Nine HBCU bands compete in Savannah battle, celebrating impact through music

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Nine historically Black colleges and universities brought their marching bands to Savannah on Sunday for the 2026 Big HBCU Battle of the Bands: Battle for the South.

Alex Davis, president of the Big HBCU Battle of the Bands, said the organization is national and that Sunday’s event made history with nine HBCUs competing in Savannah.

“We’re happy to be here, and we feel like family already to you guys,” Davis said.

Organizers said the event is meant to celebrate the impact of HBCUs while showing young people how music, education, and opportunity work together.

Davis said the bands compete to determine who plays best.

“In the band culture, we practice hard, we work hard, and we always look to come and show out,” Davis said.

The participating schools were Savannah State University, South Carolina State University, Virginia State University, Fort Valley State University, Talladega College, Bethune-Cookman University, Albany State University, Winston-Salem State University and Benedict College.

Dr. Jermaine Whirl, Savannah State University president, said bands are a big part of HBCU culture.

“Bands are a big part of HBCU culture. Outside of the football games, a lot of folks come to hear the bands because of the artistry. So, to have this many bands come to Savannah on 912 weekend is a fantastic way to end the week,” Whirl said.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson welcomed the schools, their leadership and their families to the city.

“The music, the artistry, the creativity of bands, so you’re going to see the best here today, but of course the best is Savannah State,” Johnson said.

Building a pipeline to HBCUs

Organizers said the event is designed to celebrate the impact of HBCUs while showing young people how music, education and opportunity can work together. With Savannah serving as host city, organizers said the event provides an opportunity for local students and families to experience HBCU culture firsthand while learning about higher education and opportunities available through participating institutions.

Organizers said the event also aims to strengthen the pipeline between middle and high school students and HBCUs, particularly students involved in marching band and music programs.

Whirl said community support drives the event’s success.

“This is successful because folks, communities, and fans are coming out and supporting. So, we want to continue do activities like these for the entire Savannah region,” Whirl said.