FAMU Marching 100 – Super Performers
By Stephanie Lambert
Associate Editor
WEST PALM BEACH–The Florida A&M University Marching 100 is less than seven hours away from making their fifth appearance at the Super Bowl.
After weeks of practice, the musicians plan to leave their hearts on the field and a lasting impression in the eyes of the nation tonight during the Super Bowl XLIV’s pregame show at Dolphin Stadium in Miami.
“I feel blessed and excited to be performing at this year’s Super Bowl,” said Devon A. Marrett , a drum major from Fort Lauderdale. “One of the many benefits of being a member of the Marching 100 are the many memorable trips and performances.”
Dr. Julian E. White, FAMU’s director of bands, said preparation is key to a great performance.
“My mindset going into the show is that the students are going to do a great job because they are properly rehearsed and have positive attitudes,” White said.
Yesterday, the approximately 400-member ensemble practiced at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School in front of nearly 100 members of the local community, FAMU supporters and former members of the Marching 100.
“It’s a pleasure to be among the ‘100,’” said Lonnie Green, the high school’s band director and former member of the Marching 100. “This is the largest and most personable fraternity in the world. The ‘100’ is more than just a band.”
During their show, a tribute to musical icon Michael Jackson, the band plans to perform the hits, “Beat It,” Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal.”
“We plan to leave the impression that Florida A&M University Marching Band represents the pinnacle of showmanship in America,” said White, who is cheering for the Indianapolis Colts.
For the full story, purchase the Feb. 11 issue of the Capital Outlook
Filed Under: Local News, National, Sports, State News
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Comments (1)
Dear FAMU,
Let’s show that the Marching 100 is the best band in the land by voting in the ESPN best HBCU Band poll. The link is below.
I have been following this poll closely on ESPN. Honestly it has somewhat consumed me the past few days. I have heard arguments that it’s a given that FAMU is the best and in their eyes, this is self evident, so why pay attention to this poll. Because, while I certainly agree, I also believe in the Colin Powell Doctrine, when you go in for battle, don’t do so unless you plan to attack the enemy with “Overwhelming Force”. To sum it up the way Joe Bullard would sum it up, no matter what the venue the Marching 100 is the best. So let’s make it clear in THX HD Blue-Ray on the mega Bose system blasting throughout the house and by the pool. The Marching 100 is number 1. And if you didn’t know now you know. That’s the message!
Having said that, on a practical basis, FAMU is the largest HBCU in the country. However, once again Southern is ahead of FAMU and heck even BCU is about to catch the Marching 100. This is about school pride now. This poll is not on the front page of ESPN. In fact, if you don’t have the link you can’t find the rankings. So that means that the voting at this point is about pure school spirit. If FAMU being bigger than Southern and BCU in band size, student population and Alumni base can’t muster the votes on a poll where everyone with all the facts and public opinion knows that the Marching 100 is the best and most recognizable band in world, than that’s is sort of a referendum on our / FAMU school pride.
The HBCU Bands are one of the few treasures that America recognizes that we are the very best. So we can’t be complacent about this poll. It says something and will mean something next year when football season fires up again…It could actually even impact ticket sales in Atlanta, Orlando and the other Classics that we participate in. So please rally the troops to vote in this somewhat obscure poll but nevertheless important in acknowledging that FAMU’s Marching 100 is the best!
Lastly, vote today and make the gap so large that the other schools will feel like it’s not worth it to keep voting tonight and tomorrow. Let’s make the competition feel overwhelmed by the sheer power of the support of our University and its Marching 100. Today is important, because right about now I am worn out from waking up the past three days to the Marching 100 down by thousands of votes after going to sleep with them ranked number 1.
Let’s close this deal!
The link:
http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/rank?versionId=1&listId=512#topOfList
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