The March Madness Of HBCU Bands: Honda Battle Of The Bands Delivers Once Again
The Hampton University “Marching Force” via Steve Schaefer
By: Baigen Seawell
ATLANTA, GA — Sport is defined by physical exertion, skill and the spirit of competition. When one thinks of Marching Band, the word “sport” may not be the first word that comes to mind… but at HBCU’s, some bands are arguably more of the attention grabber than the sport itself.
HBCU Marching Bands compete in the same way that traditional sports do; with the x’s and o’s on the field, the band does the same with intricate formations and arrangements with just a week’s time to prepare in some cases.
Even before the football teams take the field, and far after the teams have left, bands participate in their March-Ins, Zero and Fifth Quarter: a battle in the stands displaying their musical prowess. The display seen at sporting events is only a fraction of what is truly displayed.
Outside of halftime field shows and stand performances, bands have the opportunity to show their independent talents at Showcases and Battle of the Bands. Whether it’s the Magic City Classic, National Battle of the Bands or the famed Bayou Classic, their time to shine is exemplified.
Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands
But the Honda?
Honda Battle of the Bands has always been considered the MOABS: Mother of all Band Showcases.
Started 17 years ago in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, the purpose of the Honda was to highlight and recognize HBCU Marching Bands. A total of eight bands are invited and prepare vigorously for the exhibition in January, and receive a hearty check to support their program.
Something similar to Selection Sunday in its own right, the desire to be picked to perform in the Honda is something that many schools take seriously. Voting stems from one popular vote, another three from Band Directors and University Presidents, and the final four hand picked from Honda… and when the dust clears, the final eight have a little over a month to put together a field show for over 50,000 fans in the Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Prior to the big day, bands would travel around Metro-Atlanta to local high schools, and give them a taste of what HBCU Bands can offer. Some programs even give high school students opportunities to audition on the spot for a place in the band the following year. Something that could be compared to a scouting combine to athletic standards.
WHO WAS THERE?
The 2020 Honda Battle of the Bands took place January 25, and featured schools from the MEAC, SIAC, SWAC and independently competing institutions. They included:
- The Benedict College Marching Tigers “Band of Distinction” (who received the most votes in the pool)
- The Florida A&M University “Marching 100” (who had not appeared in the Honda since 2010)
- The Grambling State University “World Famed Tiger Marching Band” (under the direction of Nikole Roebuck, the only female director in the Honda)
- The Hampton University “Marching Force”
- The Jackson State University “Sonic Boom of the South”
- The North Carolina A&T State University “Blue and Gold Marching Machine”
- The Prairie View A&M University “Marching Storm”
- The Tennessee State University “Aristocrat of Bands”
THE MUSICAL CATALOG
The band would participate in their “Mass Band” arrangement, paying tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
Bands would play included modern songs like “HOT” by Young Thug, featuring a lights off display from the Tiger Band of Distinction. Drum Majors would don glowing maces, while the band would create a display of the words “HOT,” and “LIT!”
Tennessee State played the “Power” theme song, while asking the question everyone has on their mind: who shot Ghost?
Grambling played an old school bop, “Happy Feelins” by Frankie Beverly and Maze, while PVAMU rang out the tunes to “I’m Goin Down” by Mary J. Blige.
THE “POST-GAME” BREAK
The playlist and field performances that came along with it was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The “Halftime” performance would be by Tank, who discussed his stint at HBCU, Morgan State, while discussing the importance of music in his life.
The importance of music, and musical performance is what draws people to the Honda yearly. But the art, and sport of Marching Band is what has been preserved for decades, and continues to leave a cultural influence to mainstream media.
Beyoncé’s Homecoming which gave a nod to Marching Bands, Lizzo featuring Southern’s Human Jukebox in Good as Hell and Drumline stemming inspiration from NCAT, highlight HBCU Marching Bands, and have inspired thousands of young black children to take the route of musical performance to this day.
Even though the Honda has since passed this year, we look to push young black musicians to consider “taking their talents” to HBCU musical programs. Outside of HBOB, the American Honda Association has donated $9 Million in grants and scholarships to HBCU’s around the country.
Marching Band is something that could be considered a short 12 minute performance for some, but for these bands, and HBCU bands and fans across the country, there’s more that meets the eye… and Honda is one of the best ways of proving that.
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