Savannah State University hosted the Big HBCU Battle of the Bands on Sunday, bringing nine marching bands from across the South to Savannah for a historic competition.
The event featured music, competition and school pride, with bands performing elaborate field shows for fans who filled the stands.
Drummers with Mississippi Valley State University perform during the HBCU Battle of the Bands in Savannah.
The nine participating bands included:
- Savannah State University
- Fort Valley State University
- Albany State University
- South Carolina State University
- Benedict College
- Talladega College
- Winston-Salem State University
- Virginia State University
- Bethune-Cookman University
The event was billed as a competition showcasing the energy, precision, and power of HBCU marching bands. In addition to traditional field shows, the competition included high-energy “stand battles,” where bands performed shorter musical exchanges designed to energize the crowd.
Audience members enjoy the music and energy during the HBCU Battle of the Bands.
“I’m happy to see a battle of the bands for the first time actually in Savannah,” Lex Robbins, a resident of Savannah, said.
“This is the battle for the South. We’re here to see who the best band is in the South,” Alex Davis, president of the Big HBCU Battle of the Bands, said.
The culture surrounding HBCU marching bands extends beyond competition. For many students, marching band is a lifelong passion that shapes their futures.
“I’ve been a band kid all my life. I’ve marched all my life. I just love the sound of music. I love band,” Tony Scott, a percussionist at Sol C. Johnson High School, said.
Members of the Savannah State University Tigers marching band play during the Battle of the Bands.
“I do marching band at my school. And this would give me a great experience in picking a college that I might want to go to, or like, what band I might want to join in the future,” Andrea Rhodes, a baritone player at Screven County High School, said.
The competition is part of a larger HBCU tradition, where marching bands are deeply connected to school culture, community, and identity.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson highlighted the artistry behind the performances.
“The center of that is really the bands, the music, the artistry, the creativity, the fans. And so you go to see the best here today. But of course the best is Savannah State,” Johnson said.
A spectator looks on as the marching bands perform on the field.
This year’s event marked a historic first for Savannah. Organizers said it was the first time nine HBCU marching bands had gathered in the city to compete.
“This is history. We have some great bands coming, some bands that haven’t even been in Savannah in over ten years,” Davis said.
Bethune-Cookman University reportedly performed in Savannah for the first time in more than a decade.
Virginia State University’s marching band performed on the field Sunday.
The event drew fans, students, and families eager to support their schools and bands.
“They really inspired both of us. We’re both in the band. We’re both the best in our band,” Julien Burroughs, a band member at Screven County High School, said.
“This is successful because folks, community fans are coming out supporting. So we want to continue to do things like this for the entire Savannah region,” Savannah State University President Jermaine Whirl said.
For some families, the event was about continuing a legacy.
“Our parents, our grandparents went to Savannah State like, back in the day,” Ava Smalls, a freshman at Windsor Forest High School, said. “Just to see what was going on and, like, you know, just explore, is great.”
