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The crowning of the Inaugural ESPN Band of the Year National Champions for Division I and Division II HBCUS took place amidst the excitement of the 2023 Cricket Wireless Celebration Bowl. Held on Saturday, December 16th, this momentous occasion showcased the talent of four outstanding bands: The Sonic Boom of the South representing Jackson State University, the Blue and Gold Marching Machine from North Carolina A&T, The Roar from Florida Memorial University, and The Trojan Explosion representing Virginia State University. Four of the best HBCU bands that are vying for the title of the HBCU Band of the Year.
The battle unfolded on Friday, December 15th, within the grandeur of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Virginia State University and Florida Memorial vying for the Division II title, followed by the Division I finalists, North Carolina A&T and Jackson State University, who concluded the captivating show. Throughout the football season, the halftime shows were the sole performances subject to judging, and in this event, each band was given a maximum of twenty minutes to dazzle the audience.
Emerging victorious in Division II HBCU category was The Roar from Florida Memorial, while in Division I, the esteemed title was claimed by the Blue and Gold Marching Machine from North Carolina A&T. Join us now as we delve into the captivating events of that memorable Friday evening.
The Trojan Explosion made an impressive debut, starting with a bang as powder filled the air during their drum major entrances. Their show theme showcased a diverse range of songs from various eras. They executed intricate formations, primarily facing the home crowd to ensure the music resonated. The flag team complemented the drill show beautifully with HBCU style.
During the marching portions, the percussion section showcased impressive skills. They even formed the letters “ATL” on the field. The ballad seamlessly blended with the song “Say Yes”, while the trombones played a prominent role throughout the entire piece. The band kicked off the dance block feature with the energetic performance of “Water” and ended on a high note with a captivating rendition of “Doo Doo Brown”. Overall, the Trojan Explosion delivered a remarkable show.
The Roar began with a captivating drum major entrance, accompanied by the iconic “Circle of Life” fanfare from The Lion King. Their performance showcased a diverse range of motion drills, incorporating rotating formations complemented by a skilled baton twirler and four drum majors, with colorful flags waving in the background. However, what truly stood out was the subtle tuba feature that initiated a mesmerizing snake-like formation, gracefully traversing the field.
They played “Shaka Zulu's” theme during that portion of the show and it was extremely creative and musical. The tone quality throughout the show was beautiful from the small and young band and was indicative of their entire season. They played Whitney Houston's “I Have Nothing” which brought the crowd to their feet and was emotional during the flag feature. They ended it with a lively block band dance routine, formed the letters “FMU” on the field, and marched off of the field.
Let's talk about the two HBCU powerhouses of the evening: North Carolina A&T and Jackson State University. We'll start with NCAT. The Blue and Gold Marching Machine truly impressed with their dynamic performance, showcasing their knack for incorporating captivating themes and adding a delightful array of colors, nuances, and diversity. The show commenced with an electrifying drum major introduction, setting the stage for their rendition of “Boogie Nights” by Heatwave.
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The drill feature showcased mesmerizing patterns, captivating the crowd as the performers glided back and forth and side to side. The vibrant colors were brought to life by the multi-talented dance line, Golden Delight, who not only danced but also twirled batons and flags. As the band seamlessly transitioned into different formations, the percussion section, known as “Cold Steel,” astounded the audience with their impeccable tricks, fundamental rudiments, and exhilarating runs. In concert formation, the band delivered a captivating rendition of “Turn Up the Music” by Chris Brown, while Golden Delight took center stage, delivering an awe-inspiring performance that left the audience in awe.
The band shifted to another formation to play the ballad “Killing Me Softly” by Roberta Flack and mixed with the version from The Fugees. The dynamics were felt by the crowd and coincided with the streamer twirling and flags of the auxiliary. “California Love” was played in a transition to block band. Then “Let Me Clear My Throat” was played as the first song that kicked off the dance routine as the crowd was brought up with the heightened energy of the band. Then after the dance feature the band played Carl Orff's “O Fortuna” as they shifted to another formation and “You Can Hate Me Now” as they ended the show with their iconic and patentent A&T logo formation.
The Sonic Boom of the South delivered an unforgettable performance with a captivating Usher theme. The Drum Majors, known as the J5, paid homage to Usher by donning business casual tuxedos, unbuttoned shirts, and stylish shades. Every song performed during the show was carefully selected from the repertoire of iconic artists. The introduction kicked off with the infectious beats of “Yeah” by Usher, Ludacris, and Lil John. This was followed by the iconic march, tiger run, and a medley of their signature fanfare, “Blowin'” and “Superstar”. The drill showcased intricate step patterns and visually stunning formations, perfectly synchronized to the rhythm of “Dj Got Us Fallin' In Love Again” by Usher and Pitbull.
They then formed their iconic “JSU” formation while performing “You Don't Have to Call”. They showcased various formations, including rotating and shapeshifting shapes, which added to the excitement. A standout moment was when they played “You Got It Bad” and created a concert formation that had the crowd up on their feet, singing along loudly. The trombones and woodwinds truly shined during this piece and, to me, it was the highlight of the night.
The J5, renowned for their dance moves, even showed off their skills during this performance. The JSettes, as always, delivered an outstanding dance feature to the tune of “Scream”. They started with “OMG” and seamlessly transitioned into another drill, playing “Caught Up”, before concluding the show with a captivating rendition of “There Goes My Baby”. The finale was so grand that it left the crowd in a frenzy.
It wouldn't be an HBCU Battle of the Bands without a good ole unofficial stand battle to liven the crowd up with popular tunes. The night was a success and one for the history books.
