Showing posts with label Florida A and M University Marching 100. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida A and M University Marching 100. Show all posts
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
A throwback page from FAMU Marching 100 history -- the Hundred' greatest hits!
Sixty-five years is a long time to be a dynasty in the music field, and without a doubt, Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band has been more than that and some more.
In the Spring of 1989, the Marching 100 was invited to represent the United States in the French Bicentennial Bastille Day Parade in Paris (Bicentennial of the French Revolution) by Artistic Director Jean Paul Goude. The FAMU Marching 100 was the sole band from the U.S. invited.
Mr. Goude specifically requested that the Marching 100 play a medley of James Brown music, the Godfather of Soul. Within this window before the world, Jean Paul Goude wanted the French people and the world to be exposed to Black Music, music based on African rhythms and riffs. The band had made a lasting impression on Goude ten years earlier, while he lived in New York, and he had seen the Florida A&M band playing at the Super Bowl or some other game at the Orange Bowl. He thought the band was extraordinary and needless to say, it left a lifetime impression on him.
The legendary Dr. William P. Foster stated, "this was a tribute to black music."
The parade was basically about the rights of man, first--representing all countries with a touch of African music. There was an under theme--World Music and world music is based on African music and rhythms. The Bastille Day Parade would be a global showcase of the impact of African music on the world.
James Brown "influenced pop music like no one had before and he deserved recognition," said Goude. Folks had made careers off of one riff of James Brown music and he was the "Godfather of Soul" in American music.
Goude, in a documentary explaining why the FAMU Marching 100 was chosen, stated, "Afro-American music is the music that makes the planet dance." "Florida A&M University Marching 100 does it better than anyone else in the World."
The brilliant music arranger and composer, Mr. Lindsey B. Sarjeant, Assistant Director of Bands, Arranger made the rare transition in 1972 from recent graduate from FAMU (1971) to assistant university music arranger and composer under Mr. Richard Powell, a white guy from Puget Sound, Washington. Powell was a truly gifted arranger that was a somewhat music pioneer in arranging wonderful black pop music of the day (late 60's -70's era) for the Marching 100. He was also an excellent music composition instructor.
Mr. Sarjeant has been responsible for the powerful and dynamic, artistic sounds of the internationally famous Florida A&M University Marching 100 for nearly 40 years. He is an Associate professor at Florida A&M University and serves as Director of Jazz Studies, director of jazz ensembles and arranger for the famous Marching “100” Band, symphonic Band and jazz ensemble. He is a brilliant jazz pianist, composer, jazz lecturer, jazz historian, adjudicator and jazz keyboard clinician.
Video number 9 and 10 are very rare--back in the day with black and white television and video cameras. Studying the Marching 100 performances from 1946 to 2011 is a doctoral thesis in our social, political and economic evolution and black pop music culture. Like the Godfather of Soul revolutionized pop/soul music to the masses, so did the Marching 100 on the American and World stage.
(beepbeep)
Credits:
1. Videographer: BAGHDAD11B, "JAMES BROWN RIFFS" PART 1: FAMU HOMECOMING 08'
2. Videographer: BAGHDAD11B, "JAMES BROWN RIFFS" PART 2: FAMU HOMECOMING 08'
3. Videographer: TAPEMASTER28, FAMU 1989 Band "Spend The Night"
4. Videographer: FAMU 1996 "Knocks Me Off My Feet"
5. Videographer: hhorns2002, "FAMU 2008 Segment on "CBS Evening News"
6. Videographer: ImmaaBeGaga, "FAMU 2007 Super Bowl performance with PRINCE
7. Videographer: TAPEMASTER28,"Never Would Have Made It 2008 (ATL Classic)" with Minister Genleah "Star" Crawford, former FAMU Marching 100 Trombonist.
8. Videographer: bayshawn, "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral, 2007"
9. Videographer: hhorns2002, FAMU Marching 100, "Tribute to Paris" Halftime Show 1989 -- in Paris, France
10. Videographer: TAPEMASTER28, FAMU Marching 100 "Congratulations" - 1989
In the Spring of 1989, the Marching 100 was invited to represent the United States in the French Bicentennial Bastille Day Parade in Paris (Bicentennial of the French Revolution) by Artistic Director Jean Paul Goude. The FAMU Marching 100 was the sole band from the U.S. invited.
Mr. Goude specifically requested that the Marching 100 play a medley of James Brown music, the Godfather of Soul. Within this window before the world, Jean Paul Goude wanted the French people and the world to be exposed to Black Music, music based on African rhythms and riffs. The band had made a lasting impression on Goude ten years earlier, while he lived in New York, and he had seen the Florida A&M band playing at the Super Bowl or some other game at the Orange Bowl. He thought the band was extraordinary and needless to say, it left a lifetime impression on him.
