Team could get lost among this marching band
When the Florida A&M marching band launches into “I’m From FAMU,” the fat bass notes from the tuba section reverberate through Bragg Stadium in Tallahassee.
Wuh-wuh-wuhhh.
Fans can feel it in their seats.
Heck, fans can feel it in their teeth.
The molar-rattling music comes from one of the most celebrated college bands in the land. Also one of the largest. What began as “The Incomparable Marching 100” now boasts more than 400 members, with 10 drum majors and 40 — count ’em, 40 — tubas.
When the FAMU band takes the field, thick rows of green-and-orange uniforms stretch from end zone to end zone.
“It’s different here,” says Travis Roberts, a clarinet player and biology major from Fort Lauderdale. “The football team could get lost in the band.”
At Florida A&M home games, halftime is not intermission. The stands remain packed during the band program. Then hundreds of fans leave their seats during the beginning of the third quarter.
Jonathan Boyce, a political science major from Marietta, Ga., followed his brother into the Marching 100. Now he is one of the leaders of the band. This is a big deal.
“Being a drum major at FAMU,” Boyce said, “is like being a star quarterback at Florida State.”
Black college bands
Florida A&M helped begin the great tradition of marching bands at historically black colleges and universities.
The legendary William P. Foster, known as “The Maestro,” directed the band for more than a half-century, from 1946 to 1998. His book, “Band Pageantry,” was considered the bible of halftime programs and marching techniques.
In 1985, FAMU became the fourth university to win the Sudler Trophy for outstanding college marching bands.
The Marching 100 has performed at the Grammy Awards, two presidential inaugural parades and four Super Bowls. Just last year, at the 2007 Super Bowl halftime show, the band performed with Prince.
“Even when it rained, it was perfect,” says Roberts, “because we played ‘Purple Rain.’”
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Like being a star quarterback at FSU....child please. FSU gets enough publicity ok we do not need you tryin to get them on the front page with the FAMU RATTLERS. Being in the FAMU Marching Band is enough recognition and stardome for yourself. Please get a life!! Enjoy being a RATTLER!!! Damn FSU.
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