FAMU Marching Band: 1952

FAMU Marching Band. Dr. William P. Foster, Director, Robert Elliott, Assistant Director and Clarence Trice, Arranger. Benjamin Groomes, Drum Major. Orange Blossom Classic. Miami, Florida. 1952.

[@MADDMUZICIAN]

I love this... Dr. Foster had to be so far outside the box to do shows like this in the 50's.

[@darwinfussle5031]

All other bands were about 25 members strong at the time

[@MrAljonadrayton]

this would put you in amazement in how far hbcu bands have came over the years

[@lsubandtrumpet2014]

I wonder how famu kicked their legs like that!

[@hendrixbroussard8155]

I am a former member of the Jukebox and I must say this is classic!!!

[@thebredybunch3404]

My Uncle, Benjamin Groomes, drum major! What a joy to see him in this!

[@TheDizfunkshunal1]

My1st director of bands at Norfolk State University Mr. Emery Fears was good friends with the late William P. Foster. We use to have a picture of the Marching 100 in our foyer . I have always respected the pride and tradition of The Florida A&M Marching 100 Rattler Band Program. This is truly an awesome experience. Thank you for sharing it with the world. From a Norfolk State University Marching Spartan Legion Alumni..... BEHOLD! BEHOLD! THE MIGHTY GREEN AND GOLD!

[@gregwhitenerel7846]

The drums. The beat. The swing. The soul if black america comes out in every sound and vibration

[@upt123]

Perfect show, cudos to the late Dr. Foster and his staff. I only wish there were more videos of great HBCU bands from the 50's and 60's era. I also like the OSU influence even though the MMB is my favorite.

[@thatcat41]

Dancing and playing in 1952!!!!

[@FAMUGrad2003]

The very first dance routine by a college band

[@songbird1035]

Im amazed and blessed to have been apart of such a rich legacy.#R.I.P Doc # Hubba 100# GESTAPO

[@edwardcanady4143]

Hubba Dat! Rappin-Duke FALL'85 SOT

[@EmorySimsDrEmoryCarlSims]

I am just in amazed at this historical footage of the great Florida A & M Marching Band directed by the great Dr. William P. Foster. This footage was made two years before I born. When I think about this footage being made two years before I was born makes it very interesting and fascinating. They done some moves that would amaze today's audience here in 2017. You know, you don't know how great you were until years past and people see this footage. Dr. Julian White was my band director at William M. Raines high school, and I just want to say thank you Dr. White. Even though I went to Bethune-Cookman, I will always admire and respect FAMU 100 marching band and of course the Great Dr. William P. Foster.

[@robertstaffod2424]

Which instrument did you play?

[@yahchilyah]

I also think that this band could rival some of the more recent Marching 300!

[@ladymakini]

Ben Groomes was my counsel at Famu in the 70s, never knew he was even in the 100, great info! he was an admirable Elder.!!!

[@areguapiri]

Black American culture is amazing! That was 70+ years ago!

[@lesliebradwell7118]

down field March man!!! good to hear that again, that is what we played in the 60's we did this same show.

[@AnthonyWimberly-zi2zh]

Being In The Hundrend Was One Of Highest Pentacles In My Life. Next To Being Born& Marching For The Toulminville Marching 120 Rattlers. Mobile Al.

[@RoboLobster3000]

It's so fascinating to see how different their instruments were

[@northernsoutherngirl]

My Alma MATER! Thanks for posting this. I've never seen it before.

[@antoniofelder775]

This was a pleasure to see now I see where bama state get this from & it was because Dr. Lyle was an instructor for the Marching 100 thank you for this proof!!!

[@El_Chuncho]

This is where all HBCU bands got their stuff from. Dr. Foster started this with FAMU in 1946.

[@JamesJones-rx5mn]

It is very interesting to know how many directors back during the start of these great collegiate program's, copied Dr Fosters style? I have been studying the history of these hbcu bands and the directors who starred there programs, so far I only see a few programs that have there history documented and posted for our learning, so far that's SU, FAMU, and Gambling, I am interested to see how many of these starting directors learned under Dr Foster, or had direct influence or at least read his book. All I can say is I'm proud of all the rich heritage of our Hbcu history, but most notably FAMU and the rich history of Dr Foster and the '100

[@TRowe8000]

Outstanding!!! Great marching band heritage for a great institution of higher learning.

