The 17th annual Honda Battle of the Bands brought 1,800 HBCU band members together under the roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta on Saturday, Jan 25. Eight marching bands showcased their musical performance style as they strutted the field, and represented their universities with pride.
Months before the event, fans were encouraged to vote for their favorite bands in hopes to be selected as one of the eight selected to showcase during the HBOB. The programs selected included: The Marching Tiger Band of Distinction (Benedict College), The Marching 100 (Florida A&M University), Tiger Marching Band (Grambling State University), The Marching Force (Hampton University), Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band (Jackson State University) Blue & Gold Marching Machine (North Carolina A&T State University), Marching Storm (Prairie View A&M University), and The Aristocrat of Bands (Tennessee State University). Each University was greeted by a crowd full of fans and alumni repping the colors and dancing in support as their band gave them a unique performance of a lifetime .
The drums and trumpets were silenced at “halftime” as GRAMMY nominated R&B singer, Tank, took over the stage and pleased the many ladies in the audience.
“This moment is something that we have that we can aspire top, I love it, I’m happy to be here, really really happy,” Tank said.
Honda provided each of the participating Universities with a $20,000 grant to invest into the advancement of their music education programs.
“Marching bands are the cornerstone of HBCU culture, and through Honda Battle of the Bands, we are able to bring together students, alumni, fans and supporters in celebration of their incredible talents,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president of Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility for American Honda Motor Company.
