Brass and Barriers: The Role of HBCU Marching Bands in Expanding Educational Opportunities for Black Students
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Abstract
Brass and Barriers is a Culminating Experience project that examines the systemic barriers to higher education and Black students' ability to overcome these barriers through their participation in Marching Bands at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This project examines the history, culture, and impact of HBCU band programs in addition to the support that they provide to students. The project also highlights the “pipeline” that leads students to join these ensembles when they get to college. I was motivated to research this topic because this style of playing is connected to my musical development. As I got older I started to realize that these bands were more than music ensembles. They give students skills to succeed in college and life. I got to see that despite systemic underfunding and legislative barriers, HBCU marching bands have played a vital role in empowering institutions to educate generations of Black leaders while preserving and shaping cultural traditions. I gathered information on this topic by reading national archives, news articles, conducting interviews, observing rehearsals, and watching various documentaries. Acquiring this knowledge helped me to build parallel timelines that showed both legislation and the development of HBCU bands. I used the historical timeline to inspire my compositions through instrumentation, styles of playing, and melodic choices. Through this project, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the history and cultural importance of HBCU bands. I hope for this research to highlight the beautiful history of these bands and give them the ability to continue to grow.
Publication Date
7-1-2026
Campus
Boston Campus
Keywords
HBCU; Brass; Trumpet; Marching Band
Recommended Citation
Sullen-Trevon, Trevon, "Brass and Barriers: The Role of HBCU Marching Bands in Expanding Educational Opportunities for Black Students" (2026). Global Jazz. 215.
https://remix.berklee.edu/graduate-studies-global-jazz/215