Of the eight marching bands chosen to perform at the 16th Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase on Jan. 27, 2018, three are from Alabama schools. The annual event showcases marching bands from the nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCU).
The three Alabama colleges selected out of 39 bands are Alabama A&M University's Marching Maroon and White Band (fifth appearance); Alabama State University's Mighty Marching Hornets (sixth appearance); and Miles College's Purple Marching Machine (first appearance).
The other schools appearing at the showcase include Bethune-Cookman University, Hampton University, North Caroline A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University and Tennessee State University.
The "final eight" bands were selected through a voting process incorporating input from online fans, band directors, HBCU school presidents and representatives from American Honda.
In addition to performing at this year's annual showcase, each school will receive a $20,000 grant from American Honda to further support its music education program. Each participating band also receives an all-expenses-paid trip to the showcase.
"The Honda Battle of the Bands exists to celebrate, support and recognize the excellence of HBCU marching bands by shedding a public light on a hallmark of HBCU culture," said Steve Morikawa, vice president, corporate relations and social responsibility for American Honda. "The Invitational Showcase is a chance for thousands of talented young musicians to show off their teamwork and dedication with highly anticipated performances in front of a captive community of supporters. Honda is proud to continue to support the HBCU community."
Group and individual tickets to the showcase start at just $10 and are available for purchase now at www.hondabattleofthebands.com. The event will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.