FAMU’s renowned Marching “100” summer band camp celebrated its 25th year of excellence, culminating with a parade and band concert at Lee Hall Auditorium.
Nearly 300 middle and high school students from across the country, and some from as far as Germany, participated in the week-long program to learn from leaders from the internationally acclaimed Marching “100” and FAMU Department of Music.
“We’re having a great time uplifting these students in the areas of character, musicianship and professionalism,” said Shelby Chipman, Ph.D., director of bands.
Campers shared the significance of participating in the camp and the impact that it’s made on their lives – including influencing them to return to FAMU as music scholars.
“I’m enjoying it. On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a 10,” said Malik Gordon. “I wasn’t even thinking about coming to FAMU until this band camp and it’s completely changed my mind.”
By week’s end visiting students could feel the camaraderie and family atmosphere that places FAMU in a league of its own.
“I do plan on coming to FAMU. Ever since I was exposed to the Marching ‘100’ my freshman year (in high school) I heard about how everyone here is pretty much a family and I want to come here and be part of that family,” said Ana Coronada.
Participating middle and high school students were glad to “be in that number,” even if only for one week, and expressed high hopes of returning to the “Hill” again.
