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(BLACK PR WIRE) TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2008--As the Honda Battle of the Bands (www.hondabattleofthebands.com) prepares to host its seventh annual Invitational Showcase, fans can expect another spectacular musical pageant as well as an expanded commitment to support the vital music programs of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). With an increase in scholarship awards and the return of the HBCU Recruitment Fair, the Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) continues to evolve as one of the nation's most-celebrated family entertainment events. This year's Invitational Showcase will be held on January 24, 2009 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

The HBOB program kicked off last month with a friendly competition among forty-four HBCU bands for the coveted ten spots in the Invitational Showcase. The ten bands selected to participate in the Invitational Showcase will be awarded $20,000 for their music scholarship programs, a $10,000 increase from last year. They will also receive an additional $1,000 grant for their participation in the Celebration Tour, HBOB's pre-qualifying event. In all, a total of $244,000 in scholarship money will be given to HBCU music programs this year.

Music education has been shown to have a strong correlation with high academic achievement. Students involved in music education programs are known for developing critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication and teamwork skills necessary both in school and throughout their professional careers. The Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase not only celebrates the pageantry and showmanship of America's HBCU marching bands, but also works to expose people, young and old, to the power and importance of music education.

"Music is a powerful form of expression that can inspire people to look beyond their current circumstance and do that which seems impossible," said Marc Burt, senior manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda Motor Co. "In these tough economic times, music budgets are usually the first to be cut, and it is our responsibility to invest in and preserve these programs. For these talented students, music is not only an outlet but an entryway to education. Honda is humbled to increase and continue our support."

The 10 marching bands selected to participate in the 2009 Invitational Showcase will be announced on Friday, November 14th, 2008. One school from each of the four HBCU athletic conferences (CIAA, SWAC, MEAC and SIAC), plus one independent program will be selected for the first five spots. The remaining five bands are selected by HBCU band directors and university presidents. Fans' votes account for one third (1/3) of the selection criteria, with band directors and school presidents each accounting for the remaining two thirds of the vote. Fans can register to participate in the online opinion poll at www.hondabattleofthebands.com. The opinion poll will close at midnight EDT on Friday, October 31, 2008.

Honda Battle of the Bands HBCU Recruitment Fair

The Honda Battle of Bands HBCU Recruitment Fair will return this year for the fourth year in a row. This event, held prior to the main event in the Georgia World Congress Center, presents young people with the opportunity to meet with marching band and admissions recruiters from all around the country to discuss their unique music programs, distribute information about admissions requirements, academic programs and scholarship opportunities. Last year thirty-four schools exhibited and nearly 2,000 young people attended.

For more information on the Honda Battle of the Bands, a list of the 44 participating HBCUs, the Invitational Showcase selection process, or to vote for your favorite band, visit www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.

About Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., was founded in 1959 as the U.S.
sales and marketing subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Honda currently produces automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, lawn mowers and engines at its eleven major U.S.
manufacturing operations, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Honda has a long-standing commitment to the support and success of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities that began more than 18 years ago with the establishment of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, a program designed to showcase the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students. American Honda established Honda Battle of the Bands seven years ago as an effort to support HBCU music programs.

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