The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) has been invited to participate in the 2025 Invitational Showcase, known as the Honda Battle of The Bands. They will be one of six HBCU marching bands.
Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), the nation’s premier showcase for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands, will bring its high energy and sound to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The M4 band put together a great show that showcased HBCU Unity in Atlanta, GA.
According to Honda’s press release, “Honda continues its commitment to powering the dreams and success of HBCU students by providing experiences and opportunities like Honda Battle of the Bands,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Bringing Honda Battle of the Bands to California will provide a platform for these young musicians while expanding awareness of the rich legacy of HBCU schools.” And ahead of HBOB 2025, Honda reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to HBCU music education through a $500,000 grant to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The grant is dedicated to awarding scholarships that will power the academic ambitions of HBCU student musicians across the country. To learn more about the scholarship program, visit https://www.tmcf.org/students-alumnus/scholarship/tmcf-honda-hbcu-scholarship/.
