Traditional Showstyle Band Events Expand for 2022

After a spectacular inaugural Traditional Showstyle Marching Band event in 2021 at Prairie View A&M University, USBands proudly announces the expansion of this series of competitive events in 2022 to showcase the performances of talented students from across the country participating in this culturally significant genre of the Marching Arts activity. 

Over four weekends in the Fall, events will be held in North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and Texas. The competition dates will be announced after the release of the 2022 football schedules at each venue.

USBands will be working with leading educators in the Traditional Showstyle Marching Band activity including Dr. Timmey Zachery, Director of Bands at Prairie View A&M University; Taylor Whitehead, Assistant Director of Bands at Virginia State University; Brandon Howard, Director of Bands at Huntingdon College; and Gary M. Bryant, Owner and Creative Director at The Spield in addition to drill writing for North Carolina A&T University, Shaw University, South Carolina State University, and Huntingdon College.  These hosts are extremely excited to bring these events to their southern communities.

“The marching arts activity should never be confined to one particular standard and instead, embrace all forms of artistic expression. We are energized with the opportunity to innovate and serve the scholastic programs in the HBCU-inspired marching band community,” said Sean King, Executive Director of USBands in announcing the expanded schedule for 2022. “We are excited to create a platform that celebrates the achievements of these talented students and provide focused and relevant educational support in the development of these programs over the years to come.”

Errick Prince, Coordinator of USBands Traditional Showstyle events added, “I have been working closely with my colleagues at each of these locations along with feedback sessions from educators in over 10 states.  USBands is looking forward to partnering and celebrating these performers with multiple events specifically created to showcase and evaluate their talents while embracing the cultural impact of the traditional showstyle genre.  Our philosophy allows us to continue to reward these students for what they bring to the field versus what they may not choose to demonstrate.”

Ensembles will be evaluated by professional adjudicator panels with multiple years of experience within band communities utilizing criteria specifically designed for Traditional and Showstyle Marching Bands. Adjudication Training Sessions will be held beginning on April 23th, with additional contest sessions leading up to the competitive events this Fall.

Band directors will be invited to participate in a series of informational Zoom meetings in February and March to ask questions, provide input, and learn more about the events. The goal is to provide a rewarding, positive experience to their student-performers.

Registration for the events will open in the next few weeks, but for more information on participating or hosting a Traditional Showstyle event is available by contacting Errick Prince at eprince@usbands.org and/or complete the Interest Form.