Thursday night, Florida A&M University was treated to a talent showcase to honor the university’s president and his wife.
“An Artistic Tribute Honoring Dr. James and Mrs. Judy Ammons” was held at Lee Hall auditorium, and organizations from all over Tallahassee came to prove that culture and appreciation for the arts is alive and well.
Ammons said he was happy with the event.
“I believe that the audience will leave with a greater appreciation for the arts,” he said during intermission. “These performances are so impressive that it’s easy to take something important from tonight.”
The event moved seamlessly through dance, choir, theater and orchestral music. FAMU’s concert choir was also on hand to sing “Stand” and “Arise, Shine!”
Mark Butler, concert choir director, said he felt proud.
“I think we did very well considering we have a relatively new choir and it’s early in the year,” Butler said.
The concert choir was not the only group to show strong musical talent. Tallahassee Girls Choir of C.H.O.I.C.E and the Boys Choir of Tallahassee both gave performances, and dedicated half of their song, