The HBCU marching event of the year is back! It’s the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands. New name – same event you’ve always loved. The original battle of the bands is back in Atlanta and kicking off Black History month with six of the top HBCU marching and bands in the country along with special performances by two of the best high school marching bands in Atlanta.
The All-Star Battle of the Bands was created in 2002 to showcase the talents of the country’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities, entertain audiences both young and old, and support the HBCU music community with scholarships.
The Mighty Marching Hornets band, under ASU Band Director, Dr. James Oliver’s direction, has won countless awards, was the first HBCU marching band to lead the Rose Bowl Parade, and has appeared in numerous national television shows and movies, including the documentary Bama State Style and Beyonce’s 2019 special Homecoming, and at iconic national events.
Marching Wildcats are a celebrated band that includes instrumentalists, the Sophisticat Flag Corp, and the 14 Karat Gold Dancers. Known as "The Pride", the band strives to bring the finest in half-time performances to viewing audiences. The nationally famous 14 Karat Gold dancers are made up of select young ladies who exemplify exceptional dance skills, poise, and class. The dancers are featured performers in all engagements of the Marching Wildcats and occasionally perform as a solo act. The 14K dancers can be seen frequently in BET video clips promoting Black Colleges. The Sophisticat Flag Corp has been recognized as one of the most exciting auxiliary units in the south. The corp is known for its blending of traditional flag techniques with innovative choreography to create highly entertaining presentations.
As one of the premier bands in the nation, the Blue and Gold Marching Machine is synonymous with high stepping performances, precise drills, powerful, yet melodic sounds, and energy! As the premier band of North Carolina and ranking high among the top HBCU Marching Bands, the Blue & Gold Marching Machine of NC A&T State University is a force to be reckoned with!
Under the leadership of visionary, Dr. Kenneth Ruff, the “Blue and Gold Machine” brings crowds of fans to their feet year after year. The hard work of band members has lead to numerous recognitions such as winners of the Honda Battle of The Bands, the 2003 Defeat the Beat Champions, official band of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise, the lead band for the 2012 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and a top 10 band as reported by Sports Illustrated.
Founded in 1975, the award-winning Norfolk State University Spartan “Legion” Marching Band located in Norfolk, VA, has made a name for itself as one of the premier Marching Bands in the country. The “Legion” consists of 250 staff and student musicians, dancers, and flags from states nationwide, including, the Virgin Islands and the Bahamas. The “Legion” exhibits a presence evocative of the storied “Spartans”. They are regally attired in forest green uniforms with contrasting white overlays, gold capes and brilliant gold-plated helmets. Their varied synchronized and precise marching styles, inclusive of their fierce look and demeanor, include high-stepping, the rigid strut and the glide or military style. Their utter presence embraces and exudes pride, which is coupled with their robust and magnificent sound.
For over 100 years, the Marching 101 has been delivering on their promise to transcend, conquer, and leave nothing to be desired. They pride themselves on never delivering anything less than perfection to their audiences and representing their profound educational institution. Their award-winning musical ensemble brings high energy drills, passion, and enthusiasm to every performance.
The Aristocrat of Bands is a high-stepping, show-style marching band from the historically Black university, Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. The band's name is commonly abbreviated to the moniker, "AOB."
The band is known for playing a variety of music such as jazz, classical, contemporary, and popular pieces, and is heralded for its distinct musical style using clean articulation, expressive dynamics, balance, and technical ability.
The Pebblebrook Bands are an award-winning band program consisting of multiple concert bands, jazz bands, and a marching band. Their Band Staff is dedicated to providing a fun and challenging environment for their students while setting high expectations that their students always meet. The Mighty Marching Machine is excited to showcase their talents for the first time at the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands.
Deemed the “Mini HBCU” of the South, The Mighty Marching Lions of Westlake High School has been recognized by Ellen DeGeneres, made annual appearances at The Magic City Classic 2009-2021, performed in Multiple Drumline Battles, the 2018 Halftime for the Falcons v/s the Buccaneers, been invited to the HBCU Culture Classic, The Florida Blue Classic, and so much more.
