New Film Celebrates HBCU Marching Bands as Living Legacy of Pride, Power, and Perseverance

The PEPSI National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) is celebrating Black Music Month with the re-airing of its documentary, “Celebrating Champions of Culture,” spotlighting the talent, tradition, and transformative power of HBCU marching bands.

Beginning May 31, the film will air on select stations nationwide throughout June, transporting audiences back to the electrifying energy of the 2024 PEPSI NBOTB 10th anniversary celebration, held last August in Houston, Texas. Created to honor this milestone year, the fifth installment in the series encapsulates a decade of excellence, capturing the spirit, sound, and cultural legacy of the bands that have defined the event and shaped Black musical expression for generations.

“HBCU marching bands are more than halftime shows—they’re living archives of a legacy of pride, power, and perseverance, carrying the soul of our history with every step, every note,” said Derek Webber, Executive Producer of the National Battle of the Bands and CEO of Webber Marketing. “With this film, we celebrate not just their music, but their meaning—and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring their legacy lives on through the next generation of student leaders.”

The documentary dives into the world of HBCU marching bands, highlighting their discipline, creativity, and their vital role in the legacy and evolution of Black musical history. These bands—renowned for appearances at major events like the Super Bowl, presidential inaugurations, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—are cultural icons in their own right.

The film features performances and interviews from the following bands, recorded live during the 10th-anniversary celebration:

• Bethune-Cookman University – Marching Wildcats
• Jackson State University – Sonic Boom of the South
• Miles College – Purple Marching Machine
• Prairie View A&M University – Marching Storm
• Southern University – Human Jukebox
• Tennessee State University – Aristocrat of Bands
• Texas Southern University – Ocean of Soul
• Tuskegee University – Marching Crimson Pipers

In addition to celebrating culture, NBOTB is committed to building a future where student musicians have the tools and support to succeed—from the classroom to the national stage.

Celebrating Champions of Culture re-airs beginning May 31. For a complete list of air dates, stations, and exclusive content—including the official trailer—visit www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/films.

The 2025 PEPSI National Battle of the Bands will take place on Saturday, August 23, at NRG Stadium in Houston.