If you’re watching the 2021 MET Gala, you’ve seen the Brooklyn United Marching Band, the youth organization that’s bringing the sound.

The theme for tonight is “In Americana: A Lexicon of Fashion.”

Marching bands are the pulse of America and have gotten a ton of pop culture nods in recent years. Just last night, Lil Nas X performed as a bandleader with a band during the 2021 MTV VMAs. He also brought out Jack Harlow during the “Industry Baby” set.

Watch the MTV VMA’s performance of “Industry Baby” here.

Of course, who can forget Beyoncé’s 2-night Coachella performance, which was an ode to HBCU marching bands. In an interview with The Undefeated, DRUMLine Live CEO Don Roberts revealed he helped bring together the best of the best in band talent for the event.

“Once Roberts received word that he’d officially been recruited by Beyoncé’s team to assist with her Coachella performance, he began assembling the best of the best from HBCUs across the country. Many of those chosen by Roberts were already members of DRUMLine Live, but a few others auditioned specifically for the event,” the piece read.

Lizzo’s 2019 “Good As Hell” also featured a marching band, as the singer plays the flute.

“The Brooklyn United Music and Arts Program (BU) is a community-based organization that serves New York City youth. As an art form, marching band combines the elements of musicianship and pageantry and allows each student to participate in an all encompassing and life changing activity,” the band’s site says.

“Brooklyn United is focused on the development of youth through Academic Support, Character Development, Skills Building and Performance Opportunities. It is through these pillars that we strive to build strong, well rounded, healthy, confident and capable young people.”

They work with youth between the ages of 5-21.

Donate to the Brooklyn United Music and Arts Program here.

Photo credit: John Shearer/WireImage