HBCU Marching Bands Turn In Thrilling Performances At Fourth Annual Honda Battle
Of The Bands
Former Ambassador Andrew Young Showcased In Special Tribute To Heroes, Survivors
of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
In a moving show of unity some 65,000 fans,
2,200 musicians and 200 gospel singers came together to pay tribute to the
humanity and heroism of survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the
promise of future heroes from America's Historically Black Colleges and
Universities. Led by Former U.N. Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, the
powerful message for all was "Come hell or high water, we have a legacy of
survival."
That message resonated against a colorful
backdrop that was the 4th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational
Showcase, held on Saturday, January 28th in the city. Fans were on their feet
enjoying a celebration of pride, pageantry and pure, unadulterated fun.
The ten "starring" bands for 2006 performed a
dynamic mix of today's hottest chart-topping music, including crowd-pleasing
tracks like "Unpredictable," "Laffy Taffy," "Golddigger" and many others.
Featured bands included: Bethune-Cookman College, Florida A&M University,
Jackson State University, Prairie View A&M University, North Carolina Central
University, Langston University, Tuskegee University, Virginia State University,
Clark Atlanta University, and Central State University.
The 2006 Honda Battle of the Bands was sold out
early Friday, complemented by the success of Honda's first-ever HBCU Recruitment
fair, hosted the same morning at the Georgia World Congress Center. Friends,
family, fans and generations of Black college alumni packed the venues for both
signature events.
"The success of this sold-out event is a
testament to the tremendous community pride in Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, and specifically their marching bands" said Barbara Ponce, manager
of Emerging Markets National Advertising for American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
"Honda is proud to bring this enriching experience to fans from throughout the
country, to the African American community and to all who value great
camaraderie and great musicianship," she added.
The Invitational Showcase placed a well-deserved
spotlight on a variety of HBCU marching styles, including show bands with
heart-pounding drumlines, entertaining skits and routines, powerful brass
sections plus a number of ensembles complemented by ovation-getting dance teams.
The Honda Battle of the Bands is the largest and only national scholarship
program of its kind. As sponsor, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. this year
awarded $141,000 in grants to 41 HBCU band programs, including $10,000 each to
the Invitational Showcase bands.
Honda's long-term commitment to HBCUs was
established 17 years ago when it introduced the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge,
a program designed to showcase the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students.
For more information about the Honda Battle of the Bands, visit
www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.
The
Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $25 million and helped some 80
colleges and thousands of deserving students who attend HBCUs. Since its inception, the foundation has assisted
every HBCU which is defined as "any historically black college or university that was
established prior to 1964 whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans.
