Missy Elliott brings HBCU marching bands together for a packed band battle at Norfolk State

Drumlines, brass sections and a stadium full of HBCU pride took over Norfolk State University on Sunday as Missy Elliott hosted a band battle in her home state of Virginia.

The show at William "Dick" Price Stadium put some of the region's best marching bands on one field. Norfolk State's Spartan Legion, Hampton University's Marching Force, Virginia State's Trojan Explosion and Elizabeth City State's Sound of Class were on the bill. North Carolina Central University was represented too.

A stage for the students

William Beathea, who directs bands at Norfolk State, said performing for a crowd that big was a rare chance for his students. He said it let each band show off the long hours of practice it had put in.

Fans danced along to the DJ between sets. Several said the best part was watching schools that usually compete share the field in peace with no fighting. One fan from the Spartan Legion alumni family said they cheer for their own band first but came out to back every HBCU in the stadium.

Missy Elliott Day weekend

The band battle anchored a weekend that honors Elliott and her impact on music and on Virginia. Gov. Glenn Youngkin created Missy Elliott Day four years ago at a ceremony that named a street for her. The weekend also featured an innovation summit for college students and high school seniors on technology, music, business and the future of creative work.

Before the show Elliott said Virginia will always be home. She said HBCU bands have always brought energy, creativity and culture to music and she wanted the day to celebrate that.

As the night wrapped up the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member received one more honor. A leading music magazine handed her a plaque naming her hit "Get Ur Freak On" its song of the century.