. Mr. HAMPTON.
"78"
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by bigpurple on 07/22/09 at 1:22AM
I too had the extreme pleasure of playing in the band and then working as a chaperone while my son played in the band. I would love to able to drive him to one more football game or be his chauffeur in a one more parade and to be called champ one more time. I won't be there for the funeral but will be shedding tears for him in Central Africa with much Love......I'll Miss Him!
"79 & 02"
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by pknight086 on 07/22/09 at 1:30AM
R.I.P Mr. Hampton you might be gone but you will never be forgotten. As long as the school stands I will return and bring my sons and tell them of the great history that is St. Augustine High School.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by FarwoodDrive on 07/22/09 at 1:51AM
Rest in Peace Mr. Hamp. He was a legend with us in life - and will continue to be forever.
'96
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by Winwardd on 07/22/09 at 3:01AM
I never went to St. Aug, but he gave me private lessons as a elementary student at Gaudet school in East New Orleans. I went on to become the only black student to perform in every single LMEA district 5 honor band from 5 grade to 12 th grade from a Orleans Parish school. I graduated from college using a four year band scholarship. I would be nothing without him. Mr. Hampton will live forever.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by LiveOak on 07/22/09 at 7:20AM
Thank you for the wonderful tribute to this man. Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing him, I am of course familiar with the fruits of his labor. Being a teacher myself, I admire those who dedicate their lives to working with young people. Condolences to all of Mr. Hamptons family and the countless men he has mentored throughout the years.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by Tulaneguy on 07/22/09 at 7:25AM
Now I understand why the St Augustine Band was so remarkable. The leader was so remarkable. Play for the angels now Mr. Hampton. You've earned it.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by OneforOne on 07/22/09 at 7:33AM
He must have had one heck of a life. May he rest in peace, and may people try to follow in his footsteps.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by 504Slimm on 07/22/09 at 8:03AM
Rest In Peace Mr. Hampton...
'98
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by tripper1350 on 07/22/09 at 8:06AM
What a great Man and an even greater loss.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by fathertony on 07/22/09 at 8:17AM
I was blessed to be a part of the Marching 100 from 1978 to 1982.
Mr. Hamp was a great inspiration to me and much of what I do. I credit him and the Marching 100 for helping to develop the gifts I now use to proclaim the Good News of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I fully believe that my ease in front of audiences and congregations came because I learned to march, play and dance in front of as many as 70,000 folks in the Superdome.
Mr. Hamp was friends, father and grandfather to many. Let us all thank God for him!
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by purplesolja on 07/22/09 at 8:28AM
R.I.P Hamp! I was never in the band but I can still feel those big set of keys you had to hit us in the head to keep us in line! Thanks for keeping us in line.
c/o 94
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by Powerfulpete on 07/22/09 at 8:39AM
We must all depart this earth one day. I am sure he rests with friends, aunts, and angel's chants of love that abound in heaven.
I am sure he leaves a void that will be impossible to completely fill.
To his family: Remember the good and celebrate a life, not the passing of this St. Aug icon.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by 504to501 on 07/22/09 at 9:14AM
Words cant express how much you've done for the city and all the males as st. aug whether they marched in the band or not.
You will truly be missed.
-Trumpet Section 02'-
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by lilhopo on 07/22/09 at 9:19AM
rip mr hampton, you created on of the best bands in new orleans
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by musicmansr47 on 07/22/09 at 9:42AM
Even though I was not a student of St. Aug, Mr. Hamp inspired me in my years at Andrew J. Bell Jr. High and John McDonogh. He always had an encouraging word for students, especially musicians. I can recall one year at John Mc, a couple of band members went over to watch St. Aug practice for a field show and one of the band members from st. aug missed a step in doing his routine and was talking while in formation, Mr. Hamp took that paddle and the rest was history.
