BANDATHON is a one-of-a-kind, month-long celebration of all things band and beyond. Created and hosted by Brandi Mitchell, Director of the nationally premiering documentary BOBBY’S KIDS, BANDATHON kicks off January as a powerful lead-in to the film’s February debut on network and streaming. Featuring top HBCU band directors, elite high school programs, cast members, and successful band alumni turned industry leaders, BANDATHON shines a spotlight on the transformative power of music education. Through exclusive interviews, mentorship moments, and surprise appearances, the series explores the theme of Bobby's Kids "What You Can See You Can Be" and mission of legendary band director Bobby L. Brown who used marching band to change lives in inner-city Detroit. The film and event feature performances from Southern University’s Human Jukebox, Florida A&M’s Marching 100, Florida Memorial’s The ROAR, and Detroit’s Band of Renown from Mackenzie High School. Catch new episodes daily on YouTube, KORIS.tv, and across social media.

This series is dedicated to Dr. Richard Beckford.

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Mentorship Moments is a powerful signature feature of BANDATHON and new online program, created to inspire the next generation by spotlighting successful HBCU band alumni who have excelled across industries—from entertainment, media, and education to tech, entrepreneurship, production, and beyond. These exclusive segments connect today’s students with leaders who once marched just like them—now making major moves in their fields and is based off of the book written by Director/Producer and founder of The KORIS Collective, Brandi Mitchell  "Point and Drive For Life: The Marching Band Factor - 10 Principles For Playing Big In Life and Achieving Your Goals One Step At a Time. Curated and hosted by Brandi Mitchell, Bobby’s Kids director and founder of The 6th Quarter Platform (Success After the Field), these conversations serve as both inspiration and blueprint. Through real, relatable stories, alumni share how the discipline, leadership, and community they gained in band laid the foundation for their success. More than interviews, Mentorship Moments is a movement to bridge the gap between students and seasoned pros—offering insight, access, and a deeper sense of what’s possible. If you’ve ever wanted to hear the real journey behind the success—or be part of that bridge—this is where it starts.

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