- Posted in All University
- Category: Campus News
Lincoln University, PA — A seemingly normal band practice quickly turned into a praise session when the Orange Crush Roaring Lion Marching Band learned they received enough votes to be one of eight bands invited to compete in the 2016 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB). The competition takes place January 30 in Atlanta, Georgia.
According to Roland Green, the bands director and percussion coordinator, this achievement has been years in the making.
“This is an exciting opportunity to elevate us in the band world and will give our current and new students a renewed enthusiasm for performing.”
The selection comes with a $20,000 cash gift courtesy of Honda Corporation, for the band to use for enhancements such as equipment or uniform upgrades. For Teri McMillon, the band’s drum major and trumpet player, upgrades are great but being chosen to perform is beyond her wildest dreams.
“I’ve never done anything like this in my life,” says the percussion player from Charlotte, North Carolina, who’s been playing in marching bands since age 13.
“I’m honored and grateful that others have seen in us what we have seen in ourselves. We have a lot to share once we get to Atlanta.”
Orange Crush is one of the younger bands in the world of HBCU marching bands, beginning at Lincoln just eight years ago in 2007. For several years it’s been nominated to participate, and even received a commendation. This year, however, they were determined to make the competition. They organized, chose a band member to spearhead a voting campaign, and did everything imaginable to bring awareness to HBOB including voting events in the student cafeteria to daily email and social media blasts. And after six years of being on the list, they prevailed in being among the best HBCU bands invited to perform.
“This just shows that anything is possible with hard work and determination,” said DeJanee Jones, a band member majoring in human services and music as a minor.
“We put forth the effort t
o get to chance to perform,” stated Kendria Waltower, a dancer who is from Washington, D.C. “We did it!”
While attending this event will be a first-ever for Orange Crush collectively, one member — a senior majoring in computer science — has been viewing this event for many years.
“Ever since middle school I’ve marched with the local high school band. A highlight from that time was going to watch HBOB,” said Kenneth Hearing-Bowen, a native of Columbia S.C. “I always imagined being on the field, and now I will be.”