The legendary Dr. William P. Foster stated, "this was a tribute to black music."
The parade was basically about the rights of man, first--representing all countries with a touch of African music. There was an under theme--World Music and world music is based on African music and rhythms. The Bastille Day Parade would be a global showcase of the impact of African music on the world.
James Brown "influenced pop music like no one had before and he deserved recognition," said Goude. Folks had made careers off of one riff of James Brown music and he was the "Godfather of Soul" in American music.
Goude, in a documentary explaining why the FAMU Marching 100 was chosen, stated, "Afro-American music is the music that makes the planet dance." "Florida A&M University Marching 100 does it better than anyone else in the World."
The brilliant music arranger and composer, Mr. Lindsey B. Sarjeant, Assistant Director of Bands, Arranger made the rare transition in 1972 from recent graduate from FAMU (1971) to assistant university music arranger and composer under Mr. Richard Powell, a white guy from Puget Sound, Washington. Powell was a truly gifted arranger that was a somewhat music pioneer in arranging wonderful black pop music of the day (late 60's -70's era) for the Marching 100. He was also an excellent music composition instructor.
Mr. Sarjeant has been responsible for the powerful and dynamic, artistic sounds of the internationally famous Florida A&M University Marching 100 for nearly 40 years. He is an Associate professor at Florida A&M University and serves as Director of Jazz Studies, director of jazz ensembles and arranger for the famous Marching “100” Band, symphonic Band and jazz ensemble. He is a brilliant jazz pianist, composer, jazz lecturer, jazz historian, adjudicator and jazz keyboard clinician.
Video number 9 and 10 are very rare--back in the day with black and white television and video cameras. Studying the Marching 100 performances from 1946 to 2011 is a doctoral thesis in our social, political and economic evolution and black pop music culture. Like the Godfather of Soul revolutionized pop/soul music to the masses, so did the Marching 100 on the American and World stage.
(beepbeep)
Credits:
1. Videographer: BAGHDAD11B, "JAMES BROWN RIFFS" PART 1: FAMU HOMECOMING 08'
2. Videographer: BAGHDAD11B, "JAMES BROWN RIFFS" PART 2: FAMU HOMECOMING 08'
3. Videographer: TAPEMASTER28, FAMU 1989 Band "Spend The Night"
4. Videographer: FAMU 1996 "Knocks Me Off My Feet"
5. Videographer: hhorns2002, "FAMU 2008 Segment on "CBS Evening News"
6. Videographer: ImmaaBeGaga, "FAMU 2007 Super Bowl performance with PRINCE
7. Videographer: TAPEMASTER28,"Never Would Have Made It 2008 (ATL Classic)" with Minister Genleah "Star" Crawford, former FAMU Marching 100 Trombonist.
8. Videographer: bayshawn, "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral, 2007"
9. Videographer: hhorns2002, FAMU Marching 100, "Tribute to Paris" Halftime Show 1989 -- in Paris, France
10. Videographer: TAPEMASTER28, FAMU Marching 100 "Congratulations" - 1989
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
2010 Sprite Queen City Battle of the Bands
All eyes will be on the marching bands from six historically black colleges and universities as they take the field to perform at the first annual Sprite Queen City Battle of the Bands.
The invitational showcase will be held in Charlotte's Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Drive, on August 28, 2010 at 7 p.m. The inaugural event will feature the bands from Florida A&M University, Johnson C. Smith University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Shaw University and South Carolina State University.
Bragging rights and more than $60,000 in scholarship money will be on the line as the talented band members display their school's dynamic music programs during show-stopping performances.
Tickets for the Sprite Queen City Battle of the Bands can be purchased for $15 in advance at www.QueenCityBattleoftheBands.com and for $20 the day of the event at the stadium box office.
ORDER TICKETS, CLICK TITLE.
The invitational showcase will be held in Charlotte's Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Drive, on August 28, 2010 at 7 p.m. The inaugural event will feature the bands from Florida A&M University, Johnson C. Smith University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Shaw University and South Carolina State University.
Bragging rights and more than $60,000 in scholarship money will be on the line as the talented band members display their school's dynamic music programs during show-stopping performances.
Tickets for the Sprite Queen City Battle of the Bands can be purchased for $15 in advance at www.QueenCityBattleoftheBands.com and for $20 the day of the event at the stadium box office.
ORDER TICKETS, CLICK TITLE.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
When the halftime show is better than the game
Tokyo, Japan -- University marching bands can be seen taking the field at halftime shows throughout the United States during football season. The hundreds-strong groups consist of brass, a huge drum section and woodwinds, and keep the football-hungry fans entertained before the second half. Unless you are in the South, that is. There, the football game is just the lead-up; the bands are the show.
