The Florida Blue Battle of the Bands, presented by Publix, will bring some of the Southeast’s finest high school marching ensembles to Orlando’s Kia Center on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. The event kicks off the Florida Blue Florida Classic Weekend and offers students, families, and music lovers a chance to experience the energy of competitive marching performance.
Featured Bands and Directors
Among the headline acts are the Evans High School “Green Machine” and the Jones High School “Marching Tigers.” Both groups are led by seasoned directors—Dr. Mario Ford of Evans High and Jeremy Blackwell of Jones High—who share a common alma mater in Bethune‑Cookman University. In a recent interview with WESH 2, the directors discussed how the rigorous rehearsal schedule and a packed fall calendar have prepared their students for the high‑stakes competition.
What the Students Gain
Band members have been balancing intensive practice sessions with academic responsibilities, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and community pride. The directors said the experience not only hones musical talent but also instills leadership skills that serve students well beyond the field.
Broader Festival Highlights
The Battle of the Bands is part of a larger celebration that includes performances by the Bethune‑Cookman University “Marching Wildcats” and Florida A&M University “Marching 100” on Saturday, Nov. 21, during the historic HBCU football rivalry at Camping World Stadium. The weekend showcases the rich tradition of marching music while highlighting the cultural contributions of historically Black colleges and universities.
Tickets and Community Impact
Tickets are available online, with proceeds supporting music education programs in Central Florida schools. Organizers hope the event will inspire a new generation of musicians and reinforce the value of arts education in the region.
Local families, alumni, and community members are encouraged to attend and support the young musicians who represent the future of Florida’s vibrant marching‑band culture.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
