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DEL.ICIO.USBlack College bands headed to Inauguration
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Get ready Black College football fans - five of the top HBCU bands will strut their stuff next week in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C.
Delaware State, Florida A&M, Grambling, Hampton and Howard will be among the more than 70 bands participating in next Tuesday’s parade honoring the swearing in of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. The wide-ranging list of bands includes high school bands South Cobb from metro Atlanta and T.C. Williams from Virginia, the school which served as the subject of the Denzel Washington movie “Remember the Titans”, and a pair of law-enforcement bands from Delaware and Kentucky.
But the parade attendees that aren’t familiar with the exploits of HBCU bands might be in for a treat as FAM’s Marching 100, the World Famed Marching Tigers of Grambling, Hampton’s Marching Force, Delaware State and Hampton show what they’re working with as they stroll down Pennsylvania Avenue.
While on the subject of bands, it gives me an opportunity to bring back a discussion from a few months ago - who has the best band among HBCU schools? Not sure how the five bands were selected to participate in the parade, but I would assume only the best of the best would be chosen for such a historic event.
I would also assume that there are fans of other schools — namely Jackson State, Southern and Tennessee State — that would put their band up against anyone. So …. what are your thoughts on the bands participating in the parade and who do you think has the best HBCU band - and why.
For more Black College football news and notes, visit the AJC’s HBCU football page by clicking here.
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Comments
By Adriane
January 16, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
This is truly a historical moment for Black America. For the first time in US History, Black America will be the center of attention (on a positive aspect). For the bands that are participating in the Inauguration, “hats off”. I am proud that your schools were chosen to be a part of this historical event. Personally, I have heard all the bands, my vote goes to Florida A & M, the band has a strong horn section.
By Larry Little
January 16, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
B-C-U Rock The House - Whooo!
By Atlanta native
January 16, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this
Congrats on the bands selected to participate in the Inauguration Parade. I’m sure you’ll do the HBCUs of the world proud. As for best HBCU bands, Florida A&M and Tennessee State top my list. But I used to enjoy Morris Brown, Clark Atlanta and Morehouse back in the day as they marched up M.L. King Drive doing their thing.
By TSU Fan
January 16, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this
Not sure who decided on the particular bands but it would’ve been nice to see Tennessee State up there. I would put TSU up against anybody!!
By Alumni '97
January 24, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this
The Marching 100 have dropped off big time and Howard, Hampton & Delaware State..gimme a break…The “safe” picks are these schools. FAMU’s drumline is notoriously weak as they are every year and they lack dancing dolls that many other HBCUs are renowned for. I’m not impressed. Clark Atlanta, Tennessee State, Albany State University, Tuskegee or Bethune Cookman could’ve replaced any of these schools, hands down!
By down south ga boy
January 24, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this
FAMU has so much repect, what’s to prove.
By mecq
February 13, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this
To Alumni 97”. As Joe Bullard always says when he introduces the”100” at their many global preformances.They are “Often imitated but never duplicated.”..Perfection is hard to achieve. The Rattlers have been #1 for many decades. Many of the other bands that are being mentioned are headed by graduates and “100” Alumni.