An Icon Passes, Remembering FAMU’s William P. Foster
August 28, 2010
Florida A&M’s original band director has passed away. William Patrick Foster, long-time director and founder of the Florida A&M Marching 100, passed away Saturday morning. Foster, affectionately known as “Doc Foster” by band members both past and present, founded the Marching 100 and served as its director from 1946 to 1998. Foster is credited with creating the Marching 100’s signature sound, movement and rhythm, and arguably influencing the structure of HBCU marching bands across the country.
More details will be posted as soon as they are available. See the full story in Monday’s edition of The Famuan.
Photo By: Victor R. Gaines
Marching 100 to Host its Annual Band Camp and Parade
June 15, 2010
from RattlerWIRE by News Rattler
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Marching “100” will host its Annual Band Camp from Monday, July 12 through Saturday, July 17. The “100” will lend its talent to hundreds of the nation’s best high school band students.
A myriad of students from throughout the United States arrive for the week-long camp in order to prove their dedication to service and excellence by emulating the style of the world-renowned Marching “100.” The participants will showcase their new skills and moves to the FAMU family and the Tallahassee community at the annual band camp parade scheduled for Friday, July 17, at 1 p.m.
Each year, the parade features a variety of community schools, organizations, and local participants for a unique and enjoyable celebration.
The parade route will begin at Bragg Memorial Stadium traveling north on Wahnish Way; turn right on to Gamble Street; then right on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., and end on “The Set” at the viewing stand.
Band participants will continue to showcase their new skills at events throughout the week. An ensemble concert is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a symphonic concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Both concerts will be held in Lee Hall Auditorium.
The Super Summer-Fest Finale Performance is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at 10 a.m., featuring a pre-game and halftime show in the traditional style of the Marching “100.”
Other scheduled events include a talent showcase in Gaither Gymnasium at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14; an ensemble concert in Lee Hall Auditorium at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 15; and a symphonic band concert in Lee Hall Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 15.
For more information, call the FAMU Band Department at (850) 599-3024.
New Orleans Musicians Pay Tribute to Slain Musician, Brandon Franklin
May 13, 2010
Hollygrove shooting victim took leadership role in classroom and in band
May 10, 2010
By Laura Maggi, The Times-Picayune
Nola.com / Source
Three years ago, Brandon Franklin was drum major of the Louisiana Leadership Institute band, which marched in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Franklin and the band were photographed Dec. 28, 2006, at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
Even when he was just a student at O. Perry Walker High School, Brandon Franklin was as much a role model as a peer, a former teacher said Monday.
Franklin, 22, who was shot to death Sunday night in Hollygrove, therefore easily grew into the role of teacher and mentor when he took a job within the school’s music program at the beginning of this school year, said Mark Bailey, an assistant principal at Walker.
Bailey, Franklin’s math teacher in his senior year three years ago, described the young father and musician as a bright student who often took on a leadership role, both in the classroom and the school’s acclaimed marching band, where he was a drum major.
‘Ballou’ Marching Band Rises Up With Music
April 23, 2010
- Posted Apr 23rd 2010 10:15AM by Marina Galperina TheBoombox.com | Source
Ballou Senior High School students face more challenges than most adults will ever have to deal with. That’s why the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band is not merely an after school activity or a music collective — it’s a positive influence in their lives. In the documentary film ‘Ballou,’ Michael Patrei, an alum, goes back to school for a personal portrait of the band, its heroes, struggles and triumphs.
From the practicing rooms to the national competition, marching band music weaves in with familiar sounds (among those: Rihanna’s ‘Unfaithful’), but there’s something more universal in the film than motif recognition: fierce spirit. This is no glitzy feature fiction film. This isn’t reality TV either. This is real. The kids are determined, their spirit is raw and this documentary portrait will show you what it really takes to be the best.
Streaming now at SnagFilms, the film focuses on the band’s journey from early auditions to national competition and along the way reveals why the tightly knit collective does much more than keep kids off the streets. In a tough neighborhood three miles away from the U.S. Capitol building, Ballou High students spend hours every day practicing, proud to protect their reputation as champions. As one of the girls in the band confesses, "This is my anger management … I need this."
