Band Strikes A Chord In ATL

On Saturday, Jan. 26, the Winston-Salem State marching band performed in front of over 60,000 people during it's first-ever performance in the Honda Battle of the Bands in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

The Battle of The Bands is a national, invitation-only, showcase for marching bands at Historically Black College and Universities. Atlanta. The WSSU band performed in front of a crowd of more than 60,000 people.

The invitational is the only national program to showcase the pageantry, showmanship, and musicianship that HBCU marching bands are known for.WSSU was the first to perform and and many spectators walked away impressed. "We may be small, but our sound was great," said WSSU freshman Eric Walker.

Other bands present were Shaw University, Virginia State University, NC Central University, Bethune-Cookman University, Norfolk State University, Albany State University, Tuskegee University, Texas Southern University, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

The Red Sea of Sound, as the band is known, had plenty of supporters . WSSU students, faculty, alumni, and fellow supporters packed almost an entire section in the lower level of the Georgia Dome.

"There was great fans support, and all of the bands were excellent," said Jean Avent, a WSSU supporter and Shaw University alumna.

" I loved seeing all of the college students perform after all of their hard work and practice. I truly enjoyed myself, and I look forward to doing it all again next year," she said.

Highlights of the invitational not only included the band showcase, but also performances by entertainers Young Joc and The Dream. In addition a Old School/New School competition, which was created to find out which age group had more pride, kept the crowd on its feet.

Drum major Theodis Chunn said the band appreciated the fan support.

"We couldn't have done it without seeing our very own fans," said Chunn. "It was great to see so many faculty, staff, and students in their red shirts to support what we do. Overall, it was a great experience."

MORE OF THE RED SEA OF SOUND