Music sophomore Gerran Adams leans right during a practice run of Missy Elliot's Residence Hall in winter 2004. (Bryson Pope/Eco Staff Photograoher)

N.C. Central University’s Sound Machine will be packing their bags and hitting the road Friday for the 2006 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase in Atlanta, Jan. 28.

The Sound Machine was selected from among the bands of 41 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the band and University to get additional exposure,” said Kawachi Clemons, assistant band director.

Two bands were selected from each of the five conferences based on a voting process. The Sound Machine was the only band selected from North Carolina.

For the second year in a row, the Sound Machine will perform against nine other HBCUs .

“We’re just excited to play on the same field as other bands who have done commercials and advertisements,” said Clemons. “It’s always an honor and privilege to be in the presence of other musicians.”

The Sound Machine has been practicing every day for the Showcase, with additional practices to add the finishing touches to their routine.

“It shows a lot of dedication for a college student to take time out of their Sunday afternoon to practice,” said Clemons.

For English and Mass Communi-cations junior Denea Nriaka, it will be her first year performing with the Sound Machine in Atlanta.

“I’m excited about going,” she said. “All of our hard work will definitely pay off, and I can’t wait to go to Atlanta.”

Each band has 12 minutes to perform whatever they want. They also get to perform a pre-game show along with the other bands.

Although the performances will not be judged, each band still puts together their best halftime performance for this high-profile event.

“Over 50,000 people attended last year, and they expect even more this year,” said Clemons. “It gets larger every year because of the support from the students.”

Business management senior Sharron Fox said she is driving to Atlanta to see the Sound Machine perform.

“I know it’s going to be packed with students cheering their school on.”