The 16th annual Honda Battle of the Bands will be held in Atlanta on January 27. Marching bands from eight historically Black colleges and universities will participate in the showcase.
Bands from 39 HBCUs participated in the selection process this year. The final eight bands selected to perform in Atlanta were chosen by fan voting, and input from band directors, HBCU presidents, and officials at American Honda. The eight bands selected will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Atlanta. In addition, each school will receive a $20,000 grant to support their music education programs.
“The Honda Battle of the Bands exists to celebrate, support and recognize the excellence of HBCU marching bands by shedding a public light on a hallmark of HBCU culture,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president of corporate relations and social responsibility for American Honda. “The Invitational Showcase is a chance for thousands of talented young musicians to show off their teamwork and dedication with highly anticipated performances in front of a captive community of supporters.”
The eight participating bands will be:
- Alabama A&M University, Marching Maroon & White Band
- Alabama State University, Mighty Marching Hornets
- Bethune-Cookman University, Marching Wildcats
- Hampton University, The Marching Force
- Miles College, Purple Marching Machine
- North Carolina A&T State University, Blue & Gold Marching Machine
- Prairie View A&M University, Marching Storm
- Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands
The bands from Hampton University and Miles College will be participating in the Honda Battle of the Bands for the first time.