My prayers to Mr. Hamp's family and the St. Aug family. Truly, he will be missed.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by dimdingledon on 07/22/09 at 9:54AM
One of the great contributors to the musical culture of the city and the state. His contributions are greatly appreciated and his musical influence will be greatly missed.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by Powerfulpete on 07/22/09 at 10:12AM
In my earlier post I forgot to say thank you to St. Augustine High School and Mr. Hampton. You see, I was in the Brother Martin band, and I marveled at the sight and sounds that eminated from that fine group be it in parades or across the bleachers from them at City Park Stadium. Those were some great old days!
Thanks for the great memories!
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by 4everpurple on 07/22/09 at 10:14AM
i never played music as a kid but when i entered St. Aug. Hamp taught me how to play the trumpet. i would up playing in the band my first year. Hamp was really one of a kind, A GIANT OF A MAN.
R.I.P. HAMP.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by nolaATL on 07/22/09 at 10:56AM
As a former 80s member of the McD35 Roneagle marching band, Hamp will always be remembered as a great leader and competitor. RIP.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by NOLAVBP on 07/22/09 at 12:48PM
AS A FORMER WIFE OF JM CHERI , I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IT'S BEEN PLESURE JUST KNOWING THIS MAN. IF CHERI WAS HERE , HE WOULD SAY THAT MAN WAS LIKE A FATHER TO ME . CHERI C/O 1980 R.I.P. MR. HAMP.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by pinmanknight on 07/22/09 at 2:08PM
YOUTH CORP. INTERNATIONAL Blog
Next 10 Results
EDWIN HAMPTON , MY MENTOR, COACH, & MY HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER& MY FRIEND
MR. EDWIN HAMPTON, WAS LIKE A PRECISE DRILL INSTRUCTOR, LIKE A DOCTOR OF MUSIC,
WE WERE TOGETHER WHEN WE BOTH WERE HONORED AT THE ROSE BOWL PARADE , A FEW YEARS AGO IN SOUTHERN SUNNY CALIFORNIA,
HE WAS A MAN WHO HAS A HEART AS BIG AS HIS MARCHING 100 WHICH HE FOUNDED, THE BEST BAND IN THE LAND,
HE WAS QUITE CARING
, LOVED TO SHARE, AND HAD A JOYOUS LOUD LAUGH,
When he saw something wrong, he would let you know about it, I remember a few times during practice, I was in the CHORUS AT ST.AUG SCHOOL, AND WE VISITED HIS CLASS,
AND HE THREW HIS BATON IN THE CLASS AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE IN FRONT OF THE CLASS TO GET A STUDENT'S ATTENTION WHO WASN'T IN TUNE WITH WHAT WAS GOING ON IN CLASS
, YOU MIGHT CALL IT CHIT CHAT,
ALTHOUGH HE DID SPEND MUCH OF HIS TIME WITH HIS STUDENTS,
AND MANY TIMES AFTER BAND PRACTICE YOU CAN SEE HIM WITH A STUDENT HELPING THEM WITH THEIR TROMBONE, GETTING THEIR MUSIC NOTES, OR DRUM ROLL, OR TUBA, CLARINET , SAXOPHONE, FLUTE IT DIDN'T MATTER, AND IT ALSO DIDN'T MATTER HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE FOR THE STUDENT TO GET IT RIGHT,
I WILL REALLY MISS HIM, SO SHOULD ANYONE STILL HAVE THE FOOTAGE OF THE ST. AUG MARCHING 100 BAND WITH COACH EDDIE, EDWIN HAMPTON MARCHING IN THE STREETs OF PASADENA WITH THE BAND PLEASE FORWARD IT TO ME SO I CAN POST IT ON OUR PINMANWORLD TRIBUTE STARTING LOCALLY AND CONTINUING GLOBALLY,,
, THE BAND HAS ALSO BEEN IN QUITE A FEW MOVIES AS WELL, AND WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING NEW ORLEANS BACK ON ITS FEET AFTER, KATRINA, AND HAS PLAYED AT MANY, MANY NFL SAINTS AND COLLEGE GAMES
"YES I'M SUPER PROUD TO BE A PURPLE KNIGHT
,
THIS YR NEXT MONTH WOULD HAVE BEEN OUR 30TH YR CLASS REUNION THE MARCHING 100 HAS ALSO BEEN IN SEVERAL MOVIES AS WELL
,
EDWIN HAMPTON INSPIRED TERRANCE BLANCHARD TO MUSIC EXCELLENCE, WHO WRITES A LOT OF MUSIC FOR SPIKE LEE,
EDWIN HAMPTON KEPT THE FIRE BURNING WITH MENTORING WYNTON MARSAILIS,
AND VICTOR GOINGS AND SO MANY OTHERS TOO COUNTLESS TO MENTION.
HE IS INDEED A MUSIC LEGEND, AND I WILL MISS HIS CONCENTRATED STARE, AND PERFECTIONIST INSTRUCTION TO GET IT RIGHT NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TOOK,
BROTHER EDWIN IT SEEMS GOD HAS ANOTHER ASSIGNMENT FOR YOU IN THE HEAVENS, NOW YOU CAN DIRECT ALL OF THE BANDS OF MUSIC FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE
AND GOD'S GLORY, I GIVE A SOUNDING TRUMPET, DRUM ROLL AND A LOUD TEAR DROP FOR YOU PASSING OUR WAY
WISHING YOU AND THE FAMILY EXTENDED AND LOCAL THE VERY BEST I WILL CONTINUOUSLY CARRY YOUR MENTORING, NOT HURRYING SPIRIT BEING THERE FOR THE YOUTH WHERE EVER I GO, THANKS AGAIN FOR BEING ONE OF MY FIRST "POSITIVE PROFILES IN AMERICA"
ITS QUITE INTERESTING YOU AND WALTER CRONKITE DECIDED TO MEET UP IN HEAVEN THIS MONTH, OK GOD WHAT ARE YOU PLANNINNG NEXT , RECORDING A NEW ORLEANS MARCHING 100 BAND SYMPHONY WITH THATS THE WAY IT WAS ON JULY21ST, 2009 TO BE RECORDED AND DOCUMENTED FOR POSTERITY'S SAKE
MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN ALL OF YOUR ENDEAVORS .
MARK
PINMAN OUT
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by Lolis Eric Elie, The Times-Picayune
Tuesday July 21, 2009, 10:16 PM
Legendary band director Edwin Hampton, a beloved community pillar, mentor to thousands of musicians and founder of the iconic St. Augustine High School Marching 100, died Monday night at home in his sleep.
Daniel Erath/The Times-Picayune archive
Edwin Hampton 'didn't just teach music. He taught manhood,' former St. Augustine drummer Bernard Johnson said He was 81.
A gallery of photos of Edwin Hampton.
Mr. Hampton will forever be remembered for the look and sound of his Purple Knights, the purple-and-gold-clad band members who march each year in Carnival parades. But his contributions to his school and community extended far beyond parades and football halftime shows.
"He didn't just teach music. He taught manhood, " said Bernard Johnson, a professional musician and former St. Augustine drummer. "We practiced, I thought, harder than the football team.
"We would start Aug. 1, in the heat of New Orleans summer, and we would start at 7 in the morning and go on to the evening."
"He was preparing us for the future beyond St. Aug, " recalled Gregory Davis, one of the founding trumpet players with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. "That discipline, I know, I have carried with me throughout my lifetime."
YouTube videos of the St. Aug's Marching 100.
While his former students remember his impact on their lives, most New Orleanians remember Mr. Hampton's influence on their most cherished holiday: Carnival.
"He founded and led the quintessential New Orleans Mardi Gras marching band. They are just emblematic of all of Mardi Gras, " said Arthur Hardy, publisher of "Arthur Hardy's Mardi Gras Guide."
"They were the most imitated band in all of Mardi Gras."
Searching for a style
St. Augustine was founded in 1951 as a Catholic high school for African-American males. Mr. Hampton took over the band in the school's second year.
