Marching 100
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| Marching 100 | |
|---|---|
| School | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University |
| Location | Tallahassee, Florida |
| Conference | MEAC |
| Founded | 1946 |
| Director | Dr. Julian E. White |
| Members | 350+ |
| Uniform | |
Ranking high among the many proud traditions of Florida A&M University is the highly acclaimed Marching "100" band. The first band at this institution was organized in 1892 under the tutelage of P.A. Van Weller. From a meager store of 16 instruments, the Marching "100" has grown to over 360 members. This organization has been polished and refined to perfection for the past 104 years under the guidance of it's directors:
- P.A. Van Weller, 1892-1898
- Nathaniel C. Adderly, 1910-1918
- Leander A. Kirksey, 1930-1945
- Dr. William P. Foster, 1945-1998
- Dr. Julian E. White, 1998-present
FAMU's marching band has been credited for not less than 30 innovative techniques which have become standard operating procedures for many high school and collegiate marching band programs throughout the nation. Penchant for precision demonstrated in every aspect of its performance is a key to the success of the "100".
Contents |
[edit] Band Motto
Qualities to live by to guide our thoughts and to rule our actions/lives:
“Highest Quality of CHARACTER”
“Achievement in ACADEMICS”
“Attainment in LEADERSHIP”
“Perfection in MUSICIANSHIP”
“Precision in MARCHING”
“Dedication to SERVICE”
The Florida A&M University Bands a role motto of Excellence.
The band motto was created by Dr. William Patrick Foster in the beginning of his 50+ year tenure as Director of Bands at FAMU.
[edit] Band Staff
FAMU Band Staff
- Dr. Julian E. White - Director of Bands
- Dr. William P. Foster, Emeritus Director of Bands
- Dr. Shelby R. Chipman (Fall '82) - Associate Director of Bands
- Dr. Shaylor L. James - Assistant Director Of Bands, Director Of Percussion
- Mr. Lindsey B. Sarjeant (Fall '70) - Assistant Director Of Bands, Arranger
- Mr. John Robinson - Director of Clarinets, Director of Double Reeds
- Mr. Diron Holloway - Director of Saxophones
- Mr. Anthony Simons - Director of Lower Brass
- Mr. Donald Beckwith (Fall '75) - Senior Storekeeper
- Ms. Kimberly Jackson - Band Secretary
- Mr. Joe Bullard, Announcer
[edit] Dr. William Patrick Foster
Dr. William P. Foster was a fellow of the Rosenwald General Education Board at Teacher's College, Columbia University, 1953-1955 for Doctorate Studies. He received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Kansas in 1941, the Master of Arts in Music Degree from Wayne State University in 1950, and a Doctor of Education Degree with a major in music from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1955, and the Honorary Doctor of Human Letters Degree in 1998 from Florida A&M University.
Dr. Foster, the creator of the world famous Florida A&M University Marching "100" Band, began his walk to fame at FAMU in June 1946. His creation, the internationally famous 329 piece FAMU Marching Band, for which he created more than 200 half-time pageants, has appeared in three films, three commercials, numerous magazine and newspaper articles, 60 Minutes, 20/20 and PM Magazine telecasts and thirty-four nationally televised performances on all networks with a viewing audience of over five billion people. The FAMU Marching Band was presented the prestigious Sudler Intercollegiate Marching Band Trophy on October 26, 1984.
In 1989 the French chose Dr. Foster and his band as America's official representative in the Bastille Day Parade, celebrating the Bicentennial of the French Revolution. In January 27, 1996, the FAMU Marching Band was the center-piece of the Opening Ceremonies of the Walt Disney Indy 200. The Band was also the featured attraction at the Fifteenth and Twenty-fifth Anniversary National Telecast of Walt Disney World in 1986 and 1996. In January 1993 and 1997, the band appeared in the inaugural parade of President Bill Clinton.
Dr. Foster is credited with revolutionizing marching band techniques and reshaping the world's concept of the collegiate marching bands. He is credited with being the driving force behind the nation's most innovative college band; revolutionizing marching band techniques, and reshaping the world's concept of the collegiate marching bands. He has been labeled the Law, the Maestro, musical and organizing genius, the greatest band director in the country, trend and pacesetter, and creator. He is the former director of the prestigious McDonald's All-American High School Band (1980-1992).
Dr. Foster has written 18 articles for professional journals, 4 published marching band shows, and the textbook, Band Pageantry, considered "The Bible" for the marching band. He is the composer of Marche Brillante, National Honors March, March Continental, and Centennial Celebration.
Dr. Foster is the first recipient of the United States Achievement Academy Hall of Fame Award and the Outstanding Educator Award presented by the School of Education Society of the University of Kansas Alumni Association. In 1992, Sports Illustrated declared the 100 as the best marching band in the country. In 1998 he was inducted as a Great Floridian by the Museum of Florida History.
