For the past 10 years, HBCUs and their high school counterparts have met on a football field in Durham to prove their mettle. The high schools compete – including the Durham rivalry of Hillside High versus Southern High – and the universities show them the level they can reach. On Sunday, the 10th Annual Adrian Carroll Battle of the Bands will be held at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium at N.C. Central University.

Hillside High School’s Marching Hornets underwent a change this year, with longtime band director Xavier Cason retiring and new band director Chris Hayes coming in to lead. At Hillside’s homecoming football game Oct. 5, the night included the magical mix of Friday night lights featuring a long line for fried fish, a winning football team on the field, and the marching band in the stands, entertaining the crowd. But first, before kickoff, the band marched into the stadium from the band room, playing as they went for alumni and students lining their path. read more…