There were a number of HBCU marching bands in 2024 that had championship-like seasons, similar to HBCU football squads, including Tennessee State, Jackson State, South Carolina State, Miles College, and Virginia Union.
HBCU bands have always been and will forever be a staple in the culture, but this year’s edition of our annual list features several no-brainer performances.
We couldn’t ignore the stellar musical performance of the only Division II marching band to make this list.
We couldn’t ignore the halftime tributes to musical icons Frankie Beverly and Luther Vandross, whose music greatly contributed to HBCU band culture.
We had to acknowledge the rare Christmas halftime show performed during a post-season championship game.
The list of the top 10 HBCU band halftime shows for 2024 is compiled from our weekly top five rankings published throughout the fall and other highly recommended performances. These rankings were based on several factors, including song selection, creativity, and audience response.
Below are the top 10 HBCU marching band halftime shows of 2024.
10. Albany State (vs. Edward Waters)
Performed at ASU Coliseum, Albany, Georgia
9. Alabama State (vs. Jackson State)
Performed at ASU Stadium, Montgomery, Alabama
8. Florida A&M (vs. Bethune-Cookman)
Performed at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
7. South Carolina State (vs. North Carolina A&T)
Performed at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, Orangeburg, South Carolina
6. Southern (vs. Jackson State)
Performed at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Mississippi
5. North Carolina A&T (vs. North Carolina Central)
Performed at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
4. Jackson State (vs. Southern)
Performed at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Mississippi
3. Norfolk State (vs. Howard)
Performed at William “Dick” Price Stadium, Norfolk, Virginia
2. Bethune-Cookman (vs. Florida A&M)
Performed at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
1. Jackson State (vs. Florida A&M)
Performed at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Mississippi
I am looking at your top ranked halftime shows for last year.
The alarming one is that you ranked BCU’s halftime show in the Florida Classic better than FAMU’s. Personally, I don’t know which halftime show you were watching but the majority of those of us who have seen vehemently disagree with your outcome. FAMU In its first few minutes did more than BCU in its entire show which for me was quite boring.