(BLACK PR WIRE)–TORRANCE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Eight of the nation’s top Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands are preparing to bring a show to Atlanta that will defy expectations. An audience of fans and followers expected to exceed 60,000 will make a pilgrimage to the Georgia Dome to experience a musical extravaganza — in the form of a black college “homecoming” – as the 10th anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands kicks off at 3:00 p.m. on January 28, 2012.
To kick-off “The Homecoming,” the bands will take the field promptly at 3:00 p.m. EST for the highly anticipated 10th annual Invitational Showcase. The final eight showcase bands will perform in the following order:
1. Jackson State University “The Sonic Boom of the South” (facing press box)
2. Virginia State University “Trojan Explosion Marching Band” (away from press box)
3. South Carolina State University Marching “101” (facing press box)
4. Albany State University “Marching Rams Show Band” (away from press box)
5. Winston-Salem State University “Red Sea of Sound” (away press box)
6. Tennessee State University “Aristocrat of Bands” (facing press box)
7. Prairie View A&M University “Marching Storm” (away press box)
8. Bethune Cookman University “Marching Wildcats” (facing press box)
New for the 10th anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) and honoring a singular facet of HBCU culture, the 2012 showcase will kick-off with a rhythmic, first-ever “drumline” showcase spotlighting the crowd-pleasing, heart-thumping drum sections of all eight marching bands.
The eight selected bands have begun intensive preparations for their Georgia Dome performances. Each band will have 12 minutes to display the musical excellence, distinctive style and superior showmanship that earned them a place in the 2012 Invitational Showcase. The Showcase bands were chosen via online voting, with votes by fans, students and alumni accounting for one-third of the selection criteria, and votes by band directors and school presidents accounting for the balance of the selection process.
The 10th anniversary HBOB themed “The Homecoming,” is a culmination of ten years of tradition, and represents a legacy of fervent competition and commitment. “When you say ‘homecoming’ to someone who attended an HBCU, it’s about a great deal more than just a football game,” said Barbara Ponce, Manager of Diversity Advertising for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Homecoming means camaraderie, fellowship and a shared heritage, recalling where you came from and celebrating the role your school experience has played in making you who you are today. Capturing this homecoming spirit is our goal with this year’s Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase.”
In addition to reflecting on the 10th anniversary of HBOB as a call for all HBCU marching band alumni, current students and fans to attend this special anniversary showcase event, the homecoming theme also highlights the importance of the marching band culture and community to black college homecoming celebrations. Just as “The Yard” on HBCU campuses serves as the community gathering place for all homecoming activities, the Georgia Dome will be transformed into “The Honda Battle of the Bands Yard” to re-create the HBCU homecoming experience.
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