“Halftime is game time,” is the very popular quote used to explain the intensity of the marching bands during the halftime show.  Take the intensity of every marching band giant from each conference and put them together in one show and you will have the Annual Honda Battle of the Bands showcase. The Honda Battle of the Bands originated in 2003 as program to allow HBCU marching bands to showcase their talents.  The program consists of the invitational showcase and the celebration tour. The celebration tour takes place during the months of August through November during regular football games where participating schools are recognized and added to the ballot. The invitational showcase is the large event in January where ten schools on the ballot are voted in to participate.    A&T’ own Blue and Gold Marching Machine will be one of the ten very lucky HBCU marching bands to showcase their talents in this year’s show this Saturday, January 24th.Dr. Kenneth G. Ruff, director of the University Band, is very pleased that A&T was voted to participate in the musical showcase this year. “I’m pretty excited because it gives my students an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Ruff. Drum Major D’Javon Alston expressed great excitement about participating in Honda for the first time.    “It is a great honor because I am a fifth year member in the band, and this is my third year as one of the drum majors,” said Alston. “Just seeing the growth in members, scholarships and the program, makes us excited, but at the same time ready to get it over with.”     Sophomore Euphonium player Eric Evans said, “Everyone is excited.  We’re just ready to show out and show why we were chosen,” said Evans.    The Machine endured very long practices and frigid temperatures in preparation to introduce real Aggie Pride to the Georgia Dome. Ruff said practices have been challenging due to new music, new drills, and keeping everyone focused.    “The practices have been very strenuous,” said Alston. “Personally, I’ve worked on creating the drills this year, so giving instructions and making sure everyone does it right have been hard.”    Overall Ruff wants his students to have an educational experience from not only performing themselves but from watching the other nine bands who will perform.     “I want my kids to have fun and have a great experience,” said Ruff. “Additionally I want to get the band’s name out more, showcase our talents, and also network.”     Although the Machine could not reveal too much information about their show they did hint to look out for high energy, intensity, power, crowd participation and pure entertainment.    The Blue and Gold Marching Machine will be competing with Texas Southern University, Fayetteville State University, Florida A&M University, North Carolina Central University and many more.    To all of the Aggie supporters traveling to the Georgia Dome, the machine simply wants your support, work as hard as they have and help show what Aggie Pride is all about.  “We put in a lot of hard work, time and effort, but it is possible to be in band and still have a life so do not be scared, come out and be a part of the legacy,” said Alston.     Tickets are $10 for upper bowl seating and $12 for lower bowl seating. The Honda Battle of the Bands starts this coming Saturday January 24, at 3 p.m.

• Ashley Reid