"There are two battles going on: There's the football game and the bands," says Brian Snell, drum major and casting director for Drumline Live, a touring show highlighting the musical traditions of the United States' Historically Black Colleges and Universities. "The team makes a great play and you hear the crowd, then the band is great and you hear the crowd: There's so much more going on to keep you entertained."
In the 2002 sleeper hit movie Drumline, Nick Cannon plays a particularly talented snare drummer who joins one of the country's most respected marching bands. As in real life, the musicians find themselves in serious rivalries with other schools, with the high-precision bands interrupting each other midperformance, and the fans as rabid about the high-energy music and dancing as they are about the football.
"There are situations where we're going into a hostile territory, and it's like, 'Hey, you're not our band. What are you doing here? Get out of here!'" he says.
With a cast consisting of nearly 40 top musicians from throughout the South, the rivalry is the first thing the cast of Drumline Live had to overcome, Snell--an alumni of top drumline school Florida A&M--says. "At the end of the day, we do respect each other's organizations, we respect our rivals, we all represent the same band. We love our craft and we want to promote it.
"But, when it comes to Saturday night, if you are cross that stadium, you're not my friend!"
READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.
"There are two battles going on: There's the football game and the bands," says Brian Snell, drum major and casting director for Drumline Live, a touring show highlighting the musical traditions of the United States' Historically Black Colleges and Universities. "The team makes a great play and you hear the crowd, then the band is great and you hear the crowd: There's so much more going on to keep you entertained."
In the 2002 sleeper hit movie Drumline, Nick Cannon plays a particularly talented snare drummer who joins one of the country's most respected marching bands. As in real life, the musicians find themselves in serious rivalries with other schools, with the high-precision bands interrupting each other midperformance, and the fans as rabid about the high-energy music and dancing as they are about the football.
"There are situations where we're going into a hostile territory, and it's like, 'Hey, you're not our band. What are you doing here? Get out of here!'" he says.
With a cast consisting of nearly 40 top musicians from throughout the South, the rivalry is the first thing the cast of Drumline Live had to overcome, Snell--an alumni of top drumline school Florida A&M--says. "At the end of the day, we do respect each other's organizations, we respect our rivals, we all represent the same band. We love our craft and we want to promote it.
"But, when it comes to Saturday night, if you are cross that stadium, you're not my friend!"
READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.
RELATED LINK: http://www.drumlinelive.com/
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The NFL needs to stop turning its Super Bowl half-time into a showcase for aging rock stars
Nothing against The Who, mind you. Or its surviving original members -- 65-year-old singer Roger Daltrey and 64-year-old guitarist Pete Townshend. Pretty much everyone on The Plain Dealer's editorial board loved The Who -- back in the day. But the day was a long time ago, as we were reminded again during Sunday's Super Bowl halftime. How long? The Browns were NFL defending champions when "My Generation" was released.
Alas, most vintage performers aren't well served by tight camera shots, let alone HDTV. And when Daltrey sang, "Let's get together, before we get much older," there was no arguing with the teenager on the couch who hooted, "It's too late for that."
The NFL's been obsessed with "safe" halftime acts since Janet Jackson's 2004"wardrobe malfunction." Since then, the Super Bowl's gone classic rock: Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones and finally The Who -- with guest drummer Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr's 44-year-old son. Enough already. Baby boomers don't need bifocaled rockers to remind them of their age. Next year, how about a nice marching band?
Alas, most vintage performers aren't well served by tight camera shots, let alone HDTV. And when Daltrey sang, "Let's get together, before we get much older," there was no arguing with the teenager on the couch who hooted, "It's too late for that."
The NFL's been obsessed with "safe" halftime acts since Janet Jackson's 2004"wardrobe malfunction." Since then, the Super Bowl's gone classic rock: Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones and finally The Who -- with guest drummer Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr's 44-year-old son. Enough already. Baby boomers don't need bifocaled rockers to remind them of their age. Next year, how about a nice marching band?
READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.
MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street is in total agreement with the comments posted (above) by The Plain Dealer Editorial Board (Cleveland, OH). Enough already! Here you have a global television audience with 106 million watching and you schedule America's Band--the "Incomparable" Florida A&M University Marching 100 for only a "pre-game" performance.
Unfortunately, only 74,059 fans at Super Bowl XLIV in Sun Life Stadium had the experience of seeing the awesome display of musicianship and precision of the FAMU Marching 100 Band. The Marching 100 has been credited for 30 innovative techniques which have become standard operating procedures for many high school and collegiate marching band programs throughout the nation.This was the FAMU Marching 100 fifth appearance in a Super Bowl, performing a medley of Michael Jackson tunes before the Saints and Colts took the field.
