Mr. Thompson, known to many as "Prof. Earl” became a member of the Ocean of Soul in 1973. He served as Section Leader of the Drum Section from 1975-1976.
After graduation, Prof. Earl volunteered his time as an Graduate Assistant Band Director for the Ocean in 1979 and is credited with created the tradition of “The Funk Train”. Prof Earl also served as the Director over the Percussion Section from 1981-1992
Most significantly, Prof Earl is also credited with changing the leg tenor drum to the chest tenor drum in 1983. With this alteration, the new creation would allow the percussionist to project a more unique sound and allow for more flash during the percussion section intricate and flashy routines.
Prof Earl also served many years as an instructor and principal at several schools in the Houston Independent School District and served as a mentor to many band student s who pursued a degrees in the field of Education.
After graduation, Prof. Earl volunteered his time as an Graduate Assistant Band Director for the Ocean in 1979 and is credited with created the tradition of “The Funk Train”. Prof Earl also served as the Director over the Percussion Section from 1981-1992
Most significantly, Prof Earl is also credited with changing the leg tenor drum to the chest tenor drum in 1983. With this alteration, the new creation would allow the percussionist to project a more unique sound and allow for more flash during the percussion section intricate and flashy routines.
Prof Earl also served many years as an instructor and principal at several schools in the Houston Independent School District and served as a mentor to many band student s who pursued a degrees in the field of Education.