“This band will truly exemplify the principles of Character,
Academics, Leadership, Musicianship, Marching and Service. The band will be a
model for others to emulate on and off the field," said Robinson. “We’ve
learned a lot in the past 20 months. We’ve made significant adjustments to
educate and inform our students about the great traditions and values of
Florida A&M University and the Marching ‘100’ which include respecting and
supporting each other in the light of day and when the crowds have gone. We’re
looking forward to a great season and future for the band.”
New and returning students reported to pre-drill in order to
audition for faculty to be in the Marching “100.” All students in pre-drill met
the new eligibility guidelines. The new criteria being used to determine who
can participate in the Marching Band ensemble is as follows:
• Must have a 2.0 or better cumulative G.P.A.;
• Revised the Student Code of Conduct procedures;
• Must have earned 24 cumulative credit hours during the
last academic year (i.e., Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Summer 2013);
• Based on the Admit Term, the student should have earned
the following minimum cumulative credit hours at the end of each academic
year:
Fall
2012 24 credit hours
Fall
2011 48 credit hours
Fall
2010 72 credit hours
Fall 2009 96 credit hours
Students are only allowed to participate in the Marching
Band ensemble for four Fall semesters.
Robinson lifted the suspension on the Marching “100” in June
2013. He based his decision on the comprehensive changes implemented in the new
anti-hazing plan, which includes:
• Revised the BOT Anti-Hazing policy;
• Revised the Student Code of Conduct procedures;
• Implemented enhanced procedures for reporting and
investigating hazing allegations;
• Launched a new anti-hazing website, StopHazingFAMU.com;
• Awarded funding to FAMU faculty and students for research
on hazing prevention;
• Created two unique positions to provide a comprehensive
approach to implement the anti-hazing initiatives, hired a special assistant to
the President for anti-hazing, and a music compliance officer — to make sure
that all music department ensembles including the band meet all standards to be
eligible to perform.
• Scheduled campus training and forums and anti-hazing
sessions.
• Enhanced the membership intake process for clubs and
organizations; and;
• Revised the organizational structure of the Department of
Music and hired a new Director of Marching and Pep Bands.
“We have new rigorous guidelines to ensure the academic
progression of our students, which further drives home the statement that ‘not
everyone can be selected for the Marching 100,’” said Sylvester Young, director
of marching and pep bands. “When the time comes to take the field, we will be
the best band on the field with the many of the best students in the classroom.
At the end of the day, band is a class. How our students perform in both arenas
is paramount to the university.”
Returning members dressed in orange FAMU T-shirts wowed the
crowd of freshmen, parents and administrators with stirring renditions of the
“Florida Song,” “Ratteration,” and “I’m So Glad I’m From FAMU.”
On August 15th, Young will announce his decision regarding
the first performance for the band, which may take place in on September 1st in
Orlando at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney.