The highly anticipated 2024 ESPN Band of the Year competition has officially kicked off, and the initial HBCU band rankings are in! As the marching bands from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) captivate fans with their unique blend of musicality, drill, and showmanship, this yearโs rankings highlight the best of the best in Division I. With expert evaluators and a new, exciting format, the ESPN Band of the Year competition is set to crown the ultimate champion at the end of the season, just before the Cricket Celebration Bowl in December.
What is the ESPN Band of the Year?
The ESPN Band of the Year competition aims to establish a national championship for HBCU marching bands. Bands from Division I and Division II HBCUs are evaluated throughout the season based on a range of performance categories, including musicality, percussion, drill and design, drum majors, and auxiliaries. This competition provides a platform to recognize the immense talent and tradition within HBCU bands, while promoting music education and student engagement at the collegiate level. Every performance counts, and the results will fuel fan interest all season long.
The Inaugural Division I Rankings
The first rankings of the 2024 ESPN Band of the Year are here, showcasing the Top 15 Division I HBCU bands. These rankings are based on performances from early-season games and the expert evaluation of a panel of adjudicators. Below are the current standings:
1. North Carolina A&T University โ 323.5 points ย
ย ย Categories: #1 in Percussion, #4 in Musicality, #4 in Drill & Design ย
2. Southern University โ 321 points ย
ย ย Categories: #1 in Auxiliaries, #4 in Percussion, #5 in Musicality ย
3. Norfolk State University โ 319 points ย
ย ย Categories: #1 in Musicality, #3 in Percussion ย
4. Jackson State University โ 313 points ย
ย ย Categories: #4 in Drum Majors, #3 in Musicality ย
5. Bethune-Cookman University โ 309.5 points ย
ย ย Categories: #2 in Drum Majors, #9 in Musicality, #1 in Drill & Design
Click below for full top 15
The rankings showcase intense competition across key categories, with North Carolina A&T currently leading the pack, thanks to strong showings in both percussion and overall performance.
How the Rankings Work
The ESPN Band of the Year rankings are determined by a group of esteemed adjudicators, including band directors emeriti and alumni from prestigious programs like Jackson State, Florida A&M, and Southern University. Each band is evaluated on:
โ Musicality
โ Drill and Design
โ Percussion
โ Drum Majors
โ Auxiliaries
These experts assign scores based on live performances, with rankings published monthly. As the season progresses, the competition will only get tighter, leading up to the selection of the final four bandsโtwo from Division I and two from Division IIโwho will compete for the title of **2024 ESPN Band of the Year**?6โ source?.
Spotlight on Top Performers
With every band bringing their best this season, several standouts have emerged in the early rankings. **Norfolk State University** leads the field in musicality, while **Southern University** claims the top spot in the auxiliaries category. **Bethune-Cookman University** shines in drill and design, proving that this competition is about excelling across multiple facets of the band experience
Whatโs Next for the ESPN Band of the Year?
As the season progresses, fans can expect monthly updates to the ESPN Band of the Year rankings on HBCU Gameday and ESPN platforms. The competition will culminate in December during the Cricket Celebration Bowl weekend in Atlanta. On December 13, the top two bands from Division I and Division II will battle it out in front of a national audience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This epic showdown will be part of the most unique weekend in HBCU culture, blending the excitement of football and the artistry of marching bands like never before.
Fans can follow the ESPN Band of the Year rankings throughout the season, with updates and highlights available on HBCUGameday.com and BOTYโs social media channels. Engage with your favorite band, show your support, and keep track of whoโs climbing to the top!
How to Stay Connected
To stay up to date with the 2024 ESPN Band of the Year competition, make sure to follow HBCU Gameday on all social media platforms. Share your thoughts on the rankings, engage with other fans, and vote for your favorite band. Every vote and share helps your band get the recognition it deserves!
**ESPN Band of the Year** has brought a thrilling new competitive edge to the world of HBCU marching bands. With rankings updated every month, and the competition heating up, who will claim the coveted title at seasonโs end? Stay tuned to find out, and donโt miss any of the action leading up to the final championship event in December.
