Watch Thunder Soul

Thunder Soul is a 2010 documentary film that tells the story of the Kashmere High School Stage Band from Houston, Texas. The film is directed by Mark Landsman and features interviews with former members of the band, music critics, and the band director, Conrad O. Johnson Sr. The film begins by explaining that in the 1960s and 1970s, the Kashmere High School band was a force to be reckoned with. Under the direction of Johnson, the band consistently won national championships and even performed at the World’s Fair in 1968.

Despite their success, the band members were all African American and attended a school in a predominantly African American neighborhood. During a time of racial unrest and widespread discrimination, the Kashmere High School band was a source of pride and hope for their community.

The film then fast-forwards to the present day, where Johnson is now in his 90s and the Kashmere High School band is a distant memory. However, a group of former band members, including Craig Green and Craig Baldwin, decide that they want to bring the band back together for a reunion concert.

The majority of the film is dedicated to following the band members as they reconnect with each other and rehearse for the concert. The band members all express their love and respect for Johnson, who is shown conducting some of their rehearsals despite his advanced age.

Throughout the film, the band members reminisce about their experiences in the Kashmere High School band. They talk about how Johnson pushed them to be their best and how being a part of the band gave them a sense of belonging and purpose.

The film also highlights the cultural impact that the Kashmere High School band had on the music industry. Many famous musicians, including Questlove from The Roots and Bootsy Collins, credit the band with influencing their own music.

As the reunion concert approaches, the film builds up to an emotional and inspiring performance. The band members look nervous but excited as they take the stage, and the audience cheers them on.

Ultimately, Thunder Soul is a heartwarming tribute to the Kashmere High School band and the man who led them to greatness. The film shows the transformative power of music and the positive impact that a dedicated teacher can have on their students.

Overall, Thunder Soul is a must-see documentary for music fans, educators, and anyone who wants to be inspired by a story of perseverance and talent. It’s a film that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of pursuing your passions, no matter what obstacles you may face along the way.

Thunder Soul is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 81.