President Bill Clinton nominated and the United States Congress approved Dr. Foster as a member of the National Council on the Arts. Dr. Foster is a member of the Hall of Fame of the following organizations: Music Educators National Conference; the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida A&M University Sports, the National High School Band Directors, and the Afro-American Hall of Fame.
He is a Board member with G. Leblanc Corporation, John Philip Sousa Foundation, International Music Festival, Inc., and the Marching Musician. On December 17, 1998 the Board of Electors in Chicago, Illinois elected Dr. William P. Foster to the National Band Association Hall of Fame for Distinguished Band Conductors. This is the most prestigious honor a bandmaster can receive.
Dr. William P. Foster is recognized as The Dean of America's Band Directors.
[edit] Dr. Julian E. White
Dr. Julian E. White, distinguished professor of Music, graduated from Florida A&M University earning a bachelor degree in Music Education. He later received a Masters Degree in Music Education for the University of Illinois and a Doctorate from Florida State University. Dr. White is presently Chairman of the Department of Music and Director of Bands at Florida A&M University. For a period of ten years, he served as drill designer for the McDonald’s All-American High School Band with appearances at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California and the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona. His drills have been featured in performance on all major television networks, and the Bastille Day Ceremony in Paris, France.
Presently Dr. White assist with halftime shows for Bowl Games of America and is on the adjudication staff for Music Festivals USA, International Music Festivals and Heritage Music Festivals, in addition to writing drill shows for high school and college bands.
Prior to joining the Florida A&M University Faculty in 1972, Dr. White served as band director at Northwestern Junior/Senior High School from 1963-1965 and was the first Director of the William Marion Raines High School Band in 1965, both of Jacksonville, Florida. His bands were consistent recipients of superior ratings in Marching and Concert Festivals.
Dr. White maintains an active schedule as an adjudicator and clinician. He has also served as guest conductor at the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. He is very active as a conductor and clinician for middle and high school bands, summer band camps, and district, state, national and international music conferences and workshops.
Dr. White was the recipient of two University Teacher of the Year Awards and the Teacher of the Year Award from the Army ROTC. He received the NAACP Achievement Award, and was the recipient of the University Superior Accomplishment Award. He also received the Distinguished Professor/Advanced Teacher of the Year Award and was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership. Dr. White was honored with the most prestigious award given by the Florida A&M University Alumni Association, The Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. White was the 2004 recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Outstanding Achiever Award sponsored by the Fed Ex Orange Bowl Committee.
His professional memberships include the American Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, Music Educators National Conference, Florida Music Educators Association (Executive Board), Florida Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, Phi Delta Kappa Education Society, Pi Kappa Lambda Music Society, Pi Phi Boule (Sire Archon), Board Member of the John Philip Sousa Sudler Award Committee, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, and Kappa Alpha Psi Social Fraternity. He is also a member of Free and Accepted Masons, Mt. Olive Lodge No. 5, Prince Hall Affiliated, the Tallahassee Rotary Club, and the vestry of St. Michaels and All Angels Episcopal Church. Dr. White serves as Chairman of the Florida Music Educators Association Black Caucus. Dr. White has two daughters, Tonja, an attorney with the Florida Juvenile Justice Department, and Phaedra, who works as an academic counselor at the University of Texas at Austin, and one grandson, John Julian Burt. Dr. and Mrs. Dennine White are also the proud parents of Julian E. White II.
[edit] Facilities
[edit] Practice Field
Our band drill field is lighted, and our main tower is equipped with restrooms, as well as a storage area. There is also a viewing area on the 2nd floor for the staff to conduct rehearsals, view formations, and make observations and corrections during our rehearsals. The opposite side of the field also has an observation tower, should we need to view our formations from a different angle.
[edit] Band Room
Our band room seats in excess of 600 musicians comfortably. In our lobby area, the Sudler Trophy sits in a glass case, and our hallways are adorned with the numerous awards and accolades given to the band over the years, as well as a wall that showcases our past leadership of the band. On our “Leadership Wall of Fame,” you will find photos of former head drum majors and band presidents. Our band room also has restroom and shower facilities, and is equipped with a wireless sound system. There are a number of rehearsal rooms in this building that provides for our musicians to practice in sections or with the various other music ensembles we have at FAMU. From the second floor of the band room, spectators can watch the band rehearse. This area is a popular spot for all to congregate and enjoy the sounds of the “100” before they take the field at Bragg Memorial Stadium!
