PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Marching Musical Machine Of The Mid-South (M4) has been busy at work as they gear up for another homecoming at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
While they're known for their high-energy performances, soulful musical arrangements, and overall swagger, M4 to put it plainly, is the soul of homecoming.
"We start preparing for homecoming in the summer. We get up at 5:00 a.m. in the morning. It's dark when we're out here," said John Graham Jr., the UAPB Band Director.
Not only are the students in M4 musicians, but the physical demands of preparing and performing are very rigorous. So much so that Graham refers to them as student musician athletes.
“We've marched in Mardi Gras parades. Some of them last 6 and 7 hours, so if you’re carrying that type of load plus blowing, it's equal to running track as fast as you can for 10 to 15 minutes, and blowing air out at the same time," he described.
That is why Graham explained that overall health and conditioning are a key part of their success.
It’s a true commitment for these students. Sometimes, it’s a commitment that causes lengthy practices and time away from family and friends.
However, it's a commitment that students say is well worth it once it's showtime.
Jerrica Higgins is a student at UAPB and a member of 24 Karat Golden Silks, or the flag line of the band. She explained how they are the ones who are on the field the entire time as the band performs.
"We do the drill, we do everything that the band does, we march in, and we're in the stands," she explained.
Higgins also said that when it's time to perform— for her— it's personal.
"Being that I am from Pine Bluff, I looked forward to homecoming. When I was a child, and now that I'm here at the University, homecoming is now me. I'm a part of homecoming. I'm in the parade that morning, I'm in the game that night, and throughout the whole week it's homecoming," she added.
The flag auxiliary and the dance auxiliary called the "golden girls" makes M4 one of the largest collegiate marching bands in Arkansas.
In total, there are roughly 270 students who bring the UAPB homecoming halftime show to life.
Graham said that what the students truly need in return is support.
“The fine arts have been historically underfunded in our country, in public schools, in higher education particularly,” he said. "They have to have money to be able to continue to get books, access codes, and the rigors to just take care of themselves."
Graham explained that this support is necessary so they can continue to gift the Pine Bluff community with their talent, artistry, and musicianship.