Overhead shot of the World-Famed Marching Band in Atlanta. Courtesy photo
World-Famed Marching Band in Atlanta. Courtesy photo
The 17th annual Honda Battle of the Bands (BOTB) was hosted this past weekend in Atlanta.
The Honda Battle of the Bands is a showcase of the bands from historically black colleges and universities. Eight HBCU participated in this year’s showcase: Grambling State University, Prairie View A&M, Tennessee State, Benedict College, Florida A&M, North Carolina A&M, and Jackson State.
Although the Battle of the Bands is not a traditional “battle”, the bands participating are displayed on a national stage.
This experience was a great opportunity for the World Famed.
“It was a good experience. I really liked how we got custom made shoes to perform in from Adidas. I feel like attending the BOTB was an experience as a band to get closer,” Jada Burney, a member of the band, said.
Honda Battle of the Bands was created to shine light on HBCU’s marching bands. Honda has continuously supported these programs by annually donating about $200,000 in grants.
Honda has shown continuous support over the past 30 years through programs like BOTB and Honda Campus All Stars challenge. Through these programs they have have helped over 170,000 students and have awarded over $12 million dollars to HBCU institutions.
This is the World Famed Tiger Marching Band’s second appearance in the showcase.
Grambling’s World Famed appeared in the very first Honda BOTB in 2003.
Students were given the opportunity to go and support the World Famed through the Favrot Student Union Board’s Spectator Bus.
“I appreciate FSUB for giving the students an opportunity to witness something like this. It is good that we get to participate in trips outside of sports,” junior Taja Tillman said. “Although our sports programs are very good, it is good to be able to have another aspect such as the World Famed to contribute to Grambling’s legacy and presence in the world.”
There were thousands of alumni and supports of HBCUS throughout the Mercedes Benz Dome on Saturday the 25th. Each one of the eight bands brought out their best performances to get the crowd going.
They all also brought their dancing teams to perform along with them. The event hosted by Rap City and 106 & Park’s Big Tigger included several entertaining intermissions.
These intermissions including a DJ battle as well as various dance cameras. There was also half time performance by the singer/songwriter, Tank. Each marching band brought their own flare to old and new musical hits. Each one of the bands performing proved by their performances that all they deserved to be represented in the showcase.