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SU's "Human Jukebox" Marching Band will “March On” to the 13th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational

November 03, 2014
Campus News

 

Southern University's "Human Jukebox" Marching Band will join a select group of the nation's most prestigious marching bands representing America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to participate in the 13th annual "Honda Battle of the Bands" Invitational Showcase.

The eight participating bands will take the Georgia Dome by storm on Jan. 24, 2015, when they showcase their incredible musical talent and electrifying showmanship in front of tens of thousands in Atlanta, Ga.

Southern will receive a $20,000 grant from Honda to support its music education programs, plus travel to and accommodations in Atlanta for the Invitational Showcase.

The Southern's marching band has long been considered one of the best college marching bands in the country. In 2013 the NCAA selected Southern as the second best college marching band in America. Earlier this year, HBCUDigest selected Southern's band as best HBCU band in the nation.

 "This is another great honor for our university, the marching band, our dedicated students members and band staff," said Director of Bands Nathan Haymer. "To be included among these great marching band is humbling. We hope that our performance will be one that our make our students and the Jaguar Nation proud."

The eight bands performing at this year's Invitational Showcase include:

  • Alabama State University, Mighty Marching Hornets (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
  • Bethune-Cookman University, Marching Wildcats (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
  • Howard University, Showtime Marching Band (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference); performing at Honda Battle of the Bands for the first time
  • Jackson State University, Sonic Boom of the South (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
  • North Carolina A&T University, Blue and Gold Marching Machine (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
  • Southern University, Human Jukebox (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
  • Talladega College, Marching Tornado Band (Gulf Coast Athletic Conference); performing at Honda Battle of the Bands for the first time
  • Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands (Ohio Valley Conference)

Tickets to the Honda Battle of the Bands are available for purchase now on www.hondabattleofthebands.com/tickets, starting at just $10. Southern's band will be facing east at this year's performance.

This year's theme, "March On," serves as a reminder to students and fans that life on and off the field is a journey, and no matter the challenge, the dream or what may lie ahead, learning never stops as long as you commit to "March On."

"Honda congratulates the eight bands selected to participate in the Invitational Showcase and thanks all of the schools, students, alumni and fans that participated in the process leading to Atlanta," said Stephan Morikawa, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Community Relations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda is committed to supporting education at HBCUs by investing in their programs and providing a platform aimed at helping students realize what Honda calls The Power of Dreams."

The 2015 Invitational Showcase will feature the first-ever Honda Battle of the Bands Power of Dreams Award. Southern will have the opportunity to nominate an outstanding member of our community who is working to help students achieve their dreams. Honda will then select a winner who will be recognized in Atlanta at the 2015 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase.

For updates, follow the Honda Battle of the Bands and join the social media conversation using #HBOB.

For more information on the 2015 Honda Battle of the Bands, visit HondaBattleoftheBands.com.

About Honda

Honda's long-standing commitment to the support and success of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) began more than 20 years ago with the establishment of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, a program designed to showcase the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students. American Honda began its support of Honda Battle of the Bands more than 12 years ago as an effort to support HBCU music programs.

Honda seeks to be a company that society wants to exist, creating products and technologies that improve the lives of people while minimizing the environmental impacts of its products and business operations to ensure a sustainable future for society. Honda is also committed to making positive contributions to the communities where we do business, to socially responsible business practices and to the promotion of diversity in our workforce. From our involvement in STEM education and HBCUs to our support of pediatric brain tumor research, and support of volunteer efforts by Honda associates, including environmental clean-up activities, Honda believes in giving back to the communities where we live and work. Find out more at csr.honda.com.