The 5th Quarter: A celebration of the musicians at the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl
Behind the scenes with the Blue & Gold Marching Machine and The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite
Many fans of university bands generally and historically black college and university bands specifically know what to look for in a halftime show.
Perfection and complex formations, crisp, sharp sound, and sky-high higher performance quality are givens. But some fans forget all the hours it takes bands to put on such a show. The daylong practices — both public and private — bumpy bus rides, prayer circles and nerves — all of that is often overlooked.
The night before an unforgettable halftime show at the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl in Atlanta the Blue & Gold Marching Machine of North Carolina A&T State University and the Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite both traveled from their states of North Carolina and Mississippi, respectively, to get right to work. Even before checking into their hotels, they had one last practice to ensure they would give the crowd the performances they’d come to see.
Even before arrival, both bands had faced struggles putting the show together. In Mississippi, the school’s end-of-the-year schedule made practice difficult while snow in North Carolina forced the band to seek alternatives locations for practice. Yet, by the time the halftime experience arrived, the bands’ performances felt like this was a show they’d prepared for all year.
Take a look at photos from behind the scenes, halftime and the 5th Quarter of the Blue & Gold Marching Machine and The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite at this year’s Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl.
The North Carolina A&T marching band performs in the stands at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the Celebration Bowl.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
North Carolina A&T rehearses, led by Kenneth Ruff, director of bands, for its halftime show at the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated.
The Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite unpacks after dinner at the Golden Corral the night before the game.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
Members of the Blue & Gold Marching Machine fit in stretches before entering the stadium on game day.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite along with band director Everson Martin take their seats before the game.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
The Blue & Gold Marching Machine prepares to perform at halftime at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
The Blue & Gold Marching Machine kicks off halftime.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
The Blue & Gold Marching Machine keeps the crowd on its feet during its halftime performance.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
A drum major entertains the crowd during halftime.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
The Alcorn State Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite marching band prepares before its halftime performance.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
Preparation before halftime requires stretching exercises and making sure details are straight before going on the field.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
Sometimes preparation means meditation, perhaps prayer before the excitement and focus needed to perform.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
One of Alcorn State’s drum majors helps direct the band’s halftime performance.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
Alcorn State’s Golden Girls dancers were front and center for much of their performance at the game.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
This North Carolina A&T musician is working up a sweat while playing in the stands Saturday.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
The Alcorn State band gets it going during the third quarter of the game.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
And right across the stadium, the North Carolina A&T’s Golden Delight dancers did the same in the stands.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated
The Blue & Gold Marching Machine leaves the stadium after the 5th Quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Diwang Valdez for The Undefeated