Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University came together once again for the annual battle of the bands on Friday, Sept. 3, to kick off the Labor Day Classic. For the first time ever, this event took place on home ground in the Baby Dome. Thousands of students and alumni came out to support the friendly school rivalry between both bands to see who could rock the crowd. Tickets were completely sold out and all of the proceeds from ticket purchases were collected for each university’s band program.
Assistant band director, Mark Gordon, spoke highly of the band’s program, “The band plays a very important role in uplifting student morale because we’ve been kicking for so many years. I was a drum major for the band back in my time with former director George Edwards, so I’m just here to continue to educate and enlighten students from generation to generation.” This highly anticipated event was filled with torn perceptions of who would take the title and reign as the best band.
Shana Boston, criminal justice major and freshman seemed very confident that the Marching Storm couldn’t possibly be embarrassed on their own turf,
“They’re definitely going to lose because our band has dedication. When I get out of class, I hear them practicing. When I get home from work, I hear them practicing faithfully. When I come home late from a party, I still hear them! So, I know as hard as they practice, TSU has no chance of winning.”
The energy only intensified throughout the night as competition between universities got heated. UV coordinator James Durant, co hosting helped keep the momentum flowing during the show and kept the audience humored with loud laughs and hilarious jokes to lighten the mood. “Class is now in session, so TSU take out your pens, pads, pencils, or whatever you use and pay attention before you head back down 290 to 288.” But, Prairie View stole the show when their drum line, consisting of freshmen only, were recognized for their outstanding performance.
Overall, this was most definitely an unforgettable battle of bands!