Honda Battle of the Bands All Set to Step Lively Into Its Sixth Year

For those who know about the tradition, the visuals are unmistakable. The first, waist-high step of a drum major, preparing to lead. The staccato cadence, set with precision by a lone snare drummer, his corps. following suit. A band director's baton, pointed just high enough to ignite suspense, passion or fire on the field with the flick of a finger. Or, the scintillating, measured steps of a dancer, assessing her footing on the turf before her troupe turns in the routine of their lives.

Whether it be the competitive glare in the eyes of the band on the opposing side of the field, or the family-like respect and embraces of alumni on either side of the stadium at the final whistle, this is the black college marching band experience in America. Nothing matches the culture and pride of America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, especially when their music programs are on display. And, once again, this unique facet of the black college experience will be celebrated most spectacularly in the 2007-08 Honda Battle of the Bands Celebration Tour and Invitational Showcase.

As it prepares to inaugurate its sixth year, the annual Honda Battle of the Bands program will cast a well earned national spotlight on the historic spirit, pageantry and showmanship of black college marching bands. Whatever part of it fans come to see, from their own schools and colors on parade, to precision marching, chart-topping music, riveting choreography or just the musicianship, surprises are always in order for people of all ages as the "the Super Bowl for Black College Marching Bands" returns.

"Beyond merely entertaining students, administrators, fans and alumni of these great institutions, HBCU marching bands nurture the future leaders in education, arts, music, politics and so much more," said Marc Burt, manager, Communications for American Honda. "Considering all that they give to us, Honda is proud to help showcase the hard work of these musicians as the founder and principal sponsor of the Honda Battle of the Bands program."

For 2007-08, HBOB will feature 42 participating HBCU Marching Bands. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. will again award a total of $142,000 in grants to the participating marching bands, including $1,000 to each for their halftime performances at selected football games throughout the fall season. The Honda Battle of the Bands is comprised of two primary components: the Celebration Tour and the Invitational Showcase.

As part of the 2007-08 Celebration Tour, which runs through mid-November, fans have the opportunity to get interactive by logging on to the Honda Battle of the Bands Web site to participate in the online opinion survey, nominating their favorite HBCU marching band. By the conclusion of the Celebration Tour, the 10 bands that demonstrate the best showmanship, musicianship and fan interaction will be invited to perform in the Invitational Showcase on January 26, 2008, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

The 10 schools selected will each receive an additional $10,000 to benefit their respective music programs and scholarship funds. Beginning with the 2008 Invitational Showcase, HBOB has adopted a new selection process based upon feedback received from the HBCU band directors. While HBOB will still utilize the on-line opinion poll and college president selections, band directors will have increased input based upon a two-fold objective:

1. To allow the best performing bands in each conference, regardless of size or popularity, an opportunity to participate in the showcase.

2. To improve the selection process by focusing on experts (fellow conference band directors) who will have increased influence on the selection of participants.

This year, the selection process will be comprised of two categories. The first represents the same format that HBOB has followed since the program's inception with one exception: Only one band from each HBCU athletic conference and independent program will be selected for a total of five bands. HBOB will still count the fan opinion poll (1/3), the band directors (1/3) and the college presidents (1/3) as the selection criteria for the category.

The second category will represent selection by the fellow conference band directors only. Each band director is allowed to vote from the conference they represent. This category will select the remaining five bands for each year. Additionally, when a conference or independent band is selected in this category, they will not be eligible for the category the following year. They will, however, always be eligible in category one.

American Honda remains committed to providing the best, fairest platform to showcase HBCU marching band programs. This year's selection process will terminate on Friday, November 2nd, 2007, at midnight (EST). The 10 universities selected for participation in the 2007 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase will be announced on Monday, November 12th. As always, band directors and college presidents are not permitted to select their own schools.

Honda's long-term commitment to the HBCUs was first made more than 18 years ago when it established the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, a program designed to showcase the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students. For more information on the Honda Battle Of the Bands, a list of the 42 participating HBCUs or to enter your nominee for the Invitational Showcase, visit http://www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.