Much like the filmmaker, band director Darrell Watson is a Ballou alum himself. As are many of the volunteers who put their faith and tireless hours into supporting the collective. The flag girls’ choreographer admits, "This is my life." Band director Darrell Watson emerges as a true hero, whether he’s keeping the rowdiest kids in line in a practice room with no air conditioning or leading the band in national competition while suddenly struck with an illness.
With supporting commentary by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Congressman John Lewis, Marion Barry, Denyce Graves and Chuck Brown, the documentary proves that the band’s positive influence doesn’t just extend to its members. It betters the D.C. community, the country and maybe even you. Watch and get inspired.
Alcorn State Prepares for 30th Anniversary Jazz Festival with Jazz Legend McCoy Tyner
April 13, 2010
Southern University Band to Hold April Auditions in Houston and New Orleans
April 7, 2010
The Southern University Band will hold auditions for all interested students in the Houston area on Friday, April 16, 2010, from 6pm-9pm at Thurgood Marshall High School. The school is located at 1220 Buffalo Run, Missouri City, TX 77489-1626. For further information contact Nathan Haymer, Assistant Director of Bands, at nathan_haymer@subr.edu or contact the Thurgood Marshall Band Department.
The Southern University Band will hold auditions for all interested students in the New Orleans area on Thursday, April 22, 2010, from 6pm-9pm at O. Perry Walker High School. O. Perry Walker is located at 2832 General Meyer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114. . For further information contact Nathan Haymer, Assistant Director of Bands, at nathan_haymer@subr.edu or contact the O. Perry Walker Band Department.
Got important news to get out to the Band Community?
Send your announcements to www@marchingsport.com
Alcorn Jazz Festival Snags The Legendary McCoy Tyner for 30th Annual Event
April 6, 2010
To say we’re excited about this one is an Understatement. David Miller and his staff have outdone themselves by getting none other then Legendary John Coltrane sideman McCoy Tyner and special guest Gary Bartz for their 30th Annual Jazz Festival.
The 30th Anniversary Alcorn State University Jazz Festival will take place on Saturday, April 17th in the Vicksburg Convention Center. University, College & H.S. jazz ensembles from around the Southeast will perform in the morning and afternoon. There will be an educational workshop @ 4:00 pm and an evening concert featuring the McCoy Tyner Trio with Special Guest Gary Bartz, some of the most prominent jazz artists in the history of the music. The evening concert with the MS Jazz Educators and the McCoy Tyner Trio with Special Guest Gary Bartz, will start at 7:00pm. For details call Dr. David Miller @ 601-877-6602 or Google “ASU jazz fest.” All of this sensational music is absolutely FREE and open to the public!
That’s the 30th Anniversary Alcorn State University Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 17 in the Vicksburg Convention Center! You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime music history making event! Read more
Grambling to name new building after Conrad Hutchinson
April 6, 2010
GRAMBLING — Acting upon a request by Grambling State University to honor one of its musical legends, the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors approved the naming of the new performing arts center as the "Conrad Hutchinson Jr. Performing Arts Center."
Interim President Frank Pogue said: "Since arriving here a few months ago, I have consistently heard about Conrad Hutchison and what he meant to Grambling. After learning more about him and realizing the impact of his contributions in making Grambling a household name, I think we would be remiss if we failed to bestow this honor upon his legacy."
A special ribbon cutting ceremony for the center is tentatively scheduled for May 14.
Grambling holds auditions in New Orleans & Houston for 2010-2011 season.
March 28, 2010
Dr. Larry J Pannell & Malcolm Spencer, Director of Bands and
Assistant Director of Bands will be holding auditions at various high
schools in the New Orleans area on Monday, March 29th-March 30th. You
can contact Mrs. Linda Stringfellow at 3182746257 or Mrs. Janice Cowan
at 3182736157 for specific schools and times.
Mr. Michael Hendrix, Assistant Band Director of Grambling State
University will be holding auditions at various high schools in the
Houston area on Tuesday, March 30th-March 31st. You can contact Mrs.
Linda Stringfellow at 3182746257 or Mrs. Janice Cowan at 3182736157 for
specific schools and times.
Be apart of the reincarnation of GREATNESS. A new decade, new attitude and awakened legacy. Don’t miss out on becoming the class in which the World Famed is taken to the next level. Don’t knock it until you try it. 2010 Is The Year of Grambling, Will Remain on Top, Losses are Behind us, Never Again. If you think you can be a great asset to our program and not just a number, then bring it on.
Comments