A Perfect 10?
If history repeats itself, Florida A&M University’s famed Marching 100 Band will add another drum major and change its name when president-elect Dr. James Ammons takes the helm of the historically Black university. What will the drum majors call themselves this time, as Ammons will become FAMU’s 10th president? Will the band be led by the “Terrific 10”? Maybe the “Talented 10”?
Most bands have one drum major, but FAMU decided a long time ago to march to the beat of a different, well, drum. The school added drum majors sporadically over the years. But in 2002, the 100, widely known for its dramatic moves and booming presence, kicked off the presidential tenure of the school’s ninth president, Dr. Fred Gainous, by adding a ninth drum major. Their name? The Presidential Nine, of course.
“We always wanted to be different,” says Dr. Julian E. White, FAMU’s director of bands. At one point, the group of drum majors was called the Eight Wonders. Before that, the Magnificent Seven.
Could another drum major be joining the fold with the addition of Ammons? Right now, all signs are pointing toward no.
“Ten would just be too many,” White says. However, he won’t completely rule it out, saying we’d have to wait until the first performance of next football season to see for ourselves.
“Don’t put it past us.”
— By Marlon A. Walker
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
