2026 Resolution: Become an HBCU Marching Band

There seems to be a growing trend this year to forgo the typical new-year-new-me resolutions in favor of a broader theme or tone for the year ahead. In 2026, my theme is perseverance, and my intention is to seize each day with the earned confidence, discipline, polish, and tenacity of an HBCU marching band. 

I have spent the last several months watching Historically Black College or University (HBCU) marching band walk-ins whenever I run on my treadmill. Wholly separate from HBCU zero quarter band battles and on-field performances, walk-in routines are 20- to 30-minute choreographed spectacles that have more than once inspired me to continue on with the day despite this year’s many attempts to eat us all alive. 

For a tiny bit of context, the high-energy performances of HBCU marching bands are rooted in precision and popular music, and are the product of the superior standards established by post-war Black military bands. For me, HBCU marching band walk-ins are the embodiment of excellence, and the visual representation of the words, “I wish a mother fucker would.” 

While music is still very much a part of the walk-ins, it’s typically reserved for percussion. The true stars of these opening routines are the drum majors and the dance team and/or color guard whose theatrical and structured energy could easily power a small country. To say their exemplary yet somehow unbothered disposition is empowering would be an understatement. While watching these performances, I find myself feeling happier and becoming more emboldened than when the day began, and if that isn’t the basis of perseverance I don’t know what is. What I do know is that regardless of the obstacles I may encounter in 2026, I’m equipped with an inspiring muse, which might be the best any of us can hope for following whatever it was we just endured in 2025. 

If you still have yet to determine your theme for 2026, you’re more than welcome to use my muse for inspiration. While I still have so much to learn and so many performances left to watch, here are a few HBCU marching band walk-in standouts I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying thus far. Many thanks to the students and instructors at these institutions for their steadfast dedication to such a motivational and admirable craft. 

  • Alabama State University: Mighty Marching Hornets with the Sensational Stingettes and the Honey Beez dance teams
    2024 Turkey Day Classic
    I still have yet to watch any walk-in performance better than this. The drum majors are exceptional, and the dance teams are divine. Between 10:30 and 13:05 gives me chills, and other standout moments include the Honey Beez entrance at 16:49 and the drums at 17:30. It’s also worth noting the production value of this video, which was shot by Marching Hornet Media. Amazing.

  • Prairie View A&M University: Marching Storm with the Black Foxes
    Labor Day Classic 2021
    This walk-in feels polished but raw. The feeling is particularly evident in the individual drum major entrances toward the end and in the drum line, which is on FIRE throughout the entirety of this performance. 

  • Jackson State University: Sonic Boom of the South with the Prancing J-Settes
    2024 Homecoming
    The Sonic Boom of the South is known for its march up the ramp in the stadium, and I personally think this is one of the best videos to capture that journey in addition to the unmatched athleticism of its drum majors and the renowned high kicks of the J-Settes. Also, I’m a sucker for a good horn section playing the Temptations. I recommend starting this video around the three-minute mark.

  • Alabama A&M University: Marching Maroon and White with the Dancin’ Divas
    2024 Magic City Classic
    This walk-in features the entire band, and I recommend starting this video around the four-minute mark. Also, if you don’t yell “What they do?” during “Backstabber,” you should really consider listening to more soul music in the year ahead. 

  • Prairie View A&M University: Marching Storm with the Black Foxes
    State Fair Classic 2023
    This is much different than the 2021 performance mentioned above, but still excellent.

Kate MorganComment