The inaugural Division II rankings for the 2024 ESPN Band of the Year competition have been released, and the competition is already heating up amongst HBCU bands. This highly anticipated event showcases the best of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) marching bands, with Division II bands battling for the coveted **ESPN Band of the Year** title. With expert adjudicators evaluating performances across multiple categories, this competition brings new excitement and recognition to HBCU bands.
What is the ESPN Band of the Year?
The ESPN Band of the Year competition was created to crown the top marching bands in both Division I and Division II HBCUs. The bands are evaluated throughout the season based on criteria including musicality, drill and design, percussion, drum majors, and auxiliaries. As fans of HBCU football know, the halftime shows are an essential part of the game day experience, and this competition ensures that every performance matters. The top two bands from each division will compete for the national championship in December, just before the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Florida Memorial won the inaugural award at the Division II level in 2023.
The Inaugural ESPN Division II Rankings
The first rankings of the 2024 ESPN Band of the Year competition for Division II are out, and the top bands have already set themselves apart. Here are the current standings for the Top 15 Division II Bands:
1. Miles College – 293 points
Categories: #1 in Drum Majors, #1 in Percussion, #4 in Musicality, #2 in Drill & Design
2. Florida Memorial – 286 points
Categories: #2 in Drum Majors, #2 in Percussion, #1 in Drill & Design
3. Virginia State University – 284.6 points
Categories: #1 in Musicality, #4 in Percussion, #16 in Drum Majors
4. Winston-Salem State University – 269.5 points
Categories: #2 in Musicality, #10 in Drum Majors
5. Tuskegee University – 267 points
Categories: #3 in Musicality, #7 in Percussion, #12 in Drum Majors.
Top 15 listed below:
Miles College leads the pack in Division II, excelling in multiple categories such as Drum Majors and Percussion. Meanwhile, Florida Memorial and Virginia State University are close behind, with impressive performances in Drill & Design and Musicality.
How Are the Rankings Determined?
The ESPN Band of the Year rankings are established by a panel of expert adjudicators who evaluate each band’s performance across several key areas. These experts, consisting of current and retired HBCU band directors, score the bands based on the following categories:
– Musicality
– Drill and Design
– Percussion
– Drum Majors
– Auxiliaries
Each band’s score is totaled and ranked, with monthly updates showcasing the evolving competition. The process ensures that the best performances across the season are rewarded, making every halftime show count.
Spotlight on the Top Performers
This season, several Division II bands have already distinguished themselves. Miles College stands out with high marks in multiple categories, while Florida Memorial takes top honors in Drill & Design. Virginia State University leads the competition in Musicality, showcasing the diverse talents of these bands. Winston-Salem State University also made a strong impression, ranking second in Musicality and consistently delivering standout performances.
What’s Next for the ESPN Band of the Year?
The 2024 ESPN Band of the Year competition will continue throughout the football season, with rankings updated monthly. Fans can follow their favorite bands and watch as the competition intensifies, leading up to the national championship showdown in December. The top two bands from Division II will compete for the title the night before the Cricket Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
This season, every performance matters, and the stakes are higher than ever. As the season progresses, bands will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in marching band performances, striving for perfection in every category.
How to Follow the Competition
Stay connected with the 2024 ESPN Band of the Year competition by following HBCU Gameday and ESPN platforms for the latest rankings and updates. Be sure to tune in for monthly ranking releases and engage with fellow fans as the excitement builds toward the ultimate showdown in Atlanta. Share your thoughts on the competition and support your favorite band by participating in fan polls, social media conversations, and more.
The ESPN Band of the Year competition is more than just a ranking—it’s a celebration of the incredible talent and dedication that HBCU marching bands bring to the field. With the rankings in place and the competition underway, the road to the national championship is set to be one of the most thrilling journeys of the year. Who will claim the top spot in December? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: HBCU bands are ready to leave it all on the field.