The Excelsior Band© was selected as one of National Endowment for the Arts 2022 Heritage Fellows. The NEA selects ten organizations annually to recognize as historical treasures in the United States. The Excelsior Band© proudly and humbly accepts this honor.. We are indebted to the support of the Greater Mobile community has provided for 139 years. The Excelsior Band will celebrate 140 years in 2023. The band is believed to be the oldest marching jazz band in the United States.