Honda Battle of the Bands Returns Bigger, Better, and in High Gear!

45 HBCU Marching Bands Prepare for Second Annual Celebration Tour and Invitational Showcase

ATLANTA, Sept. 12 -- As the 2003-college football season approaches, Historically Black Colleges and Universities' (HBCU) world- renowned bands are gearing up for the second annual Honda Battle of the Bands Celebration Tour and Invitational Showcase to highlight the historic spirit and pageantry of their institutions. This unique program, sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., will award a total of $125,000 in grants to the participating marching bands. Honda will also host 10 bands that will showcase their dynamic music programs at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on January 24, 2004.

"This program is an opportunity for Honda to recognize the tradition and excellence of black college bands which have long been a definitive part of HBCU culture," said Wendell Bugg, manager of American Honda Corporate Affairs and Communications. "We are thrilled to bring back the Battle of the Bands and to be a part of the competition and camaraderie that exists between HBCU bands, their fans and alumni."

The Honda Battle of the Bands program includes two components. The Celebration Tour, which runs through November 22nd, provides an opportunity for 45 participating schools to earn a $1,000 grant for their halftime performances at selected football games during the fall.

At the end of the Tour, the 10 bands that demonstrate the most showmanship, musicianship and fan interaction will be invited to the Invitational Showcase. Each of the 10 schools selected will receive an additional $10,000 toward its scholarship fund. The invitees will include the two top bands from each of the four HBCU athletic conferences (CIAA, SWAC, MEAC, SIAC) and two independent schools. The selection process for the Showcase will be based solely on a three-tiered process.

   *  Thirty-three percent of the vote will be from the on-line fan voting
      at www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com ,

   *  Thirty-three will be from the commissioners of the four conferences
      and school presidents, and

   *  Thirty-three will be from the band directors.

Commissioners, presidents and band directors are not allowed to vote for their own school(s). All on-line surveys must be completed and submitted by November 1st. On November 17th, American Honda will announce the bands that will perform at the Invitational Showcase.

"It was indeed a privilege and challenge to perform in the inaugural Honda Battle of the Bands last year and we are working hard to be back again this year," said Dr. Larry Pannell, Band Director at Grambling State. "What the fans experience at the Honda Battle of the Bands, presidents, kings and queens from the United States to Zimbabwe have embraced and praised. These bands capture the grace and poise of HBCUs, so Atlanta can prepare themselves to get down in year 2."

For more information on the Honda Battle of the Bands or to cast your vote for the Invitational Showcase visit www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com .