Too bad big business comes first--$2.5 million dollar 30 second commercials and last second football hype by sportscasters who are clueless, to the point that the 10 minute pre-game show was a total blackout. Again, America missed out on the seeing the best marching band in the land--in another electrifying and fabulous performance. Enough already with the over-the-hill rockers who can't give away free CDs.
One suggestion to the NFL....book for the next five Super Bowls the Florida A&M Marching 100, Southern University Human Jukebox, Jackson State Sonic Boom of the South, Prairie View A&M Marching Storm and the Alabama State University Marching Hornets. All of these bands are better than "nice" and will put on a memorable half-time show that will connect with the 106 million audience. FAMU Marching 100--you again made us proud!!
PHOTO GALLERY: FAMU Marching 100 at the Super Bowl
http://www.miamiherald.com/929/gallery/1468143.html
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
FAMU's band revs Super Bowl crowd with Jackson tribute
Jackson's superpower takes show to new level
FAMU's Marching 100 excited about pregame Super Bowl performance
Super Bowl ticker
The Who brings Super Bowl crowd to its feet
FAMU's Marching 100 to have fifth Super Bowl performance
Sunday, January 31, 2010
2010 Honda Battle of the Bands
ATLANTA, GA - Set against a colorful backdrop of dynamic performances by eight of the nation’s top Historically Black College and University [HBCU] marching bands, a reverent marching band tribute to the late music icon Michael Jackson, and all the hype of a live performance from hip-hop artist, Ludacris, the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase had a crowd of more than 55,000 “shaking their bodies down to the ground.”
In the end, the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands concluded with the message of unity for humanity, evident in much of the “King of Pop’s” music and in several marching band dedications to the Haitian relief effort. The 1,800 student musicians and 55,000plus fans were inspired to reflect on the role they play in making the world a better place. HBCU friends, fans, students and alumni traveled from all over the United States to enjoy the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands, the lineup of which included:
Albany State University “Marching Rams” (Albany, Georgia)
Clark Atlanta University “Mighty Marching Panthers” (Atlanta, Georgia)
Florida A&M University “Marching 100” (Tallahassee, Florida)
North Carolina Central University “Marching Sound Machine” (Durham, North Carolina)
Prairie View A&M University “Marching Storm” (Prairie View, Texas)
Southern University “Human Jukebox Marching Band” (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Tuskegee University “Marching Crimson Pipers” (Tuskegee, Alabama)
Virginia State University “Trojan Explosion Marching Band” (Petersburg, Virginia)
The multi-faceted show was a virtual musical menagerie, blending the latest chart-topping R&B and Hip-Hop, pop, rock, funk and more. And, as a special treat, Atlanta-native and award-winning Hip-Hop artist and actor Ludacris was a featured special guest, performing his latest single “How Low”, from his highly-anticipated new album, Battle of the Sexes, before his hometown crowd.
We now take you to the Georgia Dome, Atlanta for yestersday's big show. Enjoy!
In the end, the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands concluded with the message of unity for humanity, evident in much of the “King of Pop’s” music and in several marching band dedications to the Haitian relief effort. The 1,800 student musicians and 55,000plus fans were inspired to reflect on the role they play in making the world a better place. HBCU friends, fans, students and alumni traveled from all over the United States to enjoy the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands, the lineup of which included:
Albany State University “Marching Rams” (Albany, Georgia)
Clark Atlanta University “Mighty Marching Panthers” (Atlanta, Georgia)
Florida A&M University “Marching 100” (Tallahassee, Florida)
North Carolina Central University “Marching Sound Machine” (Durham, North Carolina)
Prairie View A&M University “Marching Storm” (Prairie View, Texas)
Southern University “Human Jukebox Marching Band” (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Tuskegee University “Marching Crimson Pipers” (Tuskegee, Alabama)
Virginia State University “Trojan Explosion Marching Band” (Petersburg, Virginia)
The multi-faceted show was a virtual musical menagerie, blending the latest chart-topping R&B and Hip-Hop, pop, rock, funk and more. And, as a special treat, Atlanta-native and award-winning Hip-Hop artist and actor Ludacris was a featured special guest, performing his latest single “How Low”, from his highly-anticipated new album, Battle of the Sexes, before his hometown crowd.
We now take you to the Georgia Dome, Atlanta for yestersday's big show. Enjoy!
Friday, January 15, 2010
FAMU marching band picked to perform at Super Bowl pregame show
Florida A&M University's marching band has been selected to perform in the Super Bowl XLIV pregame show at Dolphin Stadium on Feb. 6 -- and they're rehearsing a tribute to Michael Jackson. This marks the third time in five years that the marching "100" has been invited to participate in a Super Bowl. "We are extremely honored and proud to be selected by the National Football League to perform during the pregame show," said Julian White, director of bands and chair of FAMU's Department of Music, who received a telephone call from the entertainment director for the National Football League.
