BY DEMORRIS LEE
THE FLORIDA COURIER
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News
HBCU marching bands are ‘symbols of resilience, unity and excellence’ on and off the field.
The steady cadence of drumbeats echoes through the crowd, rhythmic and commanding.
Spectators instinctively create a pathway, knowing what’s coming. Accompanied by synchronized steps and the graceful sway of flags, the dancers’ movements flow in perfect harmony with the band’s progression toward the stadium. Every step, every beat, builds anticipation among the fans awaiting kickoff.
But first, it’s the band.
This energy will fill the air at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23 when Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman universities face off in the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic in Orlando. But the rivalry extends beyond the final score on the gridiron.
“It’s more than just a game for us,” said Dr. Shelby Chipman, FAMU’s director of bands. “I remember marching in the Florida Classic myself when it was held in Tampa. Now, as a director, I understand the excitement and responsibility even more. The Battle of the Bands, halftime shows, and community events—every moment contributes to the Classic experience.”
There is the battle of the bands, the drumline battle, the blaring but yet harmonious squeal of brass instruments and, of course, the precision, energy and vibe of the long-awaited halftime show. And the Fifth Quarter.
“At HBCU football games, half-time isn’t just a break—it’s a show, said Dr. William Hudson Jr., vice president of Student Affairs at FAMU. “People stay in their seats, eager to see what the band will deliver next.”
Symbols of excellence and tradition
But the HBCU band offers so much more.
HBCU marching bands are more than just halftime entertainment. They are an essential element of school pride and cultural unity. At an HBCU, the band brings a vibrant spirit that is pervasive with students, alumni, and community members alike.
With the “Marching 100” at FAMU, Bethune-Cookman’s The Pride, Edward Waters University’s Triple Threat Marching Band in Jacksonville and Miami Garden’s Florida Memorial College the ROAR, the legacy of HBCU bands has become an irreplaceable component of the HBCU experience.
“HBCU bands play a unique role in preserving and celebrating our culture,” Hudson said. “The Marching 100 and bands from schools like Jackson State, Southern University and Bethune-Cookman have distinct sounds, dance styles, and entrance routines that speak to each school’s history. It’s about pride, tradition, and our shared heritage.”
Bethune-Cookman, Edward Waters, FAMU and Florida Memorial each hold a unique and vital role within their respective institutions and are symbols of excellence and tradition.
Florida Memorial’s band is a newer addition to the HBCU band landscape having been established in 2020, but it has quickly established itself.
Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman’s Marching Wildcats, FAMU and Edward Waters continue a legacy of performance and pride. That pride has been showcased on national television and around the world. HBCU bands are not only a celebrated tradition but a key component of the school’s identity.
“Our Marching 100 has been part of the FAMU brand since the 1940s,” Hudson said. “For students, whether they participate in the band or not, it brings an undeniable energy to our university. “
Impact extends
beyond music
The power of HBCU bands expand beyond game day. Chipman said the band’s ability to bring exposure to the university is a powerful tool for re- cruitment and community building.
“High school students watch our performances online, and we perform at significant events,” Chipman said. “Each performance helps raise the profile of our band and institution, inspiring future students from all backgrounds and nations to consider FAMU.”
The band also serves as a platform for academic and personal growth and creates a sense of family and teamwork
“We pride ourselves on being a ‘FAMUly,’ and the band is a core part of that experience,” Hudson explains. “Not only does it attract students, but it also connects with alumni and the local community. Our alumni come back year after year, expecting to see the Marching 100 on the field. It’s part of what makes us who we are.”
The band’s impact on students extends beyond music. Marching band students arrive at marching season from a wide range of academic fields. They are nursing, engineering, business and journalism majors. They’re ambassadors and represent values of excellence and dedication.
“It’s gratifying to see students excel in their academic pursuits while bringing that same level of commitment to their music,” Chipman said. The demands of balancing music with academics are rigorous, but many band programs provide a support system that ensures students are set up for success.
“We partner with academic departments to provide tutoring and study sessions twice a week, right here in the band room,” Chipman noted. “This balance of academic and performance excellence is key to developing well-rounded individuals. It’s a testament to the resilience and dedication of our students.”
As HBCU bands continue to grow in popularity, their influence can be seen in professional development and career readiness for band members.
“Many of our students go on to careers in various fields, from law to engineering to music education,” Hudson said. “The discipline, leadership, and teamwork they learn in the band prepares them to be complete professionals and strong representatives of FAMU.”
Reflecting on his experience as a Rattler band member, Chipman is proud of the legacy he helps continue. As FAMU and other HBCUs look to the future, their bands will remain at the heart of campus life, representing the spirit and strength of their institutions for generations to come.
“Our program is built on the vision of our founders, and we’re here to ensure it carries on,” Chipman added. “HBCU bands are more than just music—they are symbols of resilience, unity, and excellence that enrich the lives of everyone involved, both on and off the field.”