[@MAXMAN357]

This is a history lesson for me... FAMU 1975-1980

[@lilliansteele7165]

William P. Foster started the 32 steps a minuite sequence and set the pace for all Deep South Marching Bands. This would be very hard for many marching bands to do today.

[@robertridley9279]

Who's the person that gave this video a thumbs down?

[@rorschach162]

Different time. Different mindset. This is great.

[@Eclipticalstorm]

I find it ironic in 1952 that classic FAMU marching style so common place today was just beginning to emerge. Without the efforts of FAMU, many HBCU marching bands wouldn't be what they are today. We salute you!!! Tuskegee University, Trombone 04-09.

[@darwinfussle5031]

William Foster first band directing job was at Tuskegee University before he went to Fam c

[@TheLAWism]

Proud to be a member of "The Marching 100" (1990). The most innovative band of all time! HUBBA DOC! UNBELIEVABLE!!

[@rosalindrobinson2866]

Omgee i truly enjoyed this!!! awesome history and now i got the opportunity to see what my father a famu graduate meant by the start of the marching 100!!! #knowledegeispower

[@rorschach162]

Wow. What patriotism. Forming USA and playing God Bless America.

[@tiatate1797]

One year after my grandma was born

[@andrerwicks]

Wow, this was so nice. Look how far we've come. I'm a former snare drummer from the 90s.

[@michellewarmick1496]

And I am a former flag girl from the 90s 😁 Do we know each other 🤔

[@viviennebrown2374]

Awesome, even then. Dr. Foster was a Magician!

[@elaineharvey5983]

Thank You All for sharing this video, Young people will be amazed to how much has changed.

[@graceandpeace4414]

Real marching band playing real music.

[@ladymakini]

i Would love to know what the haters of FAMU think or believe their I nstiutions were doing while Dr. Foster was busy paving the way for their Bands to both march dance and sing... just wondering.

[@worldtraveler8571]

Wow! Marching during Jim Crowe.

[@motherp5291]

Thank you for posting this! This is the year I was born. I am a band head and I love FAM

[@mariontherock]

Correction Dr. Pike brought the Fast March to FAMU. DR Pike came from Michigan and he was one of Fosters assistants. Dr. Pike after he left FAMU and SSU he came to Cookman in 1954 and tought another style of fast march to them.

[@JamesJones-rx5mn]

Wow this is very interesting?.I def believe what you are saying, how do you know this to be? Please tell more? I have family members that were "the marching men of cookman", under Samuel Berry, and it's my understanding they were really good back then and they did up temp March back then, so I feel what you are saying certainly adds up, ive been wanting to get history on Samuel Berry, it is said that he is a graduate of FAMU and learned under Dr Foster as well, but anymore info is welcomed thanks for sharing

[@quintdw]

HBCU history.. loved every second of this. They were pioneers.

[@ceeceesrevenge33]

that was everything thanks for the upload.

[@amd77j]

Great post!!! Thanks!!!

[@TheCynthetics]

Beautiful!

[@jameswyatt7828]

Billy Moore, thanks for alerting me. Brought back some great memories. Just saw Sidney Miller for first time since 1953 graduation. Viewing from home in Annapolis, MD. Jimmy Wyatt of Norfolk.

[@RoboLobster3000]

All the fancy legwork is so interesting

[@lesliebradwell7118]

wow!!! seven year before I got there sound just like us. Famu Alexander ragtime band, love that tune. feel like dancing.

[@roboque88]

Leslie Bradwell - you may have been in the band with my father - Alonzo "Pookie" King.

[@aubreyjacobs7819]

My brother Harry Roundtree Jr. played trombone with “The 100” I’m thinking 1959-1962ish. Do you recall him?

[@jrmyrbrts85]

i think i see my grandfather out there, gettin down with the 100

[@buffaloproducer]

FAMCEE, I Love Thee

[@Tre4Sho1914]

THIS......IS........AWESOME!

[@RoboLobster3000]

The leg movement in the beginning and the use of whistles are very interesting

[@freesillywilly]

Love it...but you couldn't pay me to believe it's the original audio.