"To be invited for a third time in only five years is confirmation that we give a quality performance," Dr. White said in a news release issued by the Tallahassee school on Tuesday. "It is only fitting that we salute the King of Pop for the world to see," White said. (Read More, Click Blog Title)
"To be invited for a third time in only five years is confirmation that we give a quality performance," Dr. White said in a news release issued by the Tallahassee school on Tuesday. "It is only fitting that we salute the King of Pop for the world to see," White said. (Read More, Click Blog Title)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
2009 Honda Battle of the Bands Harness the Power of Dreams
2,200 Strong – 10 of America’s Top HBCU Marching Bands Harness the ‘Power of Dreams’ At the 2009 Honda Battle of the Bands
View Battle of the Bands Photos Gallery
Atlanta, GA - As the curtain dramatically closed on the seventh annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, 10 of America’s top Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands brought the house down, leaving themselves completely spent of energy, but their souls fulfilled. They brought their all, but left every bit of it on the field of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, as the widely acknowledged “Super Bowl of Black College Marching Bands” concluded.
The 2009 Invitational Showcase, aptly themed “The Power of Dreams,” had special significance as the nation inaugurated its first African-American president. With one renowned HBCU band—the Florida A&M University “Marching 100”—just returning from having marched in the presidential inauguration parade in Washington, D.C., this year has already proven a dream come true for many HBCU student musicians.
More than 60,000 HBCU friends, fans, students and alumni traveled from all around the country to take part in the 2009 Honda Battle of the Bands. A virtual mosaic of music filled the Dome on Saturday as fans enjoyed everything from the latest chart-topping R&B and Hip-Hop hits, to contemporary, funk and classical music. Special guest host Rosci of Black Entertainment Television’s top-rated show, “106th & Park” and Atlanta’s WVEE evening drive time host, Ryan Cameron, introduced the bands while R&B artist Lloyd treated fans to a special performance of his hit single, “Girls Around the World.” To close out the show, the 150-voice Atlanta chapter choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America took the field and helped the bands end on a reverent, inspirational note.
The 2009 Invitational Showcase bands included: Edward Waters College, Fayetteville State University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Kentucky State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Texas Southern University, Tuskegee University and Virginia State University.
Florida A&M University Marching 100 - 2009 Honda Battle of the Bands
Cheap Seats View--FAMU Part I
Cheap Seats View--FAMU Part II
Supporting HBCU Music Programs
The Honda Battle of the Bands not only showcases the pageantry and showmanship of HBCU bands, but also and more importantly, acts as the nation’s only HBCU music scholarship program of its kind. The ten bands selected to participate in the Invitational Showcase were awarded $20,000 for their music scholarship programs - a $10,000 increase over last year. They also received an additional $1,000 grant for their participation in the Celebration Tour, the Honda Battle of the Band’s pre-qualifying event. In all, a total of $244,000 in scholarship money will be given to HBCU music programs this year.
“We’re proud and humbled to continue for a seventh year as founder and principal sponsor of this one-of-a-kind event,” said Marc Burt, senior manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda. “What’s especially satisfying about this program is that, in the end, it’s a national scholarship program that will help incredibly talented young student-musicians realize their dreams.”
FOX MUSIC EXPERIENCE RETURNS
The winners of this year’s FOX MUSIC EXPERIENCE were Ralph Jean Paul from Florida A&M, and Kevin Greene from North Carolina A&T State University. Jean Paul, a senior at Florida A&M, is currently the band president and said that deciding to attend FAMU has been the best decision of his life. Through his involvement with the band he has had the opportunity to play in two Super Bowl half time shows, and most recently, at the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Kevin Greene, a junior at North Carolina A&T acts as his band’s drum line captain. Greene, who started playing instruments when he was just five years old, is currently majoring in Music Education and one day hopes to be a high school band director and open his own school of arts and social science.
The FOX MUSIC EXPERIENCE is a unique music internship/immersion program that works in conjunction with the Honda Battle of the Bands to help expose HBCU student musicians to the broader world of music and entertainment. The program, launched last year, offers two lucky Invitational Showcase student musicians the opportunity to spend a few weeks in the summer working on the Twentieth Century Fox studio lot in Los Angeles learning film and television music production first hand.
Recruiting Future Generations
For the fourth year in a row the Honda Battle of Bands also hosted an HBCU Recruitment Fair. Designed to expose young people to opportunities historically black college and universities can offer, the Recruitment Fair allows prospective college students to meet with marching band and admissions recruiters to discuss admissions requirements and scholarship opportunities. This year, 32 schools exhibited and more than 3,300 young people attended.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Marching bands note Obama in Dome
NC A&T Band Prepares For Battle
Edward Waters College Competing In Band Contest
Another honor for FAMU's band
Obama lets NCCU band down on inaugural
Band poses a 'Triple Threat' at showcase event
View Battle of the Bands Photos Gallery
Atlanta, GA - As the curtain dramatically closed on the seventh annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, 10 of America’s top Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands brought the house down, leaving themselves completely spent of energy, but their souls fulfilled. They brought their all, but left every bit of it on the field of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, as the widely acknowledged “Super Bowl of Black College Marching Bands” concluded.