[edit] Music Building
The Foster-Tanner Music Building holds the offices of our band staff, as well as classrooms and practice rooms for individual rehearsals. The building also houses our Jazz Studies and Choral Music programs, providing our students with a place to not only hone their musical skills, but also to increase their musical knowledge. Having housed our band practice facilities until 1997, the music building holds a ton of memories for those who have ever been a part of the FAMU Bands!
[edit] Summer Band Camp
The Marching 100 Summer Band Camp has been in existence since 1990, when we had less than 100 members. The majority of those in attendance were from Burke HS (Charleston, SC), and William M. Raines HS (Jacksonville, FL). Burke got the attendance award, and have been getting that award every since!
The camp includes a variety of bands and ensembles, and will help you to become a more well-rounded musician. While the Marching Band is the crown jewel of the camp, there are also the 3 symphonic bands (Honor, Orange, and Green), two Jazz Bands, a Percussion Ensemble, Keyboard and Electronic Music, and an ensemble for every instrument.
The camp also includes drum majors, flags, majorettes, and dancing girls.
The camp students are taught by "Marching 100" members, and perform not only for their parents, but for all of the FAMU and Tallahassee residents at their symphonic concert, ensemble concert, parade, and the final marching exhibition of Bragg Memorial Stadium, home of the Mighty Rattlers!
If you're interested in getting more information about the camp, feel free to send an email to the FAMU Music Dept. The Alumni Band Association will be giving away camp scholarships and sending information out to our distribution list. If you will fill out the Interested Musicians Form, we will know who you are, and will be able to get information to you about the performances of the Marching 100. We have given, so far, 15 scholarships over the past two years, so if you want to be in that number, fill out the form!
[edit] Drum Major(s)
In 2007, the 100 added an unprecedented 10th drum major. The name of the DMs is the Presidential X(Ten). It matters not the year, nor the squad, the FAMU Drum Majors are a group of leaders to be reckoned with! Armed with style, finesse, leadership and intensity, this group is imitated more than ANY other drum major in the world, BAR NONE!
[edit] Major Accomplishments
- Performance at the American Bandmasters Association annual meeting
- Super Bowl III
- Super Bowl V
- Super Bowl XXXIX
- Super Bowl XLI
- Welch's Grape Juice Commercial
- Coca Cola Commercial
- ABC 20/20 Special
- CBS 60 Minutes
- French Bi-Centennial Parade in Paris
- Bahamas
- Grammys w/ Kayne West
- Presidential Inauguration Parade 1993
- Presidential Inauguration Parade 1997
- The Louis Sudler Intercollegiate Marching Band Trophy
[edit] The Louis Sudler Intercollegiate Marching Band Trophy
The Sudler Trophy honors "the close historical relationship and outstanding contribution of Intercollegiate Marching Bands to the American way of life."
It is an annual award "to recognize a college Marching Band of exceptional merit" and bands that have been awarded the Sudler Trophy are not eligible for nomination for additional Sudlers. The selection and presentation of this award is administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.
In 1985, the Florida A&M University "Marching 100" Band was awarded the Sudler Trophy, the highest honor a collegiate marching band can receive. With the presentation, the "Marching 100" was the 4th band in the nation, the first Southern band, the first HBCU band, and first and only in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference to receive the award, which is considered by many to be the "Heisman Trophy for college bands."
The Sudler Trophy is named for Louis and Virginia Sudler, the generous patrons whose efforts and contributions have made the award possible. Administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, the purpose of the award is "to identify and recognize collegiate marching bands of particular excellence which have made outstanding contributions to the American way of life.
The Sudler Trophy will be awarded annually to a college or university marching band which has demonstrated the highest of musical standards and innovative marching routines and ideas, and which has made important contributions to the advancement of the performance standards of college marching bands over a period of several years."
Each September, every marching band director in the United States who is teaching at a four-year school participating in NCAA football receives a ballot. Each director is asked to nominate and vote by listing and ranking three college marching bands from throughout the nation. These ballots are compiled and the result is announced each December in Chicago at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.
This trophy is in recognition of the hard work and efforts that previous members of the World Famous "Marching 100" have put forth, and has become the standard for all future bands to live up to.
There's nothing sweeter than being recognized by your peers as the best in the country!
[edit] Scholarship Information
We have a number of scholarships available for our students. Whether you are in Music Education, or one of our many other majors on campus, your academic progress will be enhanced by the scholarship monies that we have to offer those who have a need, as well as a desire to commit themselves to being dedicated, loyal members of the “Marching 100” Band!
To get more information on our scholarships, please contact Kimberly Jackson at 850-599-3024 or kimberly.jackson@famu.edu.
In addition to the scholarships given by FAMU and the FAMU Bands, our Alumni Band Association also has scholarships available to our prospective and current students. Visit them at www.marching100alumni.com for more information!
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