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
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.
FVSU Jazz Band To Record Live Album
March 24, 2010
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Source | The Sun News
The Fort Valley State University Jazz Orchestra will bring some jazz to the Cherry Blossom Festival. The orchestra will make a live recording of its performance 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Douglass Theatre.
“We wanted the ambiance of the historic hall,” said Leonard Giles, director of the band. He is passionate about keeping jazz alive in the Middle Georgia area.
Giles and his 20 students will perform about 10 jazz songs for the recording, but the performance is not part of a set program. That gives the band an opportunity to shine and to improvise, which is an integral part of jazz, Giles said.
Giles said the recordings will be sold to alumni and local groups as a fundraiser for the band.
The group has made about four recordings, but Giles said those have been in a studio or during rehearsal. This will be the first one recorded live. The group also has traveled to the Bahamas and opened for the Count Basie Orchestra.
The money raised by the recording will be used to fund traveling expenses when the orchestra performs at out-of-town locations.
Not all band members study music. Their majors range from music to pre-med, and some students are first-year jazz band performers.
“This is great experience for them,” Giles said.
Brandon Summers is the bass guitar player for the band. He joined the group in spring 2007 “as a musical outlet and a way to learn a second instrument.”
Summers played the violin for 15 years and just started the bass when he decided to join the jazz band.
Much of his success is due to Giles, Summers said.
“I give much kudos to Mr. Giles for that,” he said.
The hardest part about being a jazz player, Giles said, is finding somewhere to play the music.
It didn’t used to be like that. He recalled the music scene in 1970s Macon, which had jazz bars throughout the town.
“Jazz isn’t as popular as it used to be,” he said.
To contact writer Angela Woolen, call 923-5650.
New Orleans Mardi Gras marching bands are incubators for more than music
February 12, 2010
By Sarah Carr, The Times-Picayune (Source)
With two days left before the band’s first Mardi Gras parade, band leader Wilbert Rawlins wasn’t about to let his troupe of young musicians relax.
Pacing before dozens of rapt and silent teenagers sitting with their instruments in hand, he instructed: “At this point, we should be working on the relentless pursuit of perfection. Just showing up to practice does not make us perfect.”
Rawlins waved his hand dismissively at the array of trophies won by O. Perry Walker’s band through the decades, reminding the students never to rest on past laurels.
“If you’re in here you’ve got to be willing to work,” he said. “One slip of the tongue, that’s one less person. One slip of the hand, that’s one less person. We need everybody.”
In the cramped band room of the West Bank charter school, that “everybody” is more than 100 students strong. It includes novices who only recently picked up an instrument and students with so much musical experience their horns feel like extensions of their hands.
FAMU’s Marching 100 excited about pregame Super Bowl performance
February 7, 2010
(Tallahassee.com)
A blue sky with fluffy white clouds met Florida A&M University’s marching band in West Palm Beach Saturday. But there was no time to enjoy the scenery.
Members of the Marching 100 were given strict orders. Get off the bus quickly. Meet on the football field. Get prepared for a rigorous practice. The 387-member band was there to get down to business — to rehearse its pregame Super Bowl show for Sunday.
Harold and Janice were just two of the nearly 100 area residents who showed up to watch the band practice.
"I come out anytime they’re close to me," Harold Finley, of West Palm Beach. He was decked out in his own Marching 100 gear. "I played tuba in the band in 1976."
The band endured a nearly-10-hour trip from Tallahassee to West Palm Beach on Saturday.