He had a lofty vision of what a marching band could be. He honed that vision by studying college bands across the country.
At football games, most bands would march into a formation, then stand still while playing the music.
"He wasn't happy with that, " recalled Carl Blouin, a former student who served as assistant director from 1959 to 1992.
Blouin's first year as a teacher at St. Augustine was also the year the band revealed the fruit of its director's studies.
"Mr. Hampton had gone to workshops in the summer. He wanted to instill in us a different style of marching, " Blouin said.
The result was "patterns in motion, " an approach in which band members created complicated formations while marching a precise eight steps every 5 yards. Soon, Mr. Hampton's halftime shows rivaled the games themselves for entertainment value.
"I don't want to get in a fight with the football coach, but I do know a large number of people who go to our games come to hear the music and see the band, " Mr. Hampton said in a 1981 interview.
Such was the band's renown that, in 1967, St. Augustine's band desegregated Carnival, becoming the first black band to march down St. Charles Avenue in the Rex parade.
Though a great honor, marching in previously all-white Carnival celebrations was not without a price.
"Parades used to march through the French Quarter, " Blouin recalled. "That wasn't too pleasant because the people on the balconies would throw things on us and some of the things they threw, you don't drink those things. You know what I mean?"
Band earns accolades
Under Mr. Hampton's direction, the St. Augustine band achieved national renown, performing for Pope John Paul II, eight U.S. presidents, several Super Bowl audiences, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.
The band was able to march through insults, vile projectiles and roses in part because of the St. Augustine mystique, an unwritten code of conduct and point of pride the band director helped instill in his young musicians.
"The first thing he did was appeal to our integrity, " said Terence Blanchard, the Grammy-winning trumpet player who played in the St. Augustine band in the late 1970s. "He constantly talked about having pride in what you did, having integrity in everything you did."
"Hamp taught us discipline, respect and leadership, " said D'Juan Hernandez, a local businessman who played trombone in the band in the 1980s.
"Those were critical value traits you had to have for him. All he asked of you was to be honest with him and to work hard."
If St. Augustine can be said to have a certain mystique, Mr. Hampton can be said to have exemplified it.
"He was like a legend, " said Michael White, a jazz clarinetist who played in St. Augustine's band from 1968 to 1972.
Someone to look up to
For his students, Mr. Hampton embodied the same kind of authoritative cool they saw in the silver screen detective John Shaft.
"At the time when the Black Power Movement came up and people were looking at 'Shaft' and folks like that, Hamp was like a living legend, " White recalled. "He used to wear the leather jackets and drive gold cars."
This combination of street credibility and no-nonsense teaching defined Mr. Hampton's style.
"This majestic man walked in front of the band with this white beard, and I was just in awe, " said celebrated trumpeter Leroy Jones, who played in the band in the 1970s.
"Mr. Hamp was a disciplinarian, yet he was a gentle man, " Jones recalled. "He would quickly call you a clobber head if you did something you had no business doing."
While always aware of prevailing trends, Mr. Hampton managed to maintain his high musical standards in a changing musical world.
"At a time when bands were starting to play pop music to please the crowd, he played pop music too, but he also emphasized the difficult marches, " White said.
The band's signature tune was the Roland Seitz composition "March Grandioso." Other classic marches in the Marching 100 repertoire included "Barnum and Bailey's Favorite" and "Confidence, " White recalled.
"For a kid to play in a marching band and never play a John Phillips Sousa march is blasphemy, " Mr. Hampton said in a 2004 interview.
In addition to his work at St. Augustine, Mr. Hampton also played piano and saxophone, most notably in the Royal Dukes of Rhythm.
'St. Augustine was his life'
Mr. Hampton was born in Jacksonville, Texas, in 1928. He came to New Orleans to attend Xavier University.
His only child, Tamara Hingle, remembered him as "a very humble man, a very loving and caring man."
Though he was a doting father, "St. Augustine was his life, " Hingle said.