The 2009 Invitational Showcase, aptly themed “The Power of Dreams,” had special significance as the nation inaugurated its first African-American president. With one renowned HBCU band—the Florida A&M University “Marching 100”—just returning from having marched in the presidential inauguration parade in Washington, D.C., this year has already proven a dream come true for many HBCU student musicians.
More than 60,000 HBCU friends, fans, students and alumni traveled from all around the country to take part in the 2009 Honda Battle of the Bands. A virtual mosaic of music filled the Dome on Saturday as fans enjoyed everything from the latest chart-topping R&B and Hip-Hop hits, to contemporary, funk and classical music. Special guest host Rosci of Black Entertainment Television’s top-rated show, “106th & Park” and Atlanta’s WVEE evening drive time host, Ryan Cameron, introduced the bands while R&B artist Lloyd treated fans to a special performance of his hit single, “Girls Around the World.” To close out the show, the 150-voice Atlanta chapter choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America took the field and helped the bands end on a reverent, inspirational note.The 2009 Invitational Showcase bands included: Edward Waters College, Fayetteville State University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Kentucky State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Texas Southern University, Tuskegee University and Virginia State University.
Florida A&M University Marching 100 - 2009 Honda Battle of the Bands
Cheap Seats View--FAMU Part I
Cheap Seats View--FAMU Part II
Supporting HBCU Music Programs
The Honda Battle of the Bands not only showcases the pageantry and showmanship of HBCU bands, but also and more importantly, acts as the nation’s only HBCU music scholarship program of its kind. The ten bands selected to participate in the Invitational Showcase were awarded $20,000 for their music scholarship programs - a $10,000 increase over last year. They also received an additional $1,000 grant for their participation in the Celebration Tour, the Honda Battle of the Band’s pre-qualifying event. In all, a total of $244,000 in scholarship money will be given to HBCU music programs this year.
“We’re proud and humbled to continue for a seventh year as founder and principal sponsor of this one-of-a-kind event,” said Marc Burt, senior manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda. “What’s especially satisfying about this program is that, in the end, it’s a national scholarship program that will help incredibly talented young student-musicians realize their dreams.”
FOX MUSIC EXPERIENCE RETURNS
The winners of this year’s FOX MUSIC EXPERIENCE were Ralph Jean Paul from Florida A&M, and Kevin Greene from North Carolina A&T State University. Jean Paul, a senior at Florida A&M, is currently the band president and said that deciding to attend FAMU has been the best decision of his life. Through his involvement with the band he has had the opportunity to play in two Super Bowl half time shows, and most recently, at the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Kevin Greene, a junior at North Carolina A&T acts as his band’s drum line captain. Greene, who started playing instruments when he was just five years old, is currently majoring in Music Education and one day hopes to be a high school band director and open his own school of arts and social science.
The FOX MUSIC EXPERIENCE is a unique music internship/immersion program that works in conjunction with the Honda Battle of the Bands to help expose HBCU student musicians to the broader world of music and entertainment. The program, launched last year, offers two lucky Invitational Showcase student musicians the opportunity to spend a few weeks in the summer working on the Twentieth Century Fox studio lot in Los Angeles learning film and television music production first hand.
Recruiting Future GenerationsFor the fourth year in a row the Honda Battle of Bands also hosted an HBCU Recruitment Fair. Designed to expose young people to opportunities historically black college and universities can offer, the Recruitment Fair allows prospective college students to meet with marching band and admissions recruiters to discuss admissions requirements and scholarship opportunities. This year, 32 schools exhibited and more than 3,300 young people attended.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Marching bands note Obama in Dome
NC A&T Band Prepares For Battle
Edward Waters College Competing In Band Contest
Another honor for FAMU's band
Obama lets NCCU band down on inaugural
Band poses a 'Triple Threat' at showcase event
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Atlanta Football Classic '08: FAMU Marching 100 vs, TSU Aristocrat of Bands
FAMU Marching 100 (Part I)
FAMU Marching 100 (Part II)
Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands (Part I)
Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands (Part II)
FAMU Marching 100 (Part II)
Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands (Part I)
Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands (Part II)
Friday, March 14, 2008
Fans, coaches, athletes reminisce about the historic Orange Blossom Classic
MIAMI – At the age of three, Chico Wesley lined the streets of northwest Miami with crowds of parade goers to get a peek at the pageantry and showmanship that the Orange Blossom Classic was sure to bring. He wanted to see and hear performances by Florida A&M University’s marching band, as well as those from local high schools, and the colorful parade floats.
