FAMU Department of Music takes anti-hazing, recruitment tour to South Florida

The FAMU Department of Music will journey to South Florida Feb. 21 – 23 to commence the next edition of the “Working Together to Stop Hazing” recruitment and outreach tour.

“This recruitment and anti-hazing tour offers representatives of the university an opportunity to showcase the talent that is being cultivated within FAMU's music department,” said Special Assistant to the President for Anti-Hazing Bryan Smith. “It also reiterates the university’s zero tolerance stance on hazing. We want potential students, their parents, and anyone interested in recommending FAMU as an educational option, to know that our academic programs are high quality and we are dedicated to providing a safe and caring campus environment.”

On Feb. 21, at 6 p.m., the tour will make its first stop at Oakridge High School in Orlando, Fla. On Feb. 22, at 11:30 a.m., the tour will continue at Palm Beach Lakes High School in West Palm Beach, Fla. and at Myrtle Grove Elementary School in Miami starting at 7:45 p.m. The tour will conclude on Feb. 23, at 3 p.m., at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Fla. Each tour stop is free and open to students from surrounding high schools and the general public.

During the tour, FAMU students, staff and administrators will present area high school students with anti-hazing workshops, as well as hold auditions for music scholarships. Presidential scholarships will also be awarded to qualified students. Students are encouraged to apply for admission before the event.

“This tour is an important component of accomplishing the university’s and the music department’s vision of teaching our young people to embody ‘Excellence with Caring,” said Department of Music Chair Kawachi Clemons. “Through this tour, we want to give high school students an opportunity to reach their highest potential in music education and music performance, as well as instill in them the importance of hazing prevention. This tour is designed to show students, their parents and community that participating in FAMU’s music programs can be a safe, educational and inspirational gateway to endless possibilities academically and professionally.”

High school students who attend the workshops and auditions will also get a glimpse into the FAMU music experience with a mini-concert by the university’s renowned music ensembles, which will include some of the music department’s most popular renditions of “Do I Do,” “Outstanding,” “Rock With You,” “Never Too Much” and “Square Biz.”

The tour is a component of the Department of Music’s ongoing efforts to eradicate hazing and to provide students with access to world-class music education.