The Band Experience
By: Anaya Balkcom
HBCUs are a melting pot of the different facets of the black culture. From fashion to sports, and art, these categories are just the tip of the iceberg. One of the largest parts of the HBCU culture is the band. The modern HBCU band we know and love today was created at Florida A&M College (FAMU).
Although the marching band’s origin can be traced back to The Tuskegee Institute, the band founded at FAMU marked a new era for what was expected from an HBCU marching band. Now, I don’t know about you but when I start thinking about HBCU bands, the movie Drumline appears in my head. I start to envision Nick Cannon seamlessly creating harmonious sounds on the drums.
When I delved into the archives to research HBCU bands, I was surprised to discover that black marching bands originated in the military. This sound caused rippled effects which would spill over into the Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
HBCU marching bands also played a large role in the civil rights movement, acting as a voice against the unjust acts against the black community. The marching bands have developed and changed with the community, and have transformed in many ways.
HBCUs have found a way to use these bands as a voice, while also creating a memorable experience through half-time performances and battle of the bands events that will leave you with lasting memories.
It has been said that The Tuskegee Normal School was one of the first marching bands to be formed at an HBCU. Their style was similar to the military style of rhythm.
Once the public heard they wanted to join in but given the state of affairs during that time, many black students could not afford music lessons so they adapted. They learned to hear and play the sound without lessons which led to new sounds of music, extensions of the original marching band.
It was around this time that Florida A&M (FAMU) took the baton and ran off in a direction that would lead so many generations after.
The impact of bands on black culture is continuously making waves. We hear it during open houses, homecoming, football games, and most recently everyday television reality shows. If you didn’t know now you know!
Come on, check out the sounds of our illustrious bands, and check out Battle of the Bands, which is being hosted in Inglewood California, on February 1, 2025. Universities such as Alabama State, Alabama A&M, Hampton, North Carolina A&T, Southern University A&M, and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff are the six talented bands that will be competing to win the battle of the bands.
