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Help send Red Sea of Sound back to the Honda Battle of the Bands

WSSU's Red Sea of Sound Marching Band performs during the 2017 Honda Battle of the Bands. 

Fans can help send Winston-Salem State University’s (WSSU) “Red Sea of Sound” Marching Band” to the 16th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase. 

WSSU is one of 39 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands competing for a spot in the event, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 27. Eight bands will be invited to participate.

The event spotlights the premier marching bands from HBCUs.

Last year’s event drew more than 55,000 spectators.

Vote online at hondabattleofthebands.com to help WSSU’s marching band secure a spot. Fans can vote up to six times per day. Voting continues through midnight on Oct. 20. 

Since 2008, WSSU has participated in the event six times (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017). The band is directed by Dr. Michael Magruder, chair of the Department of Music at WSSU. The Charlotte Observer recently named the RSOS one of the Carolinas’ "biggest and best marching bands and pep bands."

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