“I saw a drum major dancing in the streets,” said Wesley, now 53 and a legendary WHQT Hot 105 FM radio personality.
“I decided right then I wanted to be a drum major in FAMU’s band.”
Despite his early aspirations, Wesley became known as “Chico the Virgo” in 1974 on FAMU’s WANM radio station, graduated from the university in 1976, and married that drum major’s daughter, Veronica, who has been his wife for 17 years.
CONTINUE READING THIS STORY BY CLICKING ON BLOG TITLE.
FAMU v. Kentucky State, Orange Blossom Classic (Miami) December 6, 1975
Sorry for the poor quality of the picture--color and digital had not been invented for the mainstream during this era.
The sound of the Marching 100 was from the creative genius of Rich Powers, who served as Chief Composer and Arranger for the FAMU Music Department with a young Lindsey B. Sarjeant, Associate Composer and Arranger. Powers had a way to arrange music to get the maximum power from the lower and upper brass winds without overblowing (like Southern U. and most SWAC Marching Bands) and without distortion in tonal quality of the various instruments.
Under the direction of Dr. William P. Foster, the Marching 100 marched only 196 pieces during this era, and larger bands twice the size of the hundred could not compete with a Powers/Sarjeant musical arrangement of the top song of the day played by the FAMU Marching 100.
The Orange Blossom Classic was where FAMU legends were made on the gridiron and with the bands, and was a top recruiting tool for the University.
I have no ideal which of the drum majors is Chico the Virgo.
-beepbeep
“I saw a drum major dancing in the streets,” said Wesley, now 53 and a legendary WHQT Hot 105 FM radio personality.
“I decided right then I wanted to be a drum major in FAMU’s band.”
Despite his early aspirations, Wesley became known as “Chico the Virgo” in 1974 on FAMU’s WANM radio station, graduated from the university in 1976, and married that drum major’s daughter, Veronica, who has been his wife for 17 years.
CONTINUE READING THIS STORY BY CLICKING ON BLOG TITLE.
FAMU v. Kentucky State, Orange Blossom Classic (Miami) December 6, 1975
Sorry for the poor quality of the picture--color and digital had not been invented for the mainstream during this era.
The sound of the Marching 100 was from the creative genius of Rich Powers, who served as Chief Composer and Arranger for the FAMU Music Department with a young Lindsey B. Sarjeant, Associate Composer and Arranger. Powers had a way to arrange music to get the maximum power from the lower and upper brass winds without overblowing (like Southern U. and most SWAC Marching Bands) and without distortion in tonal quality of the various instruments.
Under the direction of Dr. William P. Foster, the Marching 100 marched only 196 pieces during this era, and larger bands twice the size of the hundred could not compete with a Powers/Sarjeant musical arrangement of the top song of the day played by the FAMU Marching 100.
The Orange Blossom Classic was where FAMU legends were made on the gridiron and with the bands, and was a top recruiting tool for the University.
I have no ideal which of the drum majors is Chico the Virgo.
-beepbeep
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
2007 Florida Classic: Battle of the Bands - FAMU vs. BCU
Florida A&M University Marching 100
Florida Classic Halftime FAMU 2007
Bethune Cookman University Wildcats
Florida Classic Halftime BCU 2007
Florida A&M University Marching 100 - Concert Selection
Bethune Cookman University Wildcats - Concert Selection
Florida A&M University Marching 100
Bethune Cookman University Wildcats
Florida A&M University Marching 100
Florida Classic Halftime FAMU 2007
Bethune Cookman University Wildcats
Florida Classic Halftime BCU 2007
Florida A&M University Marching 100 - Concert Selection
Bethune Cookman University Wildcats - Concert Selection
Florida A&M University Marching 100
Bethune Cookman University Wildcats
Florida A&M University Marching 100
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Circle City Classic events
Indy Star report
Classic Prayer & Praise Worship Service
7 to 10 p.m. Eastern Star Church, Main Campus, 5750 E. 30th St. Featuring Rev. Senator James T. Meeks. (317) 237-5222.
Thursday, Oct. 4
Indianapolis Black Alumni Council College Fair
6 to 9 p.m. Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet School, 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. Presented by Eastern Star Church. Twenty-eighth annual event. Free. (317) 506-8306.
Horseshoe Casino & Caesars Indiana Gala
7 to 11 p.m. Scottish Rite Cathedral, 650 N. Meridian St. $125. (317) 237-5222.
Friday, Oct. 5
Classic Pep Rally
4 to 6 p.m. White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St. Florida A&M University and Winston-Salem State University marching bands perform. Free tours of NCAA Hall of Champions during pep rally. Free. For more information, call (317) 237-5222.
