Florida A&M University’s Marching 100 has secured its place as a finalist in ESPN’s HBCU Band of the Year championship for 2024. Known for its excellence, the Marching 100 won last year’s competition and is set to defend its title against Southern University’s Human Jukebox.
Details of the Championship
The final showdown is scheduled for December 12 in Atlanta, Georgia. This prestigious contest recognizes outstanding marching bands from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The Marching 100 is competing in the Division I category.
Background on the Marching 100
- Last year, FAMU’s Marching 100 defeated North Carolina A&T State University’s Blue & Gold Marching Machine to claim the title.
- The band is celebrated as “incomparable” and has a significant reputation nationally.
- In Division II, Fayetteville State University and Miles College have advanced to the finals, with Miles College being the 2024 champion.
Debate Over Competition Format
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, there are growing concerns among HBCU band directors about the competitive structure of the championship. Critics argue that the judging process reduces a valued art form into mere competition.
Donovan V. Wells, the Director of Bands at Bethune-Cookman University, expressed his disapproval of the concept. He argued that marching bands are educational entities rather than sports.
Upcoming Events
FAMU’s Marching 100 will join other bands, including Bethune-Cookman’s Marching Wildcats, at the Florida Classic on November 22. This event will take place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, showcasing the talent of HBCU bands.
The momentum leading up to the national championship is palpable, as FAMU aims to defend its title amid ongoing discussions about the integrity of HBCU marching band competitions.
