A&T to Face NCCU in Aggies vs. Eagles Jazz Classic ‘Battle Royal’

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Jan. 28, 2026) – The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Jazz Ensemble will perform the “Battle Royal” with the North Carolina Central University Jazz Ensemble in the Aggies vs. Eagles Classic on Friday, Feb. 13.

This epic performance will feature about 40 musicians from the storied in-state and award-winning rivals presenting the music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington at the Historic Williams High School auditorium in Burlington, North Carolina.

The “Battle Royal” refers to the historic 1961 recording session where Count Basie and Duke Ellington’s legendary and distinctly different big bands combined for the first and only time to play each other’s hits, resulting in “First Time! The Count Meets the Duke.”

“I’m looking forward to this collaboration,” said N.C. A&T Jazz Ensemble Director Jonovan Cooper, DMA, who studied with Frank Foster of the Count Basie Orchestra. “I believe it will not only foster camaraderie among musicians from these two great institutions, but also enhance the quality of our music program at A&T through the competitive spirit that already exists as we work to establish our own degree program in jazz or Black music studies.”

The N.C. A&T Jazz Ensemble is the university’s official jazz ensemble, comprised of a big band, small jazz combo and vocal ensemble. In addition to performing classics by Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis, to name a few, they play contemporary standards by artists such as Roy Hargrove and Kirk Whalum as well as international artists like Mulatu Astatke and Hugh Masekela, among many others. Their diverse repertoire spans big band classics, bebop, fusion, and more, showcasing the ensemble’s versatility and talent.

Under the leadership of Cooper – who also is a teaching assistant professor in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – N.C. A&T Jazz Ensemble students work hard each semester to achieve what seemed impossible at the beginning. Guest clinicians work with them on campus and they travel to receive instruction from professionals in the industry. They are determined to rise through the ranks of becoming the best university jazz ensemble in the nation.

The N.C. A&T Jazz Ensemble performs at various school and community functions, travels outside the community and consists of members from diverse majors and concentrations. It welcomes traditional and non-traditional jazz instruments to audition and thrives on being unique. Each musician brings their own special touch so that each performance is remarkable and better than the last.

Showtime for the Feb. 13 performance is 7:30 p.m. The auditorium seats up to 1,500 people, and the Aggies and Eagles will be competing for bragging rights to the greatest number of fans who attend.

The auditorium – which has seen the likes of high-caliber performers ranging from big bands to Elvis Presley – is hosting Paramount Theater programs while the theater undergoes renovations. Williams High music teacher Joseph Connor will play its pipe organ before A&T’s “Battle Royal with the N.C. Central University Jazz Ensemble, led by Robert L. Trowers.

The evening will feature songs from “Corner Pocket” by Basie, “Afro Bossa,” “Bakiff” and “Blues for New Orleans” by Ellington, “A Bientôt” and “Black, Brown & Beautiful” by Oliver Nelson, and “Aries Mood” by Mary Lou Williams, among other selections. It will conclude with both ensembles playing “Haitian Fight Song” by Charles Mingus.

“We hope alumni of both universities will join in the festive evening and cheer on their ensemble,” said Eric Kerchner, Paramount Theater director. “No matter what your affiliation, this is one concert not to be missed.”

Tickets are $18.49 apiece; $5 student tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Group ticket rates are available. Advance tickets can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/4vex2nb9.

Parking will be available behind the school and in the surrounding residential area. No concessions will be available, as no food or drinks are allowed in the auditorium.