Congratulations to the TSU Aristocrat of Bands! The Tennessee State University nationally and internationally recognized marching band is on its way to yet another Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase. This will be the seventh appearance for the Aristocrat of Bands at the Honda Battle of the Bands, having performed in 2003, 2004, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.
The Seniors in the Aristocrat of Bands will be recognized at half-time of the TSU – Murray State football game TSU on Senior Day, Saturday, Nov. 7 in Hale Stadium. They will also lead the Aristocrats as they perform for the Tennessee Titans in Nissan Stadium when the Titans host the undefeated [at press time] Carolina Panthers at 12 Noon on Sunday, Nov. 15; that game will be televised by the FOX network.
The votes are in and the lineup is set. Students, alumni and fans from America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) helped select the eight top marching bands that will perform at the Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase on Saturday, January 30, 2016 in Atlanta. Talented student musicians will once again dazzle an expected capacity crowd at the Georgia Dome, with a unique display of showmanship, instrumental performances and carefully curated choreography.
“Honda Battle of the Bands is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that helps HBCU student musicians showcase their talent and discover their greatness, both on and off the field,” said Steve Morikawa, Vice President, Corporate Community Relations, American Honda. “Honda is proud to have a longstanding relationship with America’s HBCUs, and is honored that many students consider this event a highlight of their collegiate experience.”
The 2016 lineup consists of: Alabama A&M University, Marching Maroon & White (Southwestern Athletic Conference); Alcorn State University, Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite (Southwestern Athletic Conference); Bethune Cookman University, Marching Wildcats (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference); Jackson State University, Sonic Boom of the South (Southeastern Athletic Conference); Lincoln University (PA), Orange Crush Roaring Lions (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association); Prairie View A&M University, Marching Storm (Southwest Athletic Conference); South Carolina State University, Marching “101” (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference); and Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands (Ohio Valley Conference).
The eight bands were selected through a process that included online fan voting, as well as feedback from band directors, HBCU presidents and American Honda representatives.
In addition to a $20,000 grant from Honda to support their music education programs, each participating HBCU will receive travel and accommodations to the Invitational Showcase in Atlanta.
Group and individual tickets to the Invitational Showcase are going fast and available for purchase on the official HBOB website, starting at only $10.
Fans can follow each band’s #RoadToTheHonda journey on official Honda Battle of the Bands social media channels and join the conversation using #HBOB.
For more, visit: <www. HondaBattleoftheBands.com>.