"I talked to him when I took over the band, " said Virgil Tiller, who in 2006 became only the second band director in St. Augustine's history.
"He told me if I was serious about teaching kids music, there were some things I'd have to give up, " Tiller recalled. "It would take over my life."
Mr. Hampton's love for the school continued even after he retired, his daughter said.
"Living with him in the last five years was real rough, " Hingle said. "He was sick. He fought with Alzheimer's disease.
"He was still dedicated to St. Augustine. He was still just wanting to be of assistance to the band, to the school, up until the very day he died."
Mr. Hampton is survived by his daughter and her four children, Yakitha Hingle, Mikell Hingle, Malcolm Hingle and Anthony Hingle.
Funeral arrangements, which are being handled by Rhodes Funeral Home, are not complete.
. . . . . . .
Lolis Eric Elie can be reached at lelie@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3330.
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Reddit Digg del.icio.us Google Facebook Buzz up!COMMENTS (26)Post a comment
Posted by ignatiusyes on 07/21/09 at 11:07PM
Thanks for the great obit.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by topeka1 on 07/21/09 at 11:54PM
As an alum of St. Augustine H.S. he was an inspiration to me and I wasn't in the band, later i would talk to Mr. Hamp about a wide range of things at the school's quarterback club meetings in the mid 90's and i found that he was well versed on various subjects which garnered him even more respect and appreciation for him in my eyes....
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by MyIrishEyes on 07/22/09 at 12:27AM
May he rest with the Angels and give the Cherubim a St. Aug beat. Condolences to his family.
-Irish
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by playawho on 07/22/09 at 12:46AM
If only I could hear you call me CHAMP one more time.
R.I.P. Mr. HAMPTON.
"78"
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by bigpurple on 07/22/09 at 1:22AM
I too had the extreme pleasure of playing in the band and then working as a chaperone while my son played in the band. I would love to able to drive him to one more football game or be his chauffeur in a one more parade and to be called champ one more time. I won't be there for the funeral but will be shedding tears for him in Central Africa with much Love......I'll Miss Him!
"79 & 02"
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by pknight086 on 07/22/09 at 1:30AM
R.I.P Mr. Hampton you might be gone but you will never be forgotten. As long as the school stands I will return and bring my sons and tell them of the great history that is St. Augustine High School.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by FarwoodDrive on 07/22/09 at 1:51AM
Rest in Peace Mr. Hamp. He was a legend with us in life - and will continue to be forever.
'96
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by Winwardd on 07/22/09 at 3:01AM
I never went to St. Aug, but he gave me private lessons as a elementary student at Gaudet school in East New Orleans. I went on to become the only black student to perform in every single LMEA district 5 honor band from 5 grade to 12 th grade from a Orleans Parish school. I graduated from college using a four year band scholarship. I would be nothing without him. Mr. Hampton will live forever.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by LiveOak on 07/22/09 at 7:20AM
Thank you for the wonderful tribute to this man. Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing him, I am of course familiar with the fruits of his labor. Being a teacher myself, I admire those who dedicate their lives to working with young people. Condolences to all of Mr. Hamptons family and the countless men he has mentored throughout the years.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by Tulaneguy on 07/22/09 at 7:25AM
Now I understand why the St Augustine Band was so remarkable. The leader was so remarkable. Play for the angels now Mr. Hampton. You've earned it.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by OneforOne on 07/22/09 at 7:33AM
He must have had one heck of a life. May he rest in peace, and may people try to follow in his footsteps.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by 504Slimm on 07/22/09 at 8:03AM
Rest In Peace Mr. Hampton...
'98
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by tripper1350 on 07/22/09 at 8:06AM
What a great Man and an even greater loss.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by fathertony on 07/22/09 at 8:17AM
I was blessed to be a part of the Marching 100 from 1978 to 1982.
Mr. Hamp was a great inspiration to me and much of what I do. I credit him and the Marching 100 for helping to develop the gifts I now use to proclaim the Good News of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I fully believe that my ease in front of audiences and congregations came because I learned to march, play and dance in front of as many as 70,000 folks in the Superdome.
