The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) started off Black History Month the right way as six HBCUs filled SoFi stadium with their iconic sound. The members of each band put in hard work and dedication to execute a spectacular show on the west coast. Honda donated $50,000 to each band.
The marching bands had to persevere through adversity to prepare for HBOB. Some had to practice in single-digit weather and snow. For some band members, this was their first time traveling on a plane.
“We actually had to travel to Duke University just to find an indoor practice facility,” said North Carolina A&T assistant director Christopher Hayes. “Dealt with the rain, dealt with the snow.”
To start the event, all six marching bands took the field and created a “HBCU” formation, and performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The formations were created by Alabama State Mighty Marching Hornets director James Oliver and the arrangements for “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was created by Florida A&M Marching 100 assistant band director Lindsey Sarjeant.
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The Hampton Marching Force performed first, starting off with a pair of Lauryn Hill songs while their drum majors displayed their acrobatic dance moves. They also performed the Jodeci hit “Forever My Lady” which concluded with a trumpet solo by senior Jibreel Johnson.
The University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff (UAPB) M4 showed their ability to make precise formations. Their drumline performed before the dance team took centerfield for “Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better) by Chaka Khan. Performing “Not Like Us” and “California Love” were some of the ways M4 paid tribute to Los Angeles.
“We try to instill in them a work ethic, leadership and perseverance,” said UAPB assistant band director Harold Fooster. “It takes some perseverance to not only be in a band program such as ours but also be a college student.”
In the time between performances, there was the “battle in the stands” as two bands would go head-to-head while they waited their turn in a section of SoFi.
The Alabama A&M Maroon and White band honored the legacy of the late Quincy Jones.
“When we found out that we lost Quincy Jones, I said I want to do a tribute to [Jones] and so that’s why we played a couple of his that he either collaborated or wrote himself,” said Alabama A&M director of bands Carlton Wright.
Their homage to L.A. included songs by Nipsey Hussle and Tyrese. The R&B singer and actor gave the Maroon and White a shout out on social media for performing “Lately.”
The Alabama State Mighty Marching Hornets began their set by forming the state of Alabama, then marching into the shape of California. They honored the victims of the Altadena, Eaton, and Palisades fires with their rendition of “Order My Steps.” The Stingettes performed to “Womanizer” by Britney Spears and the Honeybeez received thunderous applause for their performance.
North Carolina A&T Blue and Gold Marching Machine had their Grammys field show. The drumline played their drums high in the air and their cymbalist flaunted their stellar choreography. Like a magic trick, their dance team had a costume change on-field.
The Southern Human Jukebox acknowledged wildfire victims before going into a medley of Stevie Wonder songs. They also played songs by Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar.
“I’m thankful for Honda to give us that opportunity,” said Southern director of bands Kedric Taylor. “We always talk about experience and exposure. The more [students] get exposed to different things, the more they know the sky’s the limit.”
