The Alcorn Brave Funky Four have led the Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite to a halftime battle for thirty-two years and within these thirty-two years the Funky Four have continued to amaze spectators across the nation. Like any great thing, there has to be a leader that brings the fire to ignite the group and the current leader of the Alcorn State University Funky Four Drum Majors is Monterro Bouldin.
“The first squad of four at Alcorn State was in 1985. They were known for their high stepping marches and smooth and energetic routines. Our style has remained traditional over the years with the exception of it evolving to fit the era of our generation. As the head Drum Major I strive to keep the Alcorn Funky Four tradition alive. I stress the importance of tradition to my squad,” said Bouldin.
When you hear the drum cadence expect the Funky Four to be leading Alcorn’s band into the stadium. Once you see the Funky Four, the amazing Golden Girls are not too far behind with their dazzling gold sequined uniforms. For some it may be just another hobby but for many this is a lifestyle.
Bouldin stated, “For years I have always known that I wanted to be apart of the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite but it was not until I made it to Alcorn that I knew that I wanted to be one of the Funky Four. With the Funky Four I’ve had ample opportunities to travel the world and entertain sold out stadiums. My most memorable moment was performing at the New Orleans Saints versus Oakland Raiders’ game in a sold out Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This halftime presentation will forever be a memory that I will tell anyone that inquires about my tenure as an Alcorn Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Drum Major.”
On and off the field, the Funky Four are scholars. With participation in various campus organizations and community service projects these young men have still managed to give stellar performances each and every time their feet hit the field. Most recently they led Alcorn into competition at the 2017 Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Golden Girls and Funky Four lead the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite in all of their performances from state to state, country to country and stadium to stadium, making memories that will remain with them for a lifetime and that will forever hold a place in their fan’s hearts.
“It is such an amazing feeling when you march into the stadium and the fans are cheering you on. You cannot possibly put those feelings into words. The energy that the crowd gives allows both the Band, Golden Girls and Drum Majors to give our all and to leave them satisfied. Our main goal is to give our audience a performance that they will not forget,” according to Bouldin.
With such a rigorous band schedule Bouldin still finds the time to participate in various organizations out of the band. He states,“Juggling academics, trying to maintain a social life and participating in the band may get a bit challenging but it is all in the mind as to what you can do. You have to prioritize your time wisely so that you can participate in various organizations. I have held positions in the past as Vice President of Tri Beta which is a National Biological Fraternity, I have been the Secretary of the Bio Club and currently I am the Alumni Secretary for the Iota Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity.”
So the next time you hear the Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite in your town, be sure to pay attention to those Funky Four Drum Majors giving the crowd a show that will someday inspire some young man or young lady to follow in their footsteps.