Let’s Bring it For the Band
Generally, game days at Historically Black Colleges and Universities are not solely focused on the football team, but also the superheroes of halftime: the marching band.
Often HBCU bands hold rivalries amongst each other competing with even the most tense football feuds.
Fans, players, and members alike often look forward to the comforting familiarity of the bold, and booming nature of bands at Historically Black Colleges.
Yet occasionally HBCUs will face off against teams who do not fall in the category of historically black. Although these schools may offer a heightened level of athletic competition, they are missing the distinct culture that is derived from the appreciation of an HBCU band. Simply put, some have never seen or heard the charisma that stems from these organizations.
Yet the August 31st game against Alabama A&M, and Auburn University allowed fans to come for football, and stay for the band.
Pressing Record
Junior Alto Saxophone Player Georghetta Conaway admits she was “A little skeptical” before playing at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare football stadium on August 31st. Knowing the unfortunate past the state of Alabama has with race relations, made Conaway uncertain of how Auburn fans might receive the very spirited nature of historically black college bands.
Yet this gameday would go from an uncertain endeavor, to an experience she would never forget.
During the game Conaway would capture a moment between a band mate, and Auburn fan that would amass 42,300 likes and more than 260,000 views, on social media app Tik Tok. What was the moment one might ask? That is a light-hearted dance competition between band member Marcus Bonner, and Auburn fan Brock Young.
When asked what prompted her to film the video Conaway explained that she knew the personality of her band mate Marcus Bonner. Conaway transferred from Howard to A&M her sophomore year. The two both joined the band in 2023, and he became her “freshman brother” Conawyas states “He’s always been very outgoing, he likes to be very boisterous and animated”.
Editing Tik Tok videos herself, Conaway saw the potential in this humorous exchange. She figured people would enjoy it and therefore decided to film.
Who are the Marching Maroon White?
The Alabama A&M band, also known as the Marching Maroon and white is under the supervision of Head director Carlton Wright, assistant director Charles Conner, Chief Arranger Mario Warren.
According to Conaway, the directors “show their dedication, and they push us to show our dedication.” Holding them to a standard of excellence, they expect them to carry, even after graduation.
Alabama A&M University was founded by William Hooper Councill, a former slave who was sold on the property of the school. After this occurrence Councill vowed to come back to the bell tower where he was sold and build a school. Returning in 1875 he became the first president of the Huntsville Normal School, now known as Alabama A&M University.
Conway believes the history of her school manifests even today, stating “I believe that our school is very big on giving all students an opportunity”
This is also present in the dynamics of the band as Conaway expresses that many first generation students attend the University. Therefore Band directors act as mentors, teaching life skills, and principles, that are also valuable in the “real world”.
Carrying the Legacy
Ultimately, bands at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, embody the musical legacy of our ancestors. Georghettas and her bandmates experience at Auburn, marks a significant shift in the reception of black culture
In a stadium where years ago they wouldn’t have been welcome, A&M’s band was able to exchange light-hearted fun with Auburn fans.
Georghetta states “It just feels like an honor to be able to carry that black culture to majority white spaces like auburn, and share it with them, and they be receptive and be kind”.
Between the fists bumps, words of encouragement, and dance competitions Auburn University embraced Alabama A&M in a manner that will be continually appreciated.
To keep up with the journey of the Alabama A&M band you can follow their instagram: @aamuband.
