Johnson C. Smith University
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, and Drive are our hallmarks. Vanquishing all comers who dare to challenge is our privilege!”
- Dedication
- Determination
- Drive
The IIOS Band Creed & Motto
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Homecoming
2026
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. Kickoff against Lincoln (Pa.) is at 2 p.m. The IIOS plays all of it, and the Alumni Band comes home for the fifth quarter.
Homecoming HubIt’s Homecoming. See you on the route.
Gold and blue, by the numbers
1907
Established
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Years of Sound
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Ensembles & Squads
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Directors Since 1907
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Rehearsal Hours a Week
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Home Halftimes This Fall
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
01 — Legacy
Since 1907
A university quintet in 1907. The Royal Collegians in 1947. Renamed in Ireland in 1986.
Our Story →
02 — Ensembles
Nine Ways
to Perform
Marching band, Blue Satin, guard, majorettes, drumline, symphonic, pep, jazz and percussion.
The Ensembles →
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 Performances
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.