AAMU MMW Ready for Historic Appearance at Honda Battle of the Bands

The Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon & White Band (MMW) is preparing to perform in the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands Saturday, February 1, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Since 2003, the Honda Battle of the Bands has become a premier stage for HBCU marching bands, celebrating their talent, pageantry, and tradition. This year the event will take place on West Coast for the first time ever, with headliner Nick Cannon and a performance by GloRilla.

For Jonathan Jackson, a freshman music education major from Dothan, Alabama, becoming part of the Marching Maroon & White meant breaking a family tradition.

“My family comes from Alabama State,” Jackson shared. “My mom went to Alabama State, my aunts went to Alabama State, my uncles went to Alabama State, and my whole life, I’ve never wanted to go to Alabama State. Never!”

The turning point for Jackson came in 11th grade, when the MMW performed at Dothan High School.

“When I heard the band, I said, ‘They sound amazing!’” Jackson recalled. “The next year they came they awarded scholarships. I applied, was awarded a scholarship and later toured the campus. When I met Director of Bands Mr. Carlton Wright and Associate Director Mr. Mario Warren, they made me feel so welcome. During a band rehearsal, they even stopped to introduce me to everyone. That’s when I knew my decision was made.”

As for his ASU family, “They were proud of me for wherever I went,” said Jackson. “I have two sisters, one is a recent graduate from Alabama State and the other goes to Talladega College, so you could say we’re diversifying.”

Jackson admitted the Magic City Classic brought out a friendly feud. “Oh, that week, we were rivals,” Jackson laughed. “Every day my sister and I were sending memes back and forth until the game. After that we were cool again.”

Reflecting on his first year with the MMW, Jackson described the experience as transformative.

“I’ve done things I never thought I’d do,” he said. “I’ve traveled, met incredible people, improved my skills, and grown as a musician. I started playing saxophone in middle school and took up piano lessons in 10th grade. I’m continuing piano lessons here at AAMU, and it’s been amazing.”

Jackson’s ultimate goal is to become a band director, inspired by Mr. Wright and the entire MMW staff. As for the upcoming trip to California, it will mark his first time flying and visiting the West Coast. Still, Jackson is focused on one thing.

“I’m most looking forward to the Battle of the Bands,” he said. “We’re not scared.”

You can watch the MMW live on the Honda Battle of the Bands Livestream on Saturday, February 1 starting at 3:00 p.m. CST.