Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Marching “100” has been chosen as part of the 2010 lineup of marching bands for the eighth annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Eight Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands have been chosen to participate through a combination of online voting by fans and a selection process involving HBCU band directors and university presidents. The 2010 lineup includes the following:• Florida A&M University “Marching 100” (Tallahassee, Fla.)
• Albany State University “Marching Rams” (Albany, Ga.)
• Clark Atlanta University “Mighty Marching Panthers” (Atlanta, Ga.)
• North Carolina Central University “Marching Sound Machine” (Durham, N.C.)
• Prairie View A&M University “Marching Storm” (Prairie View, Texas)
• Southern University “Human Jukebox Marching Band” (Baton Rouge, La.)
• Tuskegee University “Marching Crimson Pipers” (Tuskegee, Ala.)
• Virginia State University “Trojan Explosion Marching Band” (Petersburg, Va.)
The Honda Battle of the Bands is the only event where the HBCU marching bands act as the show headliners. The FAMU Marching “100” will have the opportunity to perform for 12 minutes and showcase their musical skills, dancing talents and creativity.
“The Honda Battle of the Bands is designed to showcase the amazing talents of student musicians and celebrate the musical prowess represented at our nation’s HBCUs,” said Marc Burt, senior manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda. “This event is not only about entertainment, it’s also about highlighting the importance of music education and shining a spotlight on vital skills which are learned through band participation like effective communication and teamwork. Honda is proud and honored to be able to bring this enriching experience to every marcher on the field and every band fan in the stands.”
The Honda Battle of the Bands is the only national scholarship program that showcases an important facet of HBCU heritage and culture – music education. 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 fall campus event tour. Through this program Honda is awarding a total of $205,000 in scholarships to HBCU music programs for the 2009-2010 academic year, and since the beginning of the program, has awarded grants in excess of $1 million.
About American Honda
Honda has a long-standing commitment to the support and success of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities that began more than 20 years ago with the establishment of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, a program designed to showcase the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students. American Honda established Honda Battle of the Bands eight years ago as an effort to support HBCU music programs.
PHOTO CAPTION: Derek Webber, director of Promotions and Operations for Urban Sports and Entertainment Group, (first on left); Erika Braxton-White, communications administrator for Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Affairs and Communications, American Honda Motor, Co., (second from right left); and John Morris, promotions and event manager for Urban Sports and Entertainment Group (first on right) presents Shelby Chipman, assistant director of bands (second from left) and Julian White, director of bands and chairman of the Department of Music, with the official plaque inviting the Marching “100” to participate in the Honda Battle of the Bands.
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