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DEL.ICIO.USWhich HBCU school has the best band?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK, let’s try something a little different this week.
I’m going to bypass picking this week’s games (please keep your applause to a minimum) and address an issue that I’ve received many e-mails about. Actually, I’ve heard from many people wanting to know when I would ask this question - Who has the best band among HBCU schools?
I know there’s some passion involved with this subject, so I’d like to hear some passionate responses as to why you think a particular band is the best. I enjoyed Savannah State’s band while I attended school there (and yes, I will be there for homecoming this weekend to check out the Coastal Empire Sound Explosion) and as a native Atlantan, there was nothing like hearing the Atlanta University Center bands do their thing.
Florida A&M’s Marching 100 has been putting it down for years (check out its website by clicking here) while I’ve known people who will argue for 24 straight hours that the Aristocrats of Tennessee State are hands down No. 1.
Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South ain’t no joke and Southern’s Human Jukebox? Seeing is believing ….
Enough of what I’ve seen - and I must admit it isn’t much. It’s time for you to weigh in. Who has the best HBCU band in your opinion and why.
I’ll go back to predicting games next week. Maybe the extra time will give me more time to improve.
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Comments
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By The Sensai
October 31, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Hey Hoss, this isn’t even debatable…It’s understood, and everyone knows the FAMU has the best band……And we’ve got a Sudler Trophy to prove it. Here’s the link.
www.sousafoundation.org/allProjects/trophy.htm
By Hurricane
October 31, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
There are a few bands who can make the argument, but these are my top 5:
By Greg
October 31, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
I’ve heard FAMU is 400 bandmembers strong…I’ve seen Tennessee State on TV and was mesmerized….taking in a HBCU game is a very unique experience….
By add14jazz
October 31, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Any band with 420 members in it SHOULD be good. FAMU will win most halftime shows they are in cause they outnumber freakin’ everybody.
But every year in the stands during the Atlanta Classic, my TSU Aristocrat of Bands makes them sound like some kazoo chorus. While the ‘Crat is gettin’ it hyped, especially with that Doug E. Fresh joint, FAMU is playing Flight of the Bumblebees.
By DrTony
October 31, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Thanks Leo, for giving us a forum for debate on this extremely complex and relevant issue. I was born in Jacksonville, FL., my mother graduated from Tennessee State, my older brother graduated and my older sister attended Florida A & M University - however, when I was a senior getting ready to graduate high school, I was offered full music scholarships from Bethune-Cookman College (now University) and both of the other schools that had strong ties in my family. Because of a number of factors - I chose B-CC mainly because of their strong Christian family values and educational opportunities. I only mention that because to this day (I graduated B-CC in 1975) we still have these ‘discussions’ among our family. Tennessee has a strong, strong band - they sound great! FLA. A&M is ‘pretty good’ - and I truly believe they’re living on their past reputation from the 50’s and 60’s. When we have the Classic (football game) in November between FAM and B-CU, it’s truly no contest! Even my brother and sister ‘give it up’ to the ‘Mighty Men (and women) of Cookman’. Musically, they’re number 1, Style points - #1, dance choreography - no contest again - B-CU, the drum majors and majorettes - c’mon - B-CU is once again on TOP! Oh those, ‘Golden Girls’! In the words of the Commodores - “… makes an old man wish, for younger days!”
By Leo Willingham
October 31, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Dr. Tony, Thanks for your response to the blog. You couldn’t imagine how many e-mails I’ve received on this subject. I’ve only seen the Cookman band in action once … and it was definitely a sight to see. Looks like there are a couple of FAM band fans on here as well as an Aristocrat. Let the debate continue and thanks for your response.
By noneya
October 31, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Proud TSU alum. It’s hard to rank them but FAMU and TSU top my list. Jackson St, Grambling, SC State round it off. Morris Brown was good in their day.
By Rattler
November 7, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Are you serious?? Do we have to go there?? FAMU UNIVERSITY!!!! If you have ever marched before or after us, you know what I mean…RATTLER FOR LIFE
By Matt Vines
November 7, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the Jaguars are getting enough credit. They clearly blow out Grambling because Grambling is not in tune. I have seen Tennessee State live as well and they are also impressive, but the Bayou Classic is the only halftime show where ESPN can’t run many commercials because that’s what most people watch the game for.
By Darryl
November 8, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Anyone who is an musician knows that when it comes to tone quality, marching drills, dance routines and melodious ballads, there is no other band in the land which provides the crisp & clear sound of The 100. The main problem with the others is that when they begin to march or dance and play, the volume goes down. This has never been so, nor ever will be with The 100. Let’s see who will be invited to the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade. Hubba Doc!!!Soulful Saxes/76
By WIN
November 11, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
“Leo, run this blog again in January when Honda sponsors the HBCU Battle of the Band on January 24, 2009 at the Georgia Dome. 10 great bands under 1 roof.”
By jacob butler
November 14, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Being in my mid-50’s and having earned all my college degrees from HBCUs, I’ve seen untold numbers of games, parades and Homecomings in this setting. Each of my three sons has performed as members of Bethune Cookman’s Marching Wildcats. For marching precision, quality sound, dance moves, drum majors and all-around showmanship, they are the best. FAMU, Southern and S.C. State’s Marching 101 are definitely among their strongest competition.