The Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band is set to be one of 10 powerhouse bands electrifying Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, during the HBCU Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands. This year marks a significant shift as the highly anticipated event moves from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Jackson, Mississippi. It will also be Alcorn State’s first time participating in the event.
The HBCU Labor Day Classic, which has historically drawn over 50,000 attendees and generated an economic impact exceeding $5 million, promises an unforgettable cultural celebration of music, tradition, and community.
“We’re incredibly excited to showcase the talent and dedication of the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite on such a prominent stage,” said Dr. Everson Martin, director of bands. “We’re truly honored to participate alongside so many other outstanding HBCU band programs.”
The art of HBCU marching band goes far beyond just playing instruments; it’s a dynamic fusion of intricate drill formations, precise choreography, and a powerful, unique sound that resonates with audiences. Achieving this level of performance requires countless hours of practice and meticulous preparation long before the first note is played on the field.
“With the HBCU Labor Day Classic just a few months away, our focus right now is on meticulously preparing our show for band camp,” Martin added. “We’re making sure everything is in place so that when our students return, they’re ready to hit the ground running with practices.”
The day’s events begin at noon with the HBCU Labor Day Classic Fanfest, a free-with-RSVP tailgate featuring vendors, music, food, high school and collegiate step teams, majorettes, dance crews, giveaways, and special celebrity guests. Gates to the stadium open at 5 p.m., followed by a Parade of Bands at 5:30 p.m. The main event, the Battle of the Bands, will kick off promptly at 6 p.m., as each of the 10 bands takes the field to showcase their best drills, signature sounds, and school pride.
For the first time, the entire event will be streamed live on Urban Edge Network’s (UEN) free streaming platform, providing global access and historic visibility for HBCU marching band culture.
The participating bands include:
- Alabama A&M University – The Marching Maroon and White Band
- Alabama State University – The Mighty Marching Hornets
- Alcorn State University – The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band
- Grambling State University – The World-Famed Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band
- Jackson State University – The Sonic Boom of the South
- Langston University – Marching Pride Band
- Mississippi Valley State University – The Mean Green Marching Machine
- Southern University – The Human Jukebox
- Talladega College – The Great Tornado Band
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South
To purchase tickets and to learn more about the event, visit hbculabordayclassic.com.
Adding to an already exciting year, the Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band is also set to make an appearance at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City.