Photo: FAMU Cheerleaders
Rip the Yard Fashion Explosion
7 p.m. Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave. Partial proceeds from the fashion show benefit the Indiana Black Expo/Circle City Classic scholarship program. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $10. For more information, call (317) 237-2222.
Gospel Music Explosion
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Madame Walker Theatre Center, 617 Indiana Ave. Featuring Shirley Murdock, T.P. Hearn and Winston-Salem State University’s Burke Singers. $15 at the door, $12.50 advance. For more information, call (317) 319-0494.
Mike Epps Comedy Jam
8 and 11 p.m. Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Indianapolis native Epps and friends perform. $38.99. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Classic Cabaret
8 p.m. Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave. Music by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and the Average White Band. Doors open at 7 p.m. $40. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Saturday Oct. 6
Classic Parade
10 a.m. to noon. Downtown Indianapolis, North and Pennsylvania streets. Grand marshal: Kelly Rowland. $16, $10 and $8. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Fall Fest
10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pan American Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave. Outdoor event with food, music and more than 250 vendors. Free. For more information, call (317) 329-9220.
Circle City Classic football game
4 p.m. RCA Dome, 100 S. Capitol Ave. Florida A&M University vs. Winston-Salem State University. Kickoff at 4 p.m., with pregame and halftime performances by Kelly Rowland, Tin-i-tee 5:7 and Cupid. Also included is the Battle of the Bands (featuring halftime and postgame performances by Winston Salem State University and Florida A&M University marching bands). $40, $30, $20, $15 and $10. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Photo: WSSU QB Monte Purvis
Greek Stepdown
7 to 11p.m. Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave. A fraternity and sorority step show. $18 at the door, $15 advance. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Classic Jam
10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave. Featuring appearances by Kelly Rowland, DJ Kid Capri and Cupid. Must be 21 or older to attend. $30 and $20. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Classic Prayer & Praise Worship Service
7 to 10 p.m. Eastern Star Church, Main Campus, 5750 E. 30th St. Featuring Rev. Senator James T. Meeks. (317) 237-5222.
Thursday, Oct. 4
Indianapolis Black Alumni Council College Fair
6 to 9 p.m. Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet School, 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. Presented by Eastern Star Church. Twenty-eighth annual event. Free. (317) 506-8306.
Horseshoe Casino & Caesars Indiana Gala
7 to 11 p.m. Scottish Rite Cathedral, 650 N. Meridian St. $125. (317) 237-5222.
Friday, Oct. 5
Classic Pep Rally
4 to 6 p.m. White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St. Florida A&M University and Winston-Salem State University marching bands perform. Free tours of NCAA Hall of Champions during pep rally. Free. For more information, call (317) 237-5222.
Photo: FAMU CheerleadersRip the Yard Fashion Explosion
7 p.m. Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave. Partial proceeds from the fashion show benefit the Indiana Black Expo/Circle City Classic scholarship program. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $10. For more information, call (317) 237-2222.
Gospel Music Explosion
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Madame Walker Theatre Center, 617 Indiana Ave. Featuring Shirley Murdock, T.P. Hearn and Winston-Salem State University’s Burke Singers. $15 at the door, $12.50 advance. For more information, call (317) 319-0494.
Mike Epps Comedy Jam
8 and 11 p.m. Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Indianapolis native Epps and friends perform. $38.99. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Classic Cabaret
8 p.m. Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave. Music by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and the Average White Band. Doors open at 7 p.m. $40. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Saturday Oct. 6
Classic Parade
10 a.m. to noon. Downtown Indianapolis, North and Pennsylvania streets. Grand marshal: Kelly Rowland. $16, $10 and $8. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Fall Fest
10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pan American Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave. Outdoor event with food, music and more than 250 vendors. Free. For more information, call (317) 329-9220.
Circle City Classic football game
4 p.m. RCA Dome, 100 S. Capitol Ave. Florida A&M University vs. Winston-Salem State University. Kickoff at 4 p.m., with pregame and halftime performances by Kelly Rowland, Tin-i-tee 5:7 and Cupid. Also included is the Battle of the Bands (featuring halftime and postgame performances by Winston Salem State University and Florida A&M University marching bands). $40, $30, $20, $15 and $10. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Photo: WSSU QB Monte PurvisGreek Stepdown
7 to 11p.m. Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave. A fraternity and sorority step show. $18 at the door, $15 advance. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Classic Jam
10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave. Featuring appearances by Kelly Rowland, DJ Kid Capri and Cupid. Must be 21 or older to attend. $30 and $20. For more information, call (317) 239-5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Florida A&M University Marching 100: Half-Time Show, Atlanta Football Classic 2007
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part II
Part III
Part IV
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