Chanel C. Bryant was born in Jamaica Queens, NY, and raised in Suffolk, VA. Her marching band experience began as a member of the John F. Kennedy "Marching Wolverine" Band, under the direction of Mr. Donovan Wells from 1987-1990. As part of the "Marching Wolverine" Band, Chanel was a “Showgirl” and served as captain for one year.

 

On the high school level, she had the privilege of being one of the “original” Marching Warriors of Nansemond River High School, under the direction of Mr. Michael Carson. Chanel was a member of the majorette squad for two years, serving as a captain during her senior year.

 

Upon graduating from high school, Chanel attended Norfolk State University (Norfolk, VA) and became a member of the "Marching Spartan Legion" as a “Silkette” Flag Twirler for four years, serving as a captain for three years. During her matriculation at Norfolk State University, Chanel became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  After graduation, Chanel served as the Flag Coordinator for the “Silkettes” for four years while teaching for Suffolk Public Schools and attending graduate school at Old Dominion University.

 

Over the years she has served as a local and national adjudicator in high step competitions and has worked with numerous squads in the area. Chanel is the originator of "The Essence of Twirling and Dance" Auxiliary Workshops held at Lakeland High School in Suffolk, VA, and also served as a workshop instructor.

 

From 2009-2014, she developed and grew the “Bring the Noise” Percussion and Dance Line Competition hosted at Lakeland High School. During her six-year tenure as a part of Lakeland’s band staff, Chanel served as the majorette coordinator of the award-winning "Dazzling Sapphire" Majorettes, leading them to two consecutive “undefeated” competition seasons, 2012-13 and 2013-14.

 

At her church home, St. Paul Baptist Church, under the leadership of Bishop C. V. Russell III in Suffolk, VA, Chanel presides over the Adult Praise Dance Ministry and Flag Ministry.  In 1997, Chanel graduated with honors from Norfolk State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education and in 2001 she earned a Master of Science in Education Administration from Old Dominion University.

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Chanel believes that it is a blessing to be able utilize the gifts that God has bestowed upon her by serving young people and band programs across the area.