TALLAHASSEE — Florida A&M University (FAMU) Interim President Larry Robinson shared a message of new beginnings and rising to high expectationsas he addressed the more than 190 potential members of the Marching “100” on Saturday.
“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 criteria being used to determine who can participate in the ensemble, which include:
Must have a 2.0 or better cumulative G.P.A.; and must have earned 24 cumulative credit hours during the last academic year (i.e., Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Summer 2013).
Students are allowed to participate in the ensemble only for four Fall semesters.
Robinson lifted the suspension on the Marching “100” in June 2013. Officials said his decision was based on comprehensive changes implemented in the new anti-hazing plan, including:
• 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 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.
*TUBAS PLAY: Looking to set a new tone along with more than 190 potential members of the Marching ‘100’ during Florida A&M University’s pre-drill, where Sylvester Young, below, their new director, conducted. ‘We have new rigorous guidelines to ensure the academic progression of our students,’ he said.
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