ORLANDO, Florida -- On the Florida Citrus Bowl field Saturday the Florida A&M University Marching 100 band tunes were noticeably softer than in years past and its size only half as big.But its spirited performance at Saturday's Florida Classic game against longtime rival Bethune-Cookman University was a symbol for fans that the iconic group is making a recovery.
This weekend's Classic — the nation's largest matchup between two historically black universities — was the band's first Classic performance since the hazing death of its drum major Robert Champion, Jr. in 2011.
Pictures: 2013 Florida Classic
Champion was beaten aboard a parked bus at that game. His death resulted in 15 band members facing criminal charges and a two-year suspension for the band. Nine musicians have since pleaded no contest to felony hazing or manslaughter. Six await trial.
Saturday, while the game's festivities made no mention of Champion or hazing, the band performed a solemn hymn during its half-time show honoring those from FAMU who have died.
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