November 19, 2025
The town has a few of the prime highschool marching bands within the nation.
But once more, Atlanta is proving itself because the go-to metropolis for Black cultural traditions.
The Southern hotspot continues its reign because the host metropolis of the highest highschool marching bands within the nation. Westlake Excessive College, positioned within the southwest a part of Atlanta, at present ranks at No. 1 within the 2025 ESPN’s Crimson Lobster Band of the Yr for its Metro Atlanta highschool division.
In accordance with HBCU Gameday, the rating is based mostly on standards corresponding to Musicality, Footage/Drill & Design, Drum Majors, and Auxiliaries. These important elements of a aggressive marching band and showcase sometimes start in highschool squads. Many members typically transition to collegiate-level efficiency, primarily at HBCUs throughout the nation.
Westlake sat on the prime of the rankings for the second month in a row with 581 complete factors. Led by band director Cedric Younger, the college band additionally has the possibility to compete for the Crimson Lobster Band of the Yr title.
“Being ranked No. 1 two months in a row is a mirrored image of the onerous work, self-discipline, and coronary heart our college students deliver to Westlake each single day,” Younger mentioned in a press release. “Our band is greater than a halftime present –- we’re a classroom, a household, and a voice for our group, and we’re honored that America is listening to that voice.”
Judges will choose the highest 2 HBCU and highschool bands to compete on the present in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. On the December showdown, they’ll battle for the coveted title of finest band of their competitors degree.
As for the Metro Atlanta Excessive College rankings, Jonesboro Excessive College follows with slightly over 549 factors. Carefully behind are New Manchester, Tri-Cities, and Southwest DeKalb Excessive College, all nonetheless above the five hundred level marker. The latter two maintain extensively identified marching band applications. Given this, they’ll goal to push by means of the rankings to additional their legacy.
Marching bands are greater than a sports activities custom; they’re a pillar of HBCU tradition. Because the pipeline between excessive colleges and HBCU marching bands strengthens, Atlanta has change into a hub for this subsequent technology.
For these eager to catch the ultimate competitors, they will attend or watch it stay on ESPN3 and ESPN+.
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