Miles College Purple Marching Machine to Compete in ESPN Band of the Year Championship
FAIRFIELD, AL —[December 4, 2024]
The Miles College Purple Marching Machine (PMM) has been selected to compete in the highly anticipated ESPN Band of the Year Championship, set to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on December 13, 2024. This competition, part of the Cricket Celebration Bowl weekend, will showcase the nation's best HBCU marching bands in Division I and Division II. The PMM will face off against Virginia State University's Trojan Explosion. Notably, the Purple Marching Machine of Miles College is the only college from Alabama selected for this competition, adding another historic achievement to their remarkable season.
The Purple Marching Machine's selection follows an extraordinary season, including a show-stopping performance at the Pepsi Battle of the Bands in Houston, TX. Ranked as the #2 HBCU bands in the nation by HBCU Buzz and featured on the CNN podcast 5 Good Things, the PMM has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse.
Miles College President Bobbie Knight expressed immense pride in the band's accomplishments.
I am not at all surprised by this invitation. I know we have one of the best bands in the land and one of the most talented directors leading them, Willie Snipes.
President Bobbie Knight
"The Purple Marching Machine is a source of pride for our illustrious institution, and I am grateful for all they contribute to our tradition of excellence. We can’t wait to cheer them on in Atlanta," said Knight.
PMM Director Professor Willie J. Snipes shared his excitement for the opportunity and the culmination of the band's hard work.
This invitation to the ESPN Band of the Year Championship is proof that all our hard work, long rehearsals, and commitment to excellence are paying off.
Professor Willie J. Snipes
"We are ready to give an outstanding performance and proudly represent Miles College. We look forward to an incredible battle in Atlanta," said Snipes.
The ESPN Band of the Year Championship will feature four HBCU bands, with North Carolina A&T University's Blue and Gold Marching Machine and Florida A&M University's Marching 100 competing for the Division I title and the Miles College Purple Marching Machine taking on Virginia State University's Trojan Explosion for the Division II crown.
If you missed PMM's electrifying performance in Houston, take advantage of this chance to see them shine on center field in Georgia. Get your crew together and meet the Purple Marching Machine in Atlanta on December 13. This season has been historic, and the PMM is ready to close the year with another milestone victory.
For tickets and more information about the ESPN Band of the Year Championship, visit https://shorturl.at/nF7a1 or www.hbcugameday.com.
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About the College: Founded in 1898 Miles College is located in Fairfield, Alabama. We are a private, liberal arts, Historically Black College with roots in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The College, through dedicated faculty, cultivates students to seek knowledge that leads to intellectual and civic empowerment. Students are transformed through rigorous study, scholarly inquiry, and spiritual awareness, thereby enabling graduates to become responsible citizens who help shape the global society. Miles College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
