Future Rattlers Learn the Art of Musicianship
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Marching “100” Summer Band Camp is back and better than ever. The camp, which is now underway has existed for more than 20 years.
“Developing student musicianship, enhancing marching skills, encouraging creativity, and having fun are all part of the Florida A&M University Marching ‘100’ Summer Band Camp mission,” said Shelby Chipman, Ph.D., director of symphonic bands and band camp coordinator.
To give the campers a taste of the college band experience, camp participants will perform in various events around FAMU’s campus. On Thursday, July 16, at 2 p.m. there will be a parade featuring the campers, campus groups, and community organizations in front of Gaither Gymnasium, located at 1755 Wahnish Way. The parade will end on the “Set,” near Lee Hall, located at 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Also, as a special treat to campers and the community, Marching “100” band camp counselors will perform “Bring It On” Thursday evening at 9 p.m. on the band’s practice field.
On Friday, July 17, at 7 p.m. at the Foster Tanner Music Building, located at 1660 Pinder St., the campers will provide a night of jazz and classical music featuring performances by the Honor Band Ensembles. Camp activities will conclude with the campers presenting a marching band expedition featuring a pre-game and half-time show in Bragg Memorial Stadium, located at 1835 Wahnish Way, on Saturday, July 18, at 10 a.m.
“The Florida A&M University Band Camp is designed to provide the ultimate musical, marching, and cultural experience for its participants,” said Sylvester Young, Ph.D., director of marching and pep bands. “Many of the past participants have gone on to become professionals in every academic field and always mention the FAMU Band Camp as one of their life-changing experiences.”
All events are free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Dr. Young at (850) 599-8744 or Kimberly Taylor at (850) 599-3024.
About FAMU
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is one of the largest single-campus historically Black colleges or universities in the nation. The University blends a strong research focus on economic empowerment and community service.
The University was founded in 1887 as the State Normal School for Colored Students. Today, FAMU continues its mission to be a best-in-class, land-grant University with a global reach that focuses on science, technology, research, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STREAM).
FAMU contributes to a strong workforce by providing a high-quality, affordable education to students from diverse backgrounds. The U.S. News & World Report lists FAMU as the nation’s top public historically Black college or university (HBCU) for 2015; and recognized the University among the “Best National Universities” in 2014. It is also listed among The Princeton Review’s “Best in the Southeast” colleges.
FAMU is also one of the top universities for providing a high-quality education at an affordable price in Florida, according to The College Database (2013).
For more information about FAMU, visit: www.famu.edu.