Ask anyone who looks forward to the annual “Battle of the Bay” between the Hampton University and Norfolk State football teams, and odds are, it’s not just the guys in shoulder pads they’re excited about.
The “Battle of the Bay” also means the “Battle of the Bands.” The Norfolk State “Spartan Legion” and the Hampton University “Marching Force” provide one of the best halftime shows the state of Virginia has to offer. “There’s really nothing else like it. This is one of our biggest games of the year,” said NSU senior drum major Tau Manigat’chatman.
It’s a halftime show you have to see to appreciate. With carefully choreographed formations and a little showmanship from the drum majors, the marching bands try to show the onlookers who’s the “best marching band in the land.”
As is the case between the football programs, it’s tradition. “It’s synonymous with the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, (but with) black college,” said Hampton Band Director Rasan Holmes.
Most of the band members from either side know each other and are friends away from competition. On this particular Saturday, however, both sides let the competitiveness take over. “It’s a friendly rivalry, but it can also get heated at times, because we all want to be on top,” said NSU band director William Beathea.
Source:
http://wavy.com/2014/10/20/battle-of-the-b...
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Friday, October 24th 2014 at 12:32PM
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