[@rorschach162]

It cant be. When bands are on the field they dont sound this way. When they faced the opposite direction the volume stayed the same.

[@SecretSauce_24]

Facts

[@edwardwright5454]

B etta know it"s real

[@GunUDwnAt2nd]

It isn't. You can tell from the reverb that it was recorded inside. Plus, no crowd noise is present. Producing video with live audio was much trickier back then.

[@petersingleton2124]

Great footage

[@vfiel4111]

Amazing!!!

[@johnhawk1969]

Would like to see more of this classic #Marching100

[@Blkhoody67]

In all the world there's only one.

[@JohnIvoryMusic]

Amazing footage

[@michaelhead4472]

3:00, "night and day" is one of my favorite songs.

[@jaidenfaint5886]

Michael Head Yes... the Cole Porter version

[@liquidlightz]

Great stuff.

[@jameswyatt7828]

Recognition for historical purposes should be accorded to a few of that era's "Marching 100". Nat Adderly had just departed to join Cannonball in NY.Sidney Miller,a trumpet player,has become very big in the business-side of the music world.Billy Moore,recently from Hollywood and back to Jacksonville,made it really big as a drummer.Leroy Jenkins became a world renown Avant-garde jazz violinist.Rufus Jones,drummer with Duke.We thank Dr.Foster and are so proud of these guys and others maybe missed.

[@JamesJones-rx5mn]

Wow thanks for sharing I have heard of a few of these greats! Hubba Doc! "The Law"!

[@RoboLobster3000]

It's so cool to see that they had at least one black guy in the band

[@jazzman81]

Classic, luv it.

[@musicvisionproducer]

wow!!! classic...much respect

[@hillandhillpress726]

What showmanship! Hubba Doc!

[@ronaldthomas74]

My band. Wonderful.

[@darwinfussle5031]

First marching band to quick step 360 steps a minute.

[@rosalynnbj]

A real classic

[@mariontherock]

I love it.

[@brainysmurf11]

FAMU-4-Ever...100 Strong

[@darwinfussle5031]

2:50 first marching band worldwide to dance and play on field

[@divinedvon]

Much respect

[@aprillhart7532]

Awesome!!!

[@jervin2]

FAMC

[@yliggins]

My father was apart of the Marching 100.😅

[@Tinkaoeslady]

Wow written by Robert Elliott

[@ryanelliott4700]

Love it

[@FAMUGrad2003]

Former Section Leader. The Rattler cadence has changed a bit over the year but the core of the cadence has not. Only difference really is the crescendo into the 5-stroke roll. Yes we didn't really identify ourselves as a "challenging" section. Our percussion instructor, Dr. James couldn't stand it but understands the kids like it so he let's some happen. An all out, face-to-face battle, I don't think he'll go for.

[@darwinfussle5031]

Orange spacks even then

[@vfiel4111]

💓!

[@darwinfussle5031]

Fam C was the name then

[@demarcus1802]

They only had one drum major. In the early and late two thousands they had up to 10 drum majors. Big difference isn't it?

[@freekyreek404]

My M100 ancestors

[@germyw]

Begin the Beguine? And they were doing it too? Yes.

[@wastekings]

wow

[@Mindadjust]

Michigan is where he got the fast cadence concept and took it to another level, not OSU. Also never get it backwards in terms of the big 10 bands, they do march no matter their marching style. Have always had respect for the University of Michigan Band, OSU, MSU, and Purdue. I that we both are on the same page where we should be, both should give credit where credit is do. The FAMU Marching 100 (Florida A&M University) has taken its place among the best as one of the best.

[@JamesJones-rx5mn]

You make very interesting points, I marched in the '100 in the late 90"s, and I always felt we were a core style band with a high step march. I live Michigan band, and you are factual in the fact that many of those big schools high step march and up tempo, such as OSU, Michigan, Penn st, and there is another I can't think of. From Dr. Foster's bio he was not educated with in an hbcu band system, and knowing the times, Dr Foster wanted to prove that his band could do and play just as good as white schools playing there type of music, and adding his style with it, so I would def think, he had a true love and influence for those great big 10 schools and there programs, and style of playing, it's clear he wanted the '100 to be able to play just as good, yet more well rounded in playing to any crowd as the '100 still does today!

