Yesterday, I reviewed Here Comes the Band, a picture book by author Shadra Strickland. Today, Strickland is here to answer a few questions about writing for children and the big role that marching bands play at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
What do you enjoy about writing books for children?
I enjoy using poetry and rhythm to connect to young readers. I am a direct person, and the picture book format requires using efficient language that works well for me. In the past, when I have tried my hand at a longer-format story, I tend to bore myself and want a shorter, more concise way to get my point across. Outside of that, I really enjoy meeting kids and sharing my work with them. They’re a lot of fun to be around.
What do you find the most challenging?
I’m also a college professor, and I find it challenging to balance my creative work with academia. Fortunately, some of my book life does bleed into my teaching, so they tend to feed one another, but sometimes coordinating deadlines, campus life, and the business of books can be a little overwhelming.
What inspired you to write Here Comes the Band?
I danced on the auxiliary team in high school. Fast forward many…many…MANY years later, I was sitting at a restaurant with my agent, watching a halftime show. I said to her, “You know, I used to be one of those girls on the field dancing around. Hmmm, I don’t think I’ve seen a picture book about a halftime show.” We looked at each other, and I went home, researched band terminology and songs, and wrote it that week. It wasn’t until I was writing the author’s note that I connected the history of HBCU marching bands with the manuscript.
Have you played in a marching band? If so, what instrument?
I have not. I played instruments in elementary school – violin, flute, and piano- but I never learned how to read and write music, and I didn’t dedicate myself to mastering an instrument. I was much more interested in making art. By the time I got to high school, I stopped playing altogether but joined the dance team when my best friend asked me to try out with her. I do wish I wrote middle grade though. I’d have a ball making up stories about band cliques!
Why are marching bands such an important part of HBCUs?
The HBCU marching band is about showmanship, community, and institutional pride – which is also a cornerstone of the HBCU experience. Being in an HBCU marching band also requires a great deal of physical prowess and musicianship, and I think that it becomes an alternative for those who aren’t necessarily interested in playing sports but who are interested in being on a vital team. Many students who attend HBCUs also come from families that also attended an HBCU – there’s a sense of legacy that comes along with it as well.
Do the bands mostly march for football games or do they participate in other sports as well?
Bands perform all over! Just this summer, Morgan State University’s Marching Machine performed at the US Open. We’ve seen them in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, community parades, and Battle of the Bands Events. Jill Scott recently performed with Clark Atlanta’s Mighty Marching Panthers, and we can’t forget Beyoncé’s HBCU crafted band in her 2018 Coachella performance. It’s wonderful to see a band’s reach. Some have been featured alongside pop, hip-hop and r&b artists. So many HBCU marching bands are known across the country for their distinct sound. I highly recommend going to a homecoming game or a Battle of the Bands Event if you haven’t seen a performance before.
Is there anything else you’d like to add for readers at MotherDaughterBookClub.com?
I’m already excited to see how this book energizes young readers and gets them up and marching around their homes and classrooms! Musicianship and creative expression in every form are needed more than ever. It’s also a goal of mine to share powerful, positive, and joyful views of black culture. It’s my honor and privilege to share these experiences with young readers and their families!
