Marching bands from eight historically Black colleges and universities will participate in the 16th annual Honda Battle of the Bands on Jan. 27 in Atlanta.
The eight finalists, chosen from 39 HBCU bands, 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 schools are
Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Hampton University, Miles College, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University and Tennessee State University.
The bands from Hampton University and Miles College will be participating in the Honda Battle of the Bands for the first time.