[@tedtrowbridge7407]

Sorry - those BIG Ten Bands were great and very big in number - but FAMUU was the first with the rapid cadence & dancing.

[@thejazzmusician]

​@@tedtrowbridge7407Michigan was the first with a fast cadence..Dr. Foster just made his cadence faster.

[@tedtrowbridge7407]

@@thejazzmusician EXACTLY and with dancing added !!!

[@jazzlife1]

Hubba ole school!

[@julianarrington379]

WOW

[@darriusmarshall3284]

Here's to ALPHA PHI OMEGA....LOYAL BROTHERS WE.....

[@Cerl84]

hey they played my frat toast song!

[@whiskeybrown262]

2022 Here. Hubba

[@upt123]

Allow me to clarify. When I said “influence” my thought was simply the uniforms. The outfits in this video resemble the past and current OSU attire. I’m unsure of the meaning and reasoning of your “they do march …” and “I that we …” jargon; but seeing that music is a universal language (in musical passion we have commonality) your zeal is appreciated.

[@whiskeybrown262]

Is that the original Audio???? If so, WHY do they sound better than bands in 2012?

[@jamessummers4269]

Mac Ross Their arrangements and instrumentation has always been ahead of most bands. It’s never been overly brassy. Lots of woodwind to carry the melody alone French horns, eflats and flutes. The Famu sound has never been duplicated. I was born in 1952. Many of us raised in Florida sought to play musical instruments dreaming to become a part of the Marching 100 when our times came. Prof. Foster was a genius way ahead of his time.

[@fountainmedia4683]

@@jamessummers4269 Well sir, I respectfully disagree with you in regards to your comment stating, "The FAMU sound has never been duplicated." BCU arrange their music in a way that it produces that same symphonic concerto type sound just like FAMU, and they sound incredible!

[@thomasclendaniel520]

Mac Ross Many bands (even small high schools) made “studio” records of their marching season music. They also recorded and sold albums of their concerts. I’m guessing that this music was played in a band room or auditorium and then dubbed onto the film. That wouldn’t take anything away from the band’s effort or quality. It’s more a statement on the quality of microphones available in the 1950’s. Frankly, the quality of the video taken at a 1950’s night game amazes me!

[@jayperk5021]

Mahthias Fountain You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about...the same sound?!?!...one word “Suddler”. Lol

[@DrumLuv23]

(cont'd) is there a reason that they decided to add in the crescendos and accent/tap differentials? I did notice a small dynamic change in this video at a certain point, but it wasn't to the degree that they play it now. Again, I'm very curious, because I've heard from old members of the section that they even don't identify themselves as a "challenging" section, but more of a crowd entertaining section because that's their history. Any feedback would be appreciated!

[@Tre4Sho1914]

Morris Brown College Snare 2000-2003

[@great9800]

Great video. Is there more?

[@kamfrusciante]

woah

[@hyperdriven08]

FAMU!!!!!

[@FAMUSOLDIER]

The Hundred...in Quad.

[@Easiderz]

It seems that FAMU was the mold for all hbcu bands......looking at all of fams old footage from the 50's to the 70's all bands borrowed from fam....wow Anyone knows what band inspired Fam?

[@tedtrowbridge7407]

No one - FAMU was the 1st - if anyone person it was Director Foster.

[@Easiderz]

@@tedtrowbridge7407 im sure it was some white band, as blacks didnt create the american style marching band that was based off of their military and British military. Even tho we created music and language from the jump.

[@tedtrowbridge7407]

@@Easiderz Agreed - FAMU did not create the American style marching band but they improved on it buy innovating rapid cadences and adding dancing to their performance.

[@kofihemmingway6695]

Go Head 100

[@Zeus070911]

Hubba old school

[@FTLSOFLO52]

FAMCEE

[@ricmal21]

Outstanding marching and superb musicianship. But there's something else that bears mentioning: The patriotism displayed in the performance of "God Bless America", resplendent with a Statue of Liberty lady. This is despite the fact that this is 1952 and the Deep South where racial segregation (and all the ugliness that went along with it) was still the law of the land. They showed love for their country at a time when their country did not love them.

[@sabakaisang]

🛎🛎🛎🛎