Grambling State News

Inaugural Conrad Hutchinson, Jr. Month Kicks of October 1 with Press Conference and Musical Celebrations.  

GRAMBLING, LA — September 30, 2019 – Today, President Rick Gallot of Grambling State University announced that the University will declare October “Conrad Hutchinson, Jr. Month” for its campus and community. This month’s inaugural event series, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Dr. Hutchinson’s birthday, will kick-off Tuesday, October 1 at 9:30 a.m. and feature an art unveiling and series of music, educational, and celebration events. 

“’Prof’ Hutchinson helped build the best HBCU Band of all time and greatly influenced my own education,” said University President Rick Gallot. “He will forever be celebrated as a history-making innovator, educator, and musician who shaped a critical part of African-American culture and the American marching band legacy.”  

About the late Dr. Conrad Hutchinson, Jr. (1919 – 1996)  

Director of Bands, Grambling State University   

Well known as “Prof,” Grambling State University icon, Dr. Conrad Hutchinson, Jr. was a legendary contributor to the University, historically black colleges and universities, and American music.

As a 39-year director of the Grambling State University World-Famed Tiger Marching Band, Dr. Hutchinson elevated the profile of the music education and artistry of both marching bands and HBCUs worldwide. His numerous accomplishments include leading the first NFL Superbowl half-time performance in 1967, arranging and director four presidential inaugurations in the United States and abroad, and spearheading the Band’s first TV commercial appearance with Coca-Cola in 1981.   

EVENT INFORMATION 

This year’s celebration month’s events will include:  

Press Conference, Kick-off and Art Installation Unveiling 
Tuesday, October 1, at 9:30 a.m.  
Grambling State University  
Band Room, Performance Arts Center 
Intersection of Ballock Street and Cole Street, Grambling, LA (Get Directions) 

Fundraiser Launch: “I Am Conrad” 
Tuesday, October 1, at 10 a.m.  
Online at https://bit.ly/iamconrad19 and https://www.facebook.com/GramFamBand/ 
Proceeds will support the Grambling State University World-Famed Tiger Marching Band as a part of the #BringitHome2019 campaign. 

Half-Time Football Game Tributes  

Saturday, October 12, at 2 p.m. 
GSU vs Alabama A&M 

Saturday, November 2, at 2 p.m. 
GSU vs Texas Southern (Homecoming)  

Wreath Ceremony, Dr. Conrad Hutchinson 100th Birthday  
October 25, 2019, at 10 a.m. 
Grambling Memorial Gardens 
US-80, Grambling, LA 71245 (Get Directions)  

Dr. Conrad Hutchinson Day – 100th Birthday Celebration 
Pep Rally and Outdoor Performance 
October 25, 2019, at 12 p.m.  
Grambling State University 
Favrot Student Union 
400 Founder Ave, Grambling, LA (Get Directions)  

Dr. Conrad Hutchinson – 100th Birthday Gospel Performance 
October 27, 2019. At 10:30 a.m. 
New Rocky Valley Baptist Church 
2155 W Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Grambling, LA 71245  

Jazz Celebration, Dr. Conrad Hutchinson 100th Birthday Homecoming Celebration 
November 1, 2019, at 7 p.m.  
Conrad Hutchinson, Jr., Performing Arts Center 
Sponsored by 100 Horses  

Homecoming Parade, Dr. Conrad Hutchinson, Jr., 100th Birthday Tribute 
November 2, 2019, at 9 a.m. 
Grambling State University  
403 Main Street, Grambling, LA 71245  

Media, campus, and community are invited to join this year’s celebration in-person, online by following The Grambling State University World-Famed Tiger Marching Band on Facebook, and by giving to the #IAmConrad Fundraising campaign at https://bit.ly/iamconrad19.   

For more Grambling State University events, visit gram.edu/calendar.  

For media information and interviews, email mediarelations@gram.edu or call (318) 274-2866.  

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