Deputies: FAMU student found unresponsive on bus
November 20, 2011
The 27-year-old man was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
By Arelis R. Hernández, Orlando Sentinel (source)
9:55 a.m. EST, November 20, 2011
A Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Universitystudent was found dead aboard a bus parked in front of a hotel on International Drive Saturday night hours after the Florida Classic football game, Orange County deputy sheriff’s said.
Deputies arrived to the Rosen Plaza hotel at 9700 International Drive about 9:46 p.m. to find the 27-year-old man unresponsive on a bus. They transported him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Ginette Rodriguez said there were no signs of foul play but detectives are still investigating.
FAMU’s student newspaper, The Famuan, identified the man as Robert Champion, a drum major for the Rattler’s award-winning "Marching 100" band.
School officials have not responded to requests for comment.
Champion’s Facebook page said the Atlanta-native is a music technology and education major at the Tallahassee historically black university.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
arehernandez@tribune.com or 407-883-7796
FAMU, Bethune-Cookman marching band alumni teach next generation of musicians
November 18, 2011
By Jon Busdeker, Orlando Sentinel
6:14 p.m. EST, November 18, 2011
Edgewater High School band director Bruce Green has a gold-and-maroon marching band uniform hanging in his office from his days as a trumpeter for Bethune-Cookman University. The word "Pride" is stitched into each cuff.
At Ocoee High, band director Bernard Hendricks has plaques hanging in his office to remember his days playing percussion in the B-CU band’s archrival, the Florida A&M University band. "I’m always going to lean toward the orange and green," he said.
There’s a friendly rivalry among Green, Hendricks and other alumni of the two schools about which band is better. That competition will reach a peak Saturday when the annual Florida Classic — the football game and halftime extravaganza — kicks off at the Citrus Bowl.
HBCU bands shine in series
November 10, 2011
You can’t talk about Grambling State University football without talking about the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band.
Those were the words of head football coach Doug Williams, and we happen to agree. People who aren’t even football fans love to see this band in action.
These proud representatives of GSU and all of northeastern Louisiana will be featured beginning tonight in a five-week series broadcast nationally on ESPNU.
"The Battle Presented by AT&T" showcases the traditions of historically black colleges and university bands. The documentary reflects a glimpse into the rivalry and tradition that dates back decades and defines HBCU bands, including GSU’s Tiger Marching Band.
Grambling’s band, established in 1926 with 17 members, is now 250 marching strong with a resume that includes halftime performances at Super Bowl I and IX, parade appearances in the nation’s bicentennial celebration in 1976 and the inauguration of President George W. Bush in 2001, a place in the NCAA Hall of Fame and several national commercials.
Central’s high-stepping drum majors perform tonight
November 1, 2011
The award-winning Central High School Drum Majors are more than entertainers.
According to their band director Carl Collins, "Basically, they are mini-band directors and student leaders." They’ve worked hard to become these leaders on and off the field.
In order to qualify as drum majors, they must have one year of solid band experience along with a strong GPA, ability to sight-read music, an impressive dance routine, and complete the signature back-bend that all Central drum majors are known for.
