Many students at Winston-Salem State were surprised to hear the band playing in the middle of campus in the middle of the afternoon, as the band usually practices at night. Today’s ceremony was much more than an impromptu practice run.
WSSU’s marching band, nicknamed “The Red Sea of Sound,” performed in front of the clock tower today to celebrate as the band accepted it’s first-ever invitation to the Honda Battle of The Bands. The Sixth-Annual Honda Battle of the Bands, known as the “Super Bowl of Black College Bands,” will take place at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Jan. 26.
“You chose this band for a reason,” head drum major Darrell Potts told Honda officials, “and now it’s time for us to deliver.”
The small crowd of students, faculty and staff braved strong winds and cool temperatures to celebrate with the band.
“For you to have been selected by your fellow band directors, by your peers, for your band director to be recognized, and by other college presidents is nothing short of amazing,” Honda representative Craig Cason told the band.
Cason told the crowd that WSSU’s selection means that people outside of the school have taken notice of the band, as over 15 million people vote for the competition every year.
“You are to be congratulated at the top of the roof, because what you have done is taken your hard work, your early mornings and everything else, and passed it through.”
The Red Sea of Sound is one of only 10 bands that are chosen to participate in the Battle of the Bands. Each of the participating Invitational Showcase schools will receive $10,000 for their participation. Although there is no winner selected, just competing in the showcase will mean lots of exposure for WSSU.
The Georgia Dome seats 75,000 for concerts.
WSSU Chancellor Donald J. Reaves was on hand for the ceremony, and he thanked the students in the band for their dedication.
“We’re very proud of you,” said Reaves, “and those other bands better watch out.”