Human Jukebox Hits Hollywood

Southern University Director of Bands Nathan Haymer attended the 57 Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8. held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Haymer’s first thought was “ unbelievable” when he received the invitation from Sonya Norwood, President of Knock Out Entertainment, SU Alumni and mother of R&B singers Brandi and Ray J.
Expressing his gratitude about Norwood, Haymer commented saying, “She made it to the top, but she reaches down and gives back to her Alma Mater.”
During the star filled Grammy weekend, Haymer had the opportunity to meet many celebrities including: Janelle Monae, Mary j Blige, Smokey Robinson, Pharrell Williams, Miguel, Wiz Khalifa, Taylor Swift, and Wale.
“[We received] numerous [compliments], the celebrities knew who we were. “
When asked about the experience, Haymer described it as “surreal”, while entering the Staples Center via the Red Carpet.
“It taught me that there is no such thing as dreaming too big,” said Haymer.
Haymer went on to explain how he was introduced to Hollywood film music score composer Benjamin Wallfisch, who has created many popular tunes, including Happy, performed by Pharrell Williams, and the scores for Captain America, and Spiderman.
A former band member who goes by the name of Cali introduced Haymer to Wallfisch.
“I thought it was going to be just a hello and goodbye, but he [Wallfisch] brought me in the studio showed me secrets, and mentioned collaborating with the Human Jukebox in the future. We may be going to Hollywood!” finished Haymer.
“Being from England, Wallfish isn’t familiar with marching bands, and he was amazed with the performance techniques.
He also mentioned how he enjoyed our performance of “Happy” during the first game.”
Haymer believes his meeting with Wallfish went well, and he had much respect for the time the composer made to speak with him.
The SU marching band currently has a marketing team of two former SU band members and graduates, Jabari Morgan and Eric Johnson of J Morgan and Associates.
“These two have a genuine love for SU, and this is what they do for a living,” said Haymer
“I am thankful for them because they are the ones pushing me to look in a different direction.”
Haymer also attributes a great deal of his success to the quality of the Human Jukebox.
When asked about the plans for the band this year and semester Haymer responded,
“Expanding on our brand doing what we always have done in the past, this year we managed to re-energize the SU Jag nation.” Haymer has a vision of utilizing the success and renown of the band to bring attention to other facets of the university, such as the law center and nursing and engineering departments. He also hopes the band can draw in new revenue to the university, along with scholarships for band members.
“There is no reason students should have to go bankrupt to be in the band.”
Haymer, remaining proud but humble mentioned,
“I don’t back down to any competition. I don’t see it as beneath us, but I see it as bettering our status. You have to have hunger and desire, but once you get there it takes a champ to stay in the number one spot.”
Haymer finished saying,
“If any body wants to be labeled the best band you have to beat the champs, which is us, and that’s not going to happen.”