The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) world-renowned Marching “100” is headed to the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2019. The University’s band received an invitation to participate in the Rose Bowl-connected event in Pasadena, California.
The Marching “100″ has mesmerized audiences around the globe for more than 70 years. Throughout its history, the internationally acclaimed band has performed in multiple high-profile events including the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards, the 1989 French Bicentennial Celebration in Paris, France and the inaugurations of U.S. presidents.
As one of the most famous and recognized New Year’s Day events in the nation, an opportunity to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade provides a unique platform to entertain millions of viewers on one of the most recognized stages in the world. This marks FAMU’s first appearance in the parade.
“Congratulations to Band Director Dr. Shelby Chipman, our dedicated music department faculty and staff, and, of course, our outstanding student musicians. With the support of the entire FAMU family and friends around the nation, we will mark the Tournament of Roses Parade as another chapter in the storied histories of FAMU and the Marching ‘100,’” said FAMU’s President Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
Chipman added, “Our students continue to be recognized for excellence, hard work and their dedication to being the best in musicianship, performance and academics. We look forward to this exciting opportunity and putting on an unforgettable show.”
Tournament of Roses parade officials say they chose FAMU because of the group’s exceptional talent, dedication and showmanship. Sixty million people will view the parade worldwide and as many as 700,000 people will watch the performance in-person.
The band has already started its fundraising efforts to finance the trip, which will include academic and field research opportunities for the student-musicians. Supporters can contribute online at https://my.famu.edu/giving/tor or by texting M100 to 41444.
Updated June 2018
