Alcorn’s Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite to perform in the Georgia Dome at 2013 Honda Battle of the Bands
Alcorn State, Miss. (November 6, 2012) –Known for its original choreography and showmanship, Alcorn State University’s Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching band is among eight of the nation’s top bands selected to entertain thousands at the Georgia Dome during the Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase on January 26, 2013.
Alcorn alumni and fans rallied to secure a sought-after slot for the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite who will pay tribute to retiring long-time band director Mr. Samuel Griffin for his 45-year leadership of the renowned band.
“In our long 47-year history, this will be the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite first appearance in the Honda Battle of the Bands,” says Dr. Renardo Murray ’95, band director, his voice full of excitement. “The students are elated and we will also be celebrating our president’s birthday {M. Christopher Brown II}. It’s a big achievement and a great honor.”
The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band is one of the most renowned HBCU college bands to ever march. Griffin during his tenure coined the unique and catchy name, and under his direction the band grew both in number and popularity. As a tribute to his outstanding service, Griffin received an award and a resolution from the University that in the month following his retirement, the band room will be renamed in his honor and he will also become Professor Emeritus.
Many bands are known for separate components. Some can march and play but cannot dance. Some can dance but cannot play. Some don’t have talented dance troupe members, but Alcorn’s band has it all. Now, under the direction of Dr. Murray, the band consists of more than 200 members and over 160 instruments that are complemented by drum majors and the ever-popular Golden Girls dance troupe.
“The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite precision, spirit and excellence is unmatched,” says President M. Christopher Brown II as he boasts about the band. “Our band is an integral part of the Alcorn family and has a rich history of recognition and support at every level throughout Mississippi and around the nation.”
The final eight bands were selected through a voting process incorporating online fan votes, band directors, the presidents of HBCU schools and representatives from American Honda.
Alcorn’s band, along with the remaining seven bands, earned a $20,000 grant each from Honda for their school’s music education programs and an all-expenses-paid trip to Atlanta to perform at the 2013 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase.
The road to Atlanta will involve months of hard work and training, where each band will have only 12 minutes to showcase the musical excellence, distinctive style and superior showmanship that earned them a place on the field in the Georgia Dome.
For more information on the 2013 Honda Battle of the Bands, including tickets, photos and video footage, and details on any and all questions about the program, please visit www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com .
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Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally-competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships which benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation and world.
