On Saturday, before a crowd of more than 47,800 spectators
at the Florida Blue Florida Classic, the band once again set the bar by
unveiling new uniforms that pay homage to its legacy while signifying the
beginning of a new era.
FAMU alumni Bernard and Shirley Kinsey donated $250,000 in
2016 during the Florida Classic to help the band purchase new uniforms and a
branded trailer to transport the band’s instruments and equipment. Bernard
Kinsey was a member of the band and met his wife at FAMU.
Shirley Kinsey said, “This is like prom and graduation all
rolled into one. I’m very proud of these students, not just for their
musicianship but for academics also.”
Many of the band’s members, including its freshman class, boast GPAs ranging from 3.0 to 4.0.
Many of the band’s members, including its freshman class, boast GPAs ranging from 3.0 to 4.0.
The Kinseys challenged the University community to match
their gift to ensure the band received a total of $500,000. The Office of
Academic Affairs provided $250,000 to purchase instruments for the music
department and met the terms of the challenge.
Instruments on the field during the game included new tubas.
The FAMU Foundation provided an additional $100,000 in scholarships for band
members.
Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., watched the band’s
performance on the sidelines with the Kinseys and said the new uniforms are an
investment in current and future Rattlers.
“We want students who are here now to understand how much we
appreciate their hard work as well as the faculty that guide them,” Robinson
said. “I also think this new look will help attract more students to Florida
A&M University.”
More than 300 uniforms were custom designed and created by
the Fruhauf Uniform Company for the 241-member band, including 12 drum major
uniforms and 20 flag corps uniforms.
Band president Justin Fitzpatrick is a graduating senior and
was thrilled to wear a new uniform during his last game.
“In 2014, it was an experience as I became a part of a
bigger legacy. Now, with the new uniforms, begins a new era. It will be
exciting to see where the program goes from here,” he said.
After the band’s performance, student-musician Amber Smith
called the experience “overwhelming” as she performed for a crowd that included
her parents.
Smith said, “It’s an honorable feeling because it was my
father’s aspiration to come to FAMU, but he wasn’t able to. And to be able to
attend Florida A&M University and march with the ‘100,’ it’s as though I’m
stepping into his shoes and honoring his wishes.”
In honor of Marching “100” originators like founder William
P. Foster, Ph.D., other past directors and band alumni, the uniform includes a
patch on the cuffs – an original Rattler mascot that has been used by the band
since 1972.
In addition to a Rattler skin pattern and the University’s
official colors (orange representing Florida’s citrus industry and green
representing the state’s roots in agriculture), the uniforms also incorporate
chevrons and the color black, which represent prestige, authority and elegance.
The drum majors’ uniforms are all black with orange and green embellishments
and a pattern of the nostalgic Rattler patch.
Band Director Shelby Chipman, Ph.D., said, “It’s good to
have something fresh and new. Like former President Obama said, ‘sometimes
change is good.’ A lot of thought went into the process of getting these
uniforms, including input from the administration, the Kinseys, student body,
and alumni. All had input because we wanted to preserve our legacy.”
The new uniforms replace the band’s 15-year-old uniforms and
will have another national audience – a performance at the prestigious
Tournament of Roses Parade (Rose Bowl) in 2019.