Langston University’s Marching Pride Band, an esteemed ensemble with a nationwide reputation for excellence, is poised to demonstrate its unparalleled talent at the highly anticipated 2025 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands in Houston. This prestigious event serves as a pivotal platform, celebrating the rich musical heritage and cultural impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, while also showcasing the pinnacle of marching band artistry from across the nation.
The band’s journey to this elite competition is rooted in relentless dedication, exemplified by figures like Senior Drum Major Tyyuan Broils Jr. and the freshman members who commit their summer months to rigorous preparation. This intense practice, often conducted in settings like the music hall at IW Young Auditorium, is the cornerstone of the Marching Pride Band’s ability to consistently achieve and maintain its status as one of the country’s premier collegiate bands.
Scheduled for August 23 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, the National Battle of the Bands transcends a mere performance; it is a movement that venerates the significant contributions of HBCUs to American music, culture, and leadership. As articulated by the event’s executive producer, the platform continuously strives to elevate the experience, making it more than just a competition but a profound cultural statement.
Langston University’s repeated invitation to this distinguished event underscores its sustained standing within the highly competitive hierarchy of college marching bands. Their selection as one of the top eight bands out of 102 HBCUs represents a profound honor and a testament to the consistent excellence fostered under the leadership of band director Mark Gordon, who assumed his role in 2018.
The competition promises an electrifying display of talent, with Langston joining a roster of nationally recognized bands including Alabama A&M, Albany State, Florida A&M, Jackson State, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M, and Texas Southern. A unique dynamic emerges from this lineup, as only Langston and North Carolina A&T are not members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), intensifying the competitive spirit and providing Langston with a compelling narrative.
Senior Drum Major Tyyuan Broils Jr., in his final year, articulates a deeply personal motivation for this season, particularly regarding the opportunity to perform against formidable SWAC schools. He views this stage as a crucial moment for the Marching Pride Band to assert their presence and talent, challenging perceptions and demonstrating that even outside the SWAC, Langston stands as a powerful and deserving HBCU force.
Beyond the high-stakes performance in front of an anticipated 69,000 fans, participation in the Pepsi Battle of the Bands offers substantial benefits for the program’s growth and sustainability. The event covers significant expenses such as hotel accommodations, meals, and transportation, totaling approximately $120,000 to $130,000, and further donates $50,000 to the university specifically for band scholarships and future travel opportunities.
This national battle is merely one highlight in a packed schedule for Langston’s Marching Pride Band, which also includes performances at a Super Bowl rematch halftime show, yearly appearances at City Thunder games, the Labor Day National Battle of the Bands in Philadelphia, and the Wake-Up Crank-Up Battle of the Bands in Dallas, with aspirations for a Dallas Cowboys home game and the MLK Day Parade in Denver. Regardless of the venue, whether under the scorching sun or in a climate-controlled stadium, the band maintains an unwavering standard: to showcase “Langston to the world.”
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