Jayden Hollins / IIOS Media Team
Johnson C. Smith University · Charlotte, NC · Est. 1907
International Institution of Sound
Dedication. Determination. Drive.
The International Institution of Sound exists as a living testimony to the epitome of excellence found in the HBCU Band Experience. Our commitment to perfection guarantees audiences the utmost in musicality, marching precision and visual stimulation!
- Dedication
- Determination
- Drive
The IIOS Band Creed & Motto
Gold and blue, by the numbers
1907
Established
0
Years of Sound
0
Ensembles & Squads
0
Directors in the Lineage
CIAA
Charlotte’s HBCU Sound
Atlantic City HBCU Week◆
Honda Battle of the Bands◆
Charlotte Hornets◆
NBA In-Season Tournament◆
Florida Beach Bowl◆
CIAA Battle of the Bands◆
Microsoft Commercial◆
Carolina Panthers Halftime◆
Red Tails Classic◆
Essence HBCU Football Classic◆
Mayor’s Masked Ball◆
King Legacy HBCU Festival◆
Big HBCU Southern Classic◆
What the creed demands
The Gold and Blue
Standard
Start here
Inside
the IIOS
Jayden Hollins / IIOS Media Team
01 — Legacy
Since 1907
A university quintet in 1907. The Royal Collegians in 1947. Renamed in Ireland in 1986.
Our Story →
Jayden Hollins / IIOS Media Team
02 — Ensembles
Nine Ways
to Perform
Marching band, Blue Satin, guard, majorettes, drumline, symphonic, pep, jazz and percussion.
The Ensembles →
Johnson C. Smith University
03 — Media
See Us
Work
Halftimes, tunnel entrances, classics and Battle of the Bands — on video.
Watch →Featured performance
Big HBCU
Battle of the Bands
The IIOS is the university’s most popular performing group — football games, parades, classics, and two Honda Battle of the Bands showcases in Atlanta. This is the 2026 Big HBCU Battle of the Bands.
All PerformancesWhere to catch us
Next on
the Field
Full Schedule
Support the Sound.
Fund the Future.
Instruments, uniforms, travel and scholarships put JCSU students in front of audiences they would never otherwise reach — from Charlotte to Canton to Atlanta.