FAMU's board of trustees has OK'd the new degree program in music, expected to attract students hooked on the performance, composition and entrepreneurial sides of music-making. Included in the mix are likely to be students interested in religious music. There are about 110 music-education majors now at FAMU, but administrators expect that number to grow.
Previously, the music-related majors at FAMU were music education and jazz studies.
"This broadens the horizon in choices for the student not necessarily interested in teaching, but looking at music in a broader context," said Julian White, music-department chairman and Marching 100 director. "We've had a number of students express the desire for this degree."
Two visiting faculty members will become tenure-track professors to bolster the change.
Band offers students lessons away from field
''In high school, [the band] is a motivating factor to keep them (kids) interested, not only in music but in their academics,'' said Julian White.
At Miami Norland Senior High, about 75 kids have gone on to colleges such as FAMU, the University of Florida and other schools on band scholarships since 1997, said band director Anthony Simons.
``We recruit heavily in South Florida,'' said White.
FAMU's famed Marching ''100'' -- now 60 years old -- boasts more than 300 members. Its performances around the country and internationally include presidential inaugurations.