Organizers Launch HBCUs Band Together Scholarship Initiative in Support of HBCU Bands
HOUSTON, Texas -- In an effort to prioritize health and safety during the pandemic, event partners Webber Marketing & Consulting, LLC and the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority , with the support of local and NRG Stadium officials, have rescheduled the 2020 Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands for the last weekend in August, 2021.
“Safety is our No. 1 priority. Over the last few months, we have been closely monitoring the on-going developments of the coronavirus and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, as well as state and local governments, and we are confident this decision is the best course of action,” said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing & Consulting, LLC and Creator of the National Battle of the Bands. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding of the measures we are taking to protect our students, fans and the greater community.”
With the backing of its partners, NBOTB will support Historically Black Colleges and Universities during these challenging times with the launch of a scholarship program -- HBCUs Band Together. The evergreen, scholarship initiative is designed to bring together those who love and seek to support HBCUs, HBCU marching bands and their band members during the COVID-19 crisis, while celebrating the talent, contribution and impact of HBCU marching bands on the culture, and the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders.
“Due to safety and health concerns, we understand and wholeheartedly support the decision to reschedule the National Battle of the Bands for the fall of 2021,” said Jeff Sigel, Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “As the continued title sponsor of NBOTB, we remain committed to participating HBCUs and are excited to provide support to the HBCUs Band Together initiative.”
With COVID-19 changing the landscape of sporting events and other public gatherings where HBCU bands would be invited to perform and showcase their talents – HBCUs Band Together will focus on raising aid for 250,000 COVID-19 test kits for all HBCU students and creating another source of funding to assist HBCU bands with scholarships for its students and programs. To donate, go to www.HBCUsBandTogether.org.
“During the pandemic, we have been focused on creating opportunities and making an impact, which calls for most initiatives to be virtual at this point,” said Sports Authority Vice President Chris Massey.
“After seeing Houston and the HBCU community embrace NBOTB last year, we want to keep that positive momentum, which is arguably more important now than ever before. HBCUs Band Together does just that.”
The NBOTB has secured a three-year partnership with The AEA Education Foundation, Inc., which will serve as a presenting sponsor of the NBOTB and support its commitment to providing scholarships for HBCUs.
In addition, the U.S. Air Force is now an official sponsor of the NBOTB and will serve as the new title partner for the HBCU College Recruitment Fair, which helps students learn more about HBCUs which are recruiting for both undergrad and graduate students for S.T.E.M. and non S.T.E.M. programs.
Both partners will also support HBCUs Band Together.
In 2019, the support of fans and partners helped make the inaugural year in Houston one of great memories and of lasting impact. The event raised $100,000 in scholarships, which supported the participating HBCU bands, two local Black Greek letter organizations and supplied band instruments to five local Houston-area high school bands.
For more information about the NBOTB visit www.nationalbattleofthebands.com and stay updated on social media:
NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram)
@NationalBOTB (Twitter)
For more information about HBCUs Band Together visit www.hbcusbandtogether.org and stay updated on social media:
HBCUsBandTogether (Facebook/Instagram)
@HBCUsBand (Twitter)
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About the Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands
The event’s mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their marching bands, the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing our future leaders. Event organizers have generated more than $500,000 in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities. www.nationalbattleofthebands.com
About HBCUs Band Together
HBCUs Band Together is a scholarship initiative designed to bring together those who love and seek to support HBCU’s, HBCU Bands and their band members during the COVID-19 crisis; while celebrating the talent, contribution and impact of HBCU marching bands on the culture, and the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders. www.hbcusbandtogether.org