Welcome to Ocean of Soul!

I am Mr. Brian Simmons, and I have the honor and privilege of directing the “9th Wonder of the World” — the Ocean of Soul Marching Band of Texas Southern University! I would like to personally welcome you to our website, and I hope to someday greet you in person at one of our performances or outreach events. If you are a student musician, I hope to welcome you as a new member of the “Ocean!” We are always excited to connect with prospective students, fans, alumni, friends, and family members who share a common bond with this historic ensemble.

Here on our website, you will find an abundance of information concerning all facets of the band program at Texas Southern University. The Ocean of Soul Marching Band is the largest spirit organization on campus. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding performances, regardless of the venue, while encouraging that same level of excellence from our students in the classroom.

Our band members carry the discipline, self-respect, work ethic, leadership, and commitment developed through the Ocean of Soul into their academic endeavors, professional careers, and communities. Success in our program requires strength of character, dedication, and the drive to excel both on and off the field.

Through the hard work and dedication of our students and staff, the Ocean of Soul has built a legacy of performing on some of the nation’s most prominent stages. The band has performed at games and events for every major professional sports organization in Houston, as well as Super Bowl XXXVIII, the 2013 NBA All-Star Game Pre-Game Concert, and the 2018 NCAA Final Four. Notable appearances also include the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Parade, the 2017 Houston Astros World Series Championship Parade, the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Krewe of Endymion Mardi Gras Parade.

In recent years, the Ocean of Soul has continued to build upon that legacy through exciting performances and national recognition. In 2024, the Ocean of Soul performed alongside Beyoncé during the “Beyoncé Bowl” Christmas Day halftime performance, showcasing the sound and spirit of Texas Southern University to audiences around the world. The band program was later honored with a gift from Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation in support of scholarships, recruitment and retention, infrastructure, and technology.

In 2026, the Ocean of Soul performed alongside Grammy Award-winning artist and Houston native Lizzo at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The band also represented Texas Southern University during Disney on the Yard: Yardfest at the Disneyland Resort, celebrating Juneteenth and HBCU culture through music and tradition. Continuing an exciting year of national exposure, the Ocean of Soul was also featured in the Summer 2026 issue of Vogue Magazine, further highlighting the excellence, culture, and legacy of Texas Southern University.

These accomplishments represent more than performances. They demonstrate what is possible when preparation, discipline, talent, and opportunity come together. Every stage gives our students another opportunity to represent Texas Southern University, honor those who came before them, and continue building a legacy for future generations of the Ocean of Soul.

I have enjoyed making music for as long as I can remember, and it is truly my pleasure to continue doing so with the outstanding young musicians who come through our program. It is a joy to be part of shaping the trajectory of their lives as they go on to become positive pillars in communities throughout Houston, across Texas, and around the world.

Please contact our office at any time with questions or requests. If you are a student musician looking for a home, remember: If you’ve got what it takes to do what we do, TSU has a spot for you!

Hooray for the Maroon and Gray!

Musically, 

Mr. Brian Simmons