Thursday, October 20, 2011

HU alum’s booking agency plans Homecoming concerts

Tenisha Percell' 03 stands with Rick Ross after the HU Homecoming Concert 2010

HU alum’s booking agency plans Homecoming concerts
Thousands of screaming students packed in the Hampton University Convocation Center, performers giving their all and leaving their hearts on stage after performing, concert-goers still buzzing about performances years after the show.  These are the elements that are always present at HU’s homecoming concerts, and are a result of the business of Hampton alumna, Tenisha Percell ‘03.
A former entertainment editor of The Hampton Script, Percell turned her passion into profit when she founded “The Skool Boye Agency,” which she describes as “the most successful college-booking agency in the world.” The Skool Boye Agency specializes in the entertainment and product needs of the college market, and particularly plays a major role in the HBCU community.
The company started as an idea that Percell pitched to the Student Activities Office at HU, but now represents more than 200 schools across the country. As a student, in the agency’s humble beginnings, Percell helped bring Charlie Baltimore to HU for the school’s rendition of “Making the Band” in 2003.  The Agency has also been nationally recognized for its achievements, and had an article published in September 2009 in Black Enterprise about its successes.
Selecting the right artists for a concert for students with diverse musical interests can be tricky. To help choose the best artists for campus culture, The Skool Boye Agency conducts research. They provide surveys and polls to students to figure out which artists the majority of the school wants to perform. The agency then books these artists, and handles everything from managing to promotion.
Percell attributes most of the agency’s success to the training she received at her Home by the Sea. HU’s Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Barbara Inman said, “The Skool Boye Agency has really taken the Hampton University Homecoming concert to the next level.”
Purcell has advice for current students looking to pursue a similar path. She earned her HU degree in Media Management.
 “Start doing what you want to do now,” she said.  “Find mentors and internships, and stay involved in a lot of activities.”
Students are anxiously awaiting the homecoming concert for this year and buzz about the performers has been a top topic on campus. What can students expect this year? This year’s homecoming concert features Travis Porter, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Porter and Miguel.
According to Percell, “Students can expect to have a lot of fun, and will see a lot of dancing and will hear a lot of yelling.”
For more information on The Skool Boye Agency, visit http://www.skoolboye.com.


-Morgan  Gusby

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