Support your local or smaller HBCU bands. Often those programs are surviving without music programs through heart and dedication. Donate to these student programs.

I think ALL bands are G.O.A.T.S. in their own way...this should've just been referred to as The 7 levels of funding which directly affects recruiting and exposure...🤔

The year was 1998, and my mom took me to the Florida Classic at [what was then] The Citrus Bowl.  I was 12 years old, and I just started band the year prior in middle school in Orlando.  I really didn't know anything about what i was going to, other than that there was football, and a lot of buzz about the marching bands.

I remember being the only white kid, in a crowd of people eating street food, buying team shirts, and...well, drinking and having a good time.  We sat down in the stadium at the game, and watched the first two quarters.  People watched, people got up to go to the bathroom - it was any football game.  But then halftime came up.

I proceeded to watch FAMU and Bethune Cookman College (before it was BCU) put every ass in the seats for the entire halftime.  People lost their damn minds watching the bands play, dance, bend, and put on a really great show.  Somehow, there seemed to be 4 times the number of people watching the bands, than there was the football game.

Halftime ended, and the game resumed.  People thinned out, and the both teams played.  Do I remember who won?  Yeah, it was the Marching 100 and the Marching Wildcats.

Years went on, and I went through middle and high school.  I went to college for music, and played a couple seasons in the Disney college band.  We had students from a lot of schools doing the band, including guys from FAM and Bethune.  Every single one of them was on top of their craft in a way that a lot of people from other schools weren't.  They understood putting on a show, and how to plug themselves into what was on stage.  

A bunch of those guys, I still run into from time to time.  The ones that went on to become music educators are probably the most motivated people in a classroom I've run into.  They lay the rules out to the students, but realize there's always a path kids are going to take in order to get to point B.  I've seen them stay late to tutor kids in math, hand a student money to go buy lunch, literally give a student a trombone to keep, etc.  The sense of purpose and community the HBCU bands give to people is incredible, and anyone who's been even adjacent to them has been fortunate enough to take part in some way.

This wasn’t a bad idea here my man. I enjoyed this.

I love any marching band-be it a high school military/show/corps style, DCI corps, PWI or HBCU marching band.  They are all amazing for the heart, soul, and dedication it takes.

I know what it feels like to do 180bpm covering 40 yards in a few seconds while playing the part, rolling feet properly and managing stick heights.  Marching band is the most physically demanding form of musical performance on earth and is highly underrated on the whole. Hats off to all young men and women who participate.

I am an old head from back in the day, and I'm glad to see that my school and band were included. I think what makes a band great is consistency. The bands listed in the top two or three levels have that, for the most part. But, when you have programs that are fighting for exposure, fighting for funding, and such, and they still make it in the listing, that says a lot about where the program is going. Im proud of how my alma mater showed up this year, and once they move up in levels next year and the year after, i hope they get the respect and accolades they deserve. Please continue ranking HBCU bands every year, sir!

I went to a pwi with a trash football team, but the days we played against MSU the whole school would show up to watch their band and then leave after the performance lol. They are amazing, so glad they are getting the recognition they deserve 🧡💙

We have JSU #1 SWAC band, Miles 2x band of the year, and SU band of the year. GSU 🌎 Famed, So many, many outstanding bands. Superb.

A&T alum and former band member. I think we definitely travel and perform as much as the level 7s in this video. Growing up I found most of the level 7’s field shows boring and only tuned into their stands. I always stayed glued to A&T’s field performances. I think we have just as much influence as most of the level 7s, but for different reasons. Loved the video! I still enjoy watching most of these bands!

I’m a Black Brit and learned about bands from Drumline, it’s so interesting and cool to learn more about this! Cold Steel, Jackson and Southern are some of my favourites to watch. It must be so nice to have something like this to instil a sense of community, discipline and extracurriculars - wish we had something like this in the UK.

Sometime ago, SCSU Marching 101 played Champagne Life....and the feeling of standing right in front of that brass....OMG! Nothing like feeling these bands split your soul.

Videos like this just makes me want to cry.. I love my people man. We are so beautiful... ..

Best review ever!!!!!! Long live the Human Jukebox. Juke '82.

I like how kept real with level one! That being said, SSU and the POWERHOUSE OF THE SOUTH ON TOP!!!!🧡💙

LOL your video got shared on a FB HBCU group page

Damn good video. Spartan Legion alumni here. DAMN good video.

Man I’m late getting here. I went to UAPB and was section leader from 17-20, and I appreciate your ranking. It’s reasonable from a lore perspective even tho ion just “agree” with FAMU in the top three but lore wise again it’s accurate. People try to make UAPB out to be a lvl 1 or 2 when its the 20+ year band director that’s been holding it back from moving into lvl 5-6 with the amount of talent that has come and gone through the program over the years. Very solid video overall, subscribing now. 💯

All HBCU marching bands are elite classes of musical showcase hands down in my eyes

The breakdown makes a lot of sense — HBCU bands really do fall across a wide spectrum, and this seven‑level system captures it well. Every tier has its own role, from small programs grinding for recognition to elite brands that dominate the culture to true dynasties that set the standard for everyone else. It’s a clear reminder that resources, identity, and consistency shape the gap between “good” and “GOAT.”

Grat video. ❤

Yes, level 7 is correct. I have watched them over the years, and Southern University's sound is phenomenal. I think you confused one part where the Fabulous Dancing Dolls, or  the band, was
being discussed, but Jackson with shown. The Fabulous Dancing Dolls should never be confused with anyone. They are top-notch! Excellent presentation.