Alcorn’s Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite to Perform at Walt Disney World Resort for Largest-Ever HBCU Week

Alcorn State University’s Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite will soon take the stage at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., for the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week ever. HBCU Week is set for Oct. 7 – 9, 2022.

The marching band is among four other HBCU bands — Bethune Cookman, North Carolina A&T, Delaware State, and Winston-Salem State — invited to participate in the Battle of the Bands on Oct. 9 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Magic Kingdom Park, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Tickets for the Battle of the Bands are $25 and can be purchased at HBCUWeek.org.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m so happy that our students get to experience such a wonderful moment,” said Dr. Everson Martin, director of bands. “I’ve never been myself, so I feel like this is a dream come true. And to experience this with my students and represent Alcorn State University on such a grand stage is special.”

Head drum major Alvin Jones expressed his excitement about the historic moment for the band.

“For the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite marching band, performing at Disney World is a huge historical milestone in the program’s history,” said Jones. “Disney World is one of the country’s biggest attractions, so showcasing our rich traditions and musical talents on such a global stage is a tremendous opportunity. Personally, the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band and Disney World have been at the forefront of my childhood memories. Visiting the park and performing with SOD while is surreal! I can’t wait to experience this with my fellow bandmates.”

In addition to the Battle of the Bands competition, the three-day event will include a college fair and a live broadcast of ESPN’s “First Take.” 

Disney anticipates over 5,000 high school students to attend the college fair, which will host recruiters from 50 HBCUs. Alcorn’s Office of Admissions will attend the fair set for Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. – 3p.m. and offer on-site admissions to the institution. 

“The Office of Admissions and Recruitment is looking forward to attending HBCU Week in Orlando, Florida,” said Courtney Smith, director of Admissions. “One of the best parts of the job is to tell prospective students about the many academic and scholarship offerings and the family atmosphere that they can expect at Alcorn.”

For more information about HBCU Week and for students to register for the College Fair, visit HBCUWeek.org. Follow HBCU Week at  Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Schedule of Events:

October 7
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

  • ESPN First Take Live Broadcast with hosts, Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim – Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
  • HBCU Week College Fair – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • HBCU Week Lunch and Learn Series – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m

October 8
Magic Kingdom Park

HBCU Week Band Parades* – featuring Delaware State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Bethune Cookman University, Winston Salem State University and Alcorn University. Walt Disney World theme park ticket and reservation required.

  • 9:20 a.m. NC A&T Cavalcade
  • 2:35 p.m. Bethune Cookman & Winston Salem State Cavalcade
  • 6:00 p.m. Alcorn State & Delaware State Cavalcade

This is an outdoor parade and subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Showtimes are subject to change.

October 9
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

  • HBCU Week Battle of the Bands – Delaware State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Bethune Cookman University, Winston Salem State University and Alcorn University
    • 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. ($25 ticket required)

Gates open at 12:30 p.m., and the event begins at 2 p.m.