Introducing the New HBCU Marching Band & Choir Categories at the Dunamis Gospel Awards — Sponsored by The Yard

We are thrilled to launch two exciting new categories for the Dunamis Gospel Awards this year: Best U.S. Marching Band…
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We are thrilled to launch two exciting new categories for the Dunamis Gospel Awards this year: Best U.S. Marching Band and Best U.S. Choir. These categories are dedicated exclusively to celebrating the incredible talent within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation.

How it Works:
Starting this fall, as students return to campus, all HBCU marching bands and choirs are invited to submit a three-minute performance video via our official Dunamis Gospel Awards submission form. Once submitted, students, alumni, faculty, and fans will rally behind their schools to vote online — creating a spirited competition and community pride like never before.

The winners will receive a grand prize, generously sponsored by The Yard, including sponsored travel and accommodations to Harlem to perform live at the Dunamis Gospel Awards. The winning marching band will have the honor of opening the show, while the winning choir will perform during the ceremony — showcasing HBCU pride on one of Harlem’s biggest stages.

Why Sponsor?
This sponsorship offers a unique branding opportunity to be seen by thousands of students, faculty, alumni, and gospel music fans nationwide. With over 100 HBCUs serving approximately 300,000 students, plus tens of thousands of faculty, staff, and loyal alumni, your brand will gain exposure across campuses and social media networks nationwide. Imagine your company’s name proudly associated with excellence in music, culture, and education — reaching a dedicated and passionate audience.

Join Us in Celebrating HBCU Culture
We are also partnering with Mood Magazine and The Morning Show to promote these new categories extensively. Expect ongoing coverage, interviews, and exclusive features spotlighting participating schools, musicians, and industry leaders — driving engagement and excitement throughout the season.

Additionally, we are kicking off our annual HBCU Homecoming Events Calendar — a curated listing of Homecoming celebrations happening at HBCUs nationwide, with features and shoutouts across all our platforms. If your school or organization wants to be included, please submit your event details to our team.


Call to Action for Bands, Choirs, and Sponsors:

  • HBCU bands and choirs: Submit your videos starting September 1st via Dunamis Gospel Awards Submission Form
  • Corporate sponsors: Contact us to learn more about how your brand can support and benefit from this high-visibility program.

Together, let’s uplift HBCU voices and celebrate their vital role in the gospel and cultural landscape — all while building community pride and creating unforgettable experiences in Harlem.


Corporate Event and Cultural Tags
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Jarvus Ricardo Hester

JARVUSHESTER

Jarvus Ricardo Hester Founder, Artistic Director, Editor-in-Chief, and Cultural Storyteller Jarvus Ricardo Hester is an opera singer, arts administrator, media executive, and entrepreneur dedicated to making the arts more accessible while preserving and amplifying the stories that shape communities. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Harlem Collective Opera, Harlem Boys Choir, and the Harlem Chamber Orchestra, organizations committed to expanding access to classical music through innovative performances, educational initiatives, and community engagement. As Editor-in-Chief of Mood Magazine NYC and the founder of the Mood Media Network, Hester oversees a growing multimedia ecosystem that includes WHRL Mood Radio Harlem, The Morning Show NYC, After Hours NYC, and Mood TV. Through these platforms, he curates stories that explore culture, travel, wellness, food, literature, business, and the arts from Harlem to communities around the world. An alumnus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Hester has performed with professional opera companies and has dedicated his career to reimagining how audiences experience classical music. His work consistently bridges the worlds of performance, journalism, tourism, education, and community development. His signature initiative, The Black Composer Project, celebrates the contributions of Black classical composers through immersive concert experiences that combine music, storytelling, and historical exploration. Whether through a live performance, a magazine feature, a radio broadcast, or a community partnership, Hester's work is guided by a simple philosophy: Stories create connections. Art builds communities. Culture preserves legacy. Harlem to the world. Be a part of the story.
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