Wilberforce University’s Hounds of Sound Marching Band Featured in GloRilla’s New “MARCH” Music Video

Wilberforce University’s Hounds of Sound marching band made its national entertainment debut with a featured appearance in the official music video for “MARCH,” the latest release from Grammy-nominated artist GloRilla. The video, which released today, is now live across global platforms, giving the University’s young marching band a prominent appearance in a major commercial production.

Formed in 2021, the Hounds of Sound hold the distinction of being the first official marching band in Wilberforce University’s 168-year history. Their inclusion in the project proves the growth of the program and its rising visibility within the wider HBCU band community.

“This moment permanently embeds Wilberforce University into music culture,” said Dr. Virgil Goodwine, Chair of Digital Humanities, Media, and Performing Arts and Director of Bands. “The Hounds of Sound delivered excellence, discipline, and pride not just for the University, but for the HBCU legacy. This is bigger than a feature, it is a cultural stamp.”

During the multi-day shoot, students participated in scene performance, choreography integration, production immersion, and on-set collaboration with GloRilla and her team. The experience provided artistic exposure as well as direct insight into professional music video production.

“Our students didn’t just show up, they showed out,” Dr. Goodwine added. “They met the moment, honored their craft, and connected with an artist who embraced them fully as rising musicians and cultural contributors.”

With “MARCH” already gaining significant online attention, Wilberforce anticipates increased interest in the band program, including recruitment inquiries, scholarship engagement, performance invitations, and broader recognition throughout 2025 and 2026.

We at Watch The Yard were able to secure an interview with Dr. Virgil Goodwine the Chair of Digital Humanities, Media, and Performing Arts/Director of Bands through Na’Asiaha Simon about the collaboration.

Read the full interview below:

What year was the Wilberforce Hounds of Sound marching band created?

In 2021, Wilberforce faculty members help reimagine the university’s music department. For the first time in the university’s 167-year history, the nation’s oldest private historically Black university established a marching band. Known as the Hounds of Sound, the band quickly became a cultural force. Marching bands at HBCUs are known for their energetic choreography and wide-ranging repertoires, often serving as the public face and ambassadors of the university,” Goodwine said.

How did the opportunity for the Wilberforce University Marching Band to appear in GloRilla’s new video come about?

The Director of Digital Media was contacted by a representative from Resolve Media based on their previous working relationship and past collaborations.

What does this moment mean for Wilberforce University and the legacy of HBCU marching band culture?

This moment puts our band on the national stage in a way that will be remembered for years. While many established artists feature bands in their videos, it’s an incredible honor for a younger program like ours to be highlighted. Appearing with an international artist like GloRilla allows people across the world to see and recognize what we’re building.

What was the reaction from the students when they learned they’d be part of a major music video?

The students thought I was joking at first and didn’t react at all. But once I showed them the actual roster for the video, it hit them—then they absolutely lost it.

Can you share any memorable behind-the-scenes moments from the shoot?

There were a few memorable moments.

We made a stop at Buc-ee’s, and since it was the students’ first time ever, they spent money like they were at Lennox Mall.

• A few of our drummers also got the chance to help GloRilla with parts of her performance for the video. It was small things, but they were able to talk with her—and they were surprised by how down-to-earth she was. They absolutely loved her personality.
• The dancers were lined up with her for several scenes and quickly realized she can dance right alongside the best of them.
• And at one point, I showed her the basics of band conducting. I also told her to make it her own because at the end of the day, it’s GloRilla. It’s her show!

What impact do you hope this visibility will have on current and future Wilberforce students and musicians?

Hopefully, this opens the door for stronger recruitment in the future. We’re a young but steadily growing program, and opportunities like this help spotlight the work we put in. I’d love for the world to see our dedication showcased at major events just like the programs that have been established for 30+ years.

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Watch The Yard congratulates Wilberforce University and the Hounds of Sound on this important moment for the program. Their appearance in “MARCH” reflects the talent, discipline, and creativity that continue to define HBCU band culture, and we look forward to seeing the Hounds of Sound take even greater steps in the years ahead.