The annual Honda Battle of the Bands competition, a musical faceoff between over 40 college bands from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has garnered the attention of The Home Depot as well, who announced they will sponsor the 2011 showcase in conjunction with Honda.
Now in its ninth year, the competition is the only national scholarship program that highlights music education at HBCUs. Throughout the fall, more than 40 schools will compete in the Celebration Tour, which will narrow down the participants to eight elite bands. Each school participating in the Celebration Tour receives a $1,000 grant for their musical program and the eight bands selected to participate in the final competition are awarded an additional $20,000. Since the program’s inception, Honda has awarded more than $1 million in grants to support HBCU music curricula.
The Battle of the Bands competition takes place Jan. 20, 2011 in Atlanta. For more information, visit HondaBattleoftheBands.com.
“Honda and The Home Depot both have a longstanding commitment to the African-American community, and we are pleased to join forces to ensure that the HBCUs continue to provide opportunities to uniquely talented students,” said Barbara Ponce, manager of Corporate and Diversity Advertising for American Honda.
For more information on the Honda Battle of the Bands, including the Celebration Tour stops, participating institutions and ticket sales please visit www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.