Mr. Hamp was friends, father and grandfather to many. Let us all thank God for him!
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by purplesolja on 07/22/09 at 8:28AM
R.I.P Hamp! I was never in the band but I can still feel those big set of keys you had to hit us in the head to keep us in line! Thanks for keeping us in line.
c/o 94
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by Powerfulpete on 07/22/09 at 8:39AM
We must all depart this earth one day. I am sure he rests with friends, aunts, and angel's chants of love that abound in heaven.
I am sure he leaves a void that will be impossible to completely fill.
To his family: Remember the good and celebrate a life, not the passing of this St. Aug icon.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by 504to501 on 07/22/09 at 9:14AM
Words cant express how much you've done for the city and all the males as st. aug whether they marched in the band or not.
You will truly be missed.
-Trumpet Section 02'-
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by lilhopo on 07/22/09 at 9:19AM
rip mr hampton, you created on of the best bands in new orleans
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by musicmansr47 on 07/22/09 at 9:42AM
Even though I was not a student of St. Aug, Mr. Hamp inspired me in my years at Andrew J. Bell Jr. High and John McDonogh. He always had an encouraging word for students, especially musicians. I can recall one year at John Mc, a couple of band members went over to watch St. Aug practice for a field show and one of the band members from st. aug missed a step in doing his routine and was talking while in formation, Mr. Hamp took that paddle and the rest was history.
My prayers to Mr. Hamp's family and the St. Aug family. Truly, he will be missed.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by dimdingledon on 07/22/09 at 9:54AM
One of the great contributors to the musical culture of the city and the state. His contributions are greatly appreciated and his musical influence will be greatly missed.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by Powerfulpete on 07/22/09 at 10:12AM
In my earlier post I forgot to say thank you to St. Augustine High School and Mr. Hampton. You see, I was in the Brother Martin band, and I marveled at the sight and sounds that eminated from that fine group be it in parades or across the bleachers from them at City Park Stadium. Those were some great old days!
Thanks for the great memories!
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by 4everpurple on 07/22/09 at 10:14AM
i never played music as a kid but when i entered St. Aug. Hamp taught me how to play the trumpet. i would up playing in the band my first year. Hamp was really one of a kind, A GIANT OF A MAN.
R.I.P. HAMP.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by nolaATL on 07/22/09 at 10:56AM
As a former 80s member of the McD35 Roneagle marching band, Hamp will always be remembered as a great leader and competitor. RIP.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by NOLAVBP on 07/22/09 at 12:48PM
AS A FORMER WIFE OF JM CHERI , I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IT'S BEEN PLESURE JUST KNOWING THIS MAN. IF CHERI WAS HERE , HE WOULD SAY THAT MAN WAS LIKE A FATHER TO ME . CHERI C/O 1980 R.I.P. MR. HAMP.
