The votes have been counted and the final eight bands have been selected for the 13th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase. Each of the participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) will receive a $20,000 grant from Honda to support their music education programs.

The theme of this year’s showcase, “March On,” looks to be a reminder to students and fans that life on and off the field is a journey, and no matter the challenge, the dream or what may lie ahead, learning never stops as long as you keep pushing.

“Honda congratulates the eight bands selected to participate in the Invitational Showcase and thanks all of the schools, students, alumni and fans that participated in the process leading to Atlanta,” said Stephan Morikawa, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Community Relations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Honda is committed to supporting education at HBCUs by investing in their programs and providing a platform aimed at helping students realize what Honda calls ‘the Power of Dreams.”

The final eight bands are taking the stage of the Georgia Dome on January 24, 2015! Also, happening for the first time ever is the Honda Battle of the Bands Power of Dreams Award, which allows each team to nominate an outstanding member of their community who is working to help students not only pursue, but achieve their dreams. A winner will be recognized during the showcase. Tickets start at $10 — get yours today and come show your support for these eight schools:

Alabama State University, Mighty Marching Hornets (Southwestern Athletic Conference)

Bethune-Cookman University, Marching Wildcats (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)

Howard University, Showtime Marching Band (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference); performing at Honda Battle of the Bands for the first time

Jackson State University, Sonic Boom of the South (Southwestern Athletic Conference)

North Carolina A&T University, Blue and Gold Marching Machine (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)

Southern University, Human Jukebox (Southwestern Athletic Conference)

Talladega College, Marching Tornado Band (Gulf Coast Athletic Conference); performing at Honda Battle of the Bands for the first time

Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands (Ohio Valley Conference)

Ravelle Worthington is a writer living in New York City. Follow her on Twitter @ravmo.