Honda Battle of the Bands Unveils 2011 Invitational Showcase Line-Up

Top Historically Black College and University Marching Bands From Around the Nation Prepare to Take the Field at Ninth Annual Showcase

Torrance, Calif. – Today, the journey of 45 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Marching Bands has reached its destination. It all began in late summer when these HBCUs took that first high step and that first rehearsal where increasingly challenging drills and compositions were tested to develop the most dynamic, spirited halftime performances of the fall season. Notoriety is earned today by the following top eight HBCU marching bands selected to perform at the 2011 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase:


Videographer: AkeemC998 (Clark Atlanta University Mighty Marching Panthers Band, Oct. 30, 2010)

Virginia State University “Marching Trojan Explosion” (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
South Carolina State University “Marching 101” (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
Albany State University “Marching Rams Show Band” (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
Jackson State University “Sonic Boom of the South” (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
Bethune Cookman University “Marching Wildcats” (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
Clark Atlanta University “Mighty Marching Panthers” (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
Winston-Salem State University “Red Sea of Sound” (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
Tennessee State University “Aristocrat of Bands” (Independent)


Videographer: Cassfl (Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands at Jacksonville State University, Alabama, Oct. 16, 2010)

The 2,000 student-musicians that make up these bands have staked their claims to being among the elite in the country and will take the stage to prove their mettle on January 29th at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Each band will have the opportunity to perform for 12 minutes and showcase their musical skills, dancing talents and creativity. This year’s showcase features first-time South Carolina State University as well as eight-time participant Virginia State University. Band sizes range from the small but powerful 120-member ensemble of Clark Atlanta University, to the 300-member goliath of Bethune Cookman.

Marking its ninth year, the Honda Battle of the Bands is the only national scholarship program that highlights music education as an important facet of HBCU heritage and culture. The eight winning band programs chosen to participate in this year’s Invitational Showcase will be awarded $20,000 by American Honda for their music programs, in addition to the $1,000 grant they received for participation in the pre-qualifying Celebration Tour. Through this program, American Honda annually awards a total of $205,000 in scholarships to HBCU music programs. Since the program’s inception, an excess of $1 million in grant money has been bestowed to black colleges.


Videographer: JSUTigers1877 (Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band, Half-Time Show at 2010 Southern Heritage Classic, Memphis, TN).

“The Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase is about more than what happens on the field at the Georgia Dome on show day,” said Marc Burt, Senior Manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda. “This event is about celebrating the abilities and brilliance of young people coming out of the nation’s black colleges. The discipline and drive these student-musicians exhibit both on and off the field are phenomenal, and Honda is pleased to be able to contribute to the music education programs that help foster the artistic and academic growth of these students.”

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