Inappropriate? Alert us. Post a commentPosted by pinmanknight on 07/22/09 at 2:08PM
YOUTH CORP. INTERNATIONAL Blog
Next 10 Results
EDWIN HAMPTON , MY MENTOR, COACH, & MY HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER& MY FRIEND
MR. EDWIN HAMPTON, WAS LIKE A PRECISE DRILL INSTRUCTOR, LIKE A DOCTOR OF MUSIC,
WE WERE TOGETHER WHEN WE BOTH WERE HONORED AT THE ROSE BOWL PARADE , A FEW YEARS AGO IN SOUTHERN SUNNY CALIFORNIA,
HE WAS A MAN WHO HAS A HEART AS BIG AS HIS MARCHING 100 WHICH HE FOUNDED, THE BEST BAND IN THE LAND,
HE WAS QUITE CARING
, LOVED TO SHARE, AND HAD A JOYOUS LOUD LAUGH,
When he saw something wrong, he would let you know about it, I remember a few times during practice, I was in the CHORUS AT ST.AUG SCHOOL, AND WE VISITED HIS CLASS,
AND HE THREW HIS BATON IN THE CLASS AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE IN FRONT OF THE CLASS TO GET A STUDENT'S ATTENTION WHO WASN'T IN TUNE WITH WHAT WAS GOING ON IN CLASS
, YOU MIGHT CALL IT CHIT CHAT,
ALTHOUGH HE DID SPEND MUCH OF HIS TIME WITH HIS STUDENTS,
AND MANY TIMES AFTER BAND PRACTICE YOU CAN SEE HIM WITH A STUDENT HELPING THEM WITH THEIR TROMBONE, GETTING THEIR MUSIC NOTES, OR DRUM ROLL, OR TUBA, CLARINET , SAXOPHONE, FLUTE IT DIDN'T MATTER, AND IT ALSO DIDN'T MATTER HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE FOR THE STUDENT TO GET IT RIGHT,
I WILL REALLY MISS HIM, SO SHOULD ANYONE STILL HAVE THE FOOTAGE OF THE ST. AUG MARCHING 100 BAND WITH COACH EDDIE, EDWIN HAMPTON MARCHING IN THE STREETs OF PASADENA WITH THE BAND PLEASE FORWARD IT TO ME SO I CAN POST IT ON OUR PINMANWORLD TRIBUTE STARTING LOCALLY AND CONTINUING GLOBALLY,,
, THE BAND HAS ALSO BEEN IN QUITE A FEW MOVIES AS WELL, AND WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING NEW ORLEANS BACK ON ITS FEET AFTER, KATRINA, AND HAS PLAYED AT MANY, MANY NFL SAINTS AND COLLEGE GAMES
"YES I'M SUPER PROUD TO BE A PURPLE KNIGHT
,
THIS YR NEXT MONTH WOULD HAVE BEEN OUR 30TH YR CLASS REUNION THE MARCHING 100 HAS ALSO BEEN IN SEVERAL MOVIES AS WELL
,
EDWIN HAMPTON INSPIRED TERRANCE BLANCHARD TO MUSIC EXCELLENCE, WHO WRITES A LOT OF MUSIC FOR SPIKE LEE,
EDWIN HAMPTON KEPT THE FIRE BURNING WITH MENTORING WYNTON MARSAILIS,
AND VICTOR GOINGS AND SO MANY OTHERS TOO COUNTLESS TO MENTION.
HE IS INDEED A MUSIC LEGEND, AND I WILL MISS HIS CONCENTRATED STARE, AND PERFECTIONIST INSTRUCTION TO GET IT RIGHT NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TOOK,
BROTHER EDWIN IT SEEMS GOD HAS ANOTHER ASSIGNMENT FOR YOU IN THE HEAVENS, NOW YOU CAN DIRECT ALL OF THE BANDS OF MUSIC FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE
AND GOD'S GLORY, I GIVE A SOUNDING TRUMPET, DRUM ROLL AND A LOUD TEAR DROP FOR YOU PASSING OUR WAY
WISHING YOU AND THE FAMILY EXTENDED AND LOCAL THE VERY BEST I WILL CONTINUOUSLY CARRY YOUR MENTORING, NOT HURRYING SPIRIT BEING THERE FOR THE YOUTH WHERE EVER I GO, THANKS AGAIN FOR BEING ONE OF MY FIRST "POSITIVE PROFILES IN AMERICA"
ITS QUITE INTERESTING YOU AND WALTER CRONKITE DECIDED TO MEET UP IN HEAVEN THIS MONTH, OK GOD WHAT ARE YOU PLANNINNG NEXT , RECORDING A NEW ORLEANS MARCHING 100 BAND SYMPHONY WITH THATS THE WAY IT WAS ON JULY21ST, 2009 TO BE RECORDED AND DOCUMENTED FOR POSTERITY'S SAKE
MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN ALL OF YOUR ENDEAVORS .
MARK
PINMAN OUT
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