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鈥淢arch,鈥� one of the CW鈥檚 newest shows, chronicles college students at Prairie View A&M University whose passion for music shapes how they navigate their lives. Viewers are privy to an up-close look at what it takes to participate in one of the top marching bands at a historically Black university.

We have had glimpses into this culture before, with movies like 鈥淒rumline鈥� (2002) and 鈥淪tomp the Yard鈥� (2007) bringing fictional versions to mainstream audiences. And for her 2018 Coachella performance, Beyonc茅 鈥� the first Black woman to headline the festival 鈥撎齪aid homage to the uniqueness of HBCU culture by having a full marching band and majorette dancers onstage with her.

鈥淢arch鈥� (TV-PG), with its classic reality show format, paints a fuller picture of the complexities of being a part of such a competitive and high-energy activity. The series also offers a window on the college experience, including the demographics of today鈥檚 students and how they are coping and supporting each other after months of pandemic disruptions.

In addition to the band鈥檚 sweaty, late-night rehearsals 颅鈥� showcasing the drive and determination of the team鈥檚 300-plus members who go by the name The Marching Storm 鈥撎齱e also observe the group confronting the struggles of adolescence together. The director of bands at the Prairie View, Texas, school, Dr. Tim Zachery, is a cornerstone of wisdom the students go to in times of confusion, sadness, and concern. Drum majors Aaron and Jalen, along with Kaylan, captain of the Black Foxes dance team, are among the experienced leaders who guide the younger members.听

There is plenty of talk about becoming the No. 1 HBCU marching band in the nation. (A recent low ranking from ESPN鈥檚 website 鈥淭he Undefeated鈥� leaves听a sour taste in everyone鈥檚 mouth.) But we also see how these young Black and Latino听folks are coming into their own.

There鈥檚 Cardavian, a nonbinary euphonium player听and entrepreneur who specializes in culinary treats and also sells hair, lashes, and durags. (鈥淵ou should call me what I look like,鈥� she says in an on-camera interview, referring to pronouns.)听Not only is she charismatic, but she also brings a specific social issue to the forefront of the show.

Cardavian is convinced her friends are using her for home-cooked meals when it鈥檚 convenient, then听ignoring her when it鈥檚 not. She is certain that gender plays a significant role in this dynamic 鈥� we see Cardavian dressed as both male and female in various photos. And she reveals that there was a bit of drama in The Marching Storm that led to her being dismissed from the group. Cardavian confides in a friend about wanting to be back in the band 鈥撎齛nd ultimately her community. Hopefully, we will see how this pans out as the season progresses.听(Only the first episode was available for review.)

Then there is the story of听Tre, a bass drummer听who is working hard to balance fatherhood with an academic schedule. Despite the difficulty he has acclimating to this new lifestyle, he remains adamant about being a good father to his daughter, since he didn鈥檛 have a dad growing up. Breaking generational patterns听in听Black families is not easy, but Tre feels confident he can do so with the support of his peers.听His good friend Martayvia, who plays piccolo, has become a sister figure to him, despite some initial tension. Not only does she serve as a shoulder to cry on, but she also offers to help take care of his child whenever he needs her to.听It鈥檚 one of the most touching moments of the debut episode, the first of eight.

Nehemiah, a mellophone player and aspiring leader, offers another of the show鈥檚 strong personalities. His inherent intensity makes him both a creative force and a natural antagonist. Drum major Jalen offers him tips for motivating his peers. Will he adapt?

The fact that this cultural ritual of music and dance bonds these groups of people, who come from various backgrounds and upbringings, really drives home the importance of community.听Excellence on the field may be the team鈥檚 goal, but what makes members of The Marching Storm winners already is their innate ability to be there for one another.

鈥淢arch鈥� airs Mondays on the CW starting Jan. 24. The program moves to Sundays on Feb. 27. Check local listings for times.