by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
November 19, 2025
The town has a few of the high 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 the moment ranks at No. 1 within the 2025 ESPN’s Purple Lobster Band of the Yr for its Metro Atlanta highschool division.
In line with HBCU Gameday, the rating is predicated on standards comparable to Musicality, Photos/Drill & Design, Drum Majors, and Auxiliaries. These important parts of a aggressive marching band and showcase sometimes start in highschool squads. Many members usually transition to collegiate-level efficiency, primarily at HBCUs throughout the nation.
Westlake sat on the high of the rankings for the second month in a row with 581 whole factors. Led by band director Cedric Younger, the college band additionally has the prospect to compete for the Purple 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 carry 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 may struggle for the coveted title of greatest band of their competitors stage.
As for the Metro Atlanta Excessive College rankings, Jonesboro Excessive College follows with a little bit 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 recognized marching band applications. Given this, they may purpose to push via 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 faculties and HBCU marching bands strengthens, Atlanta has turn into a hub for this subsequent technology.
For these eager to catch the ultimate competitors, they’ll attend or watch it stay on ESPN3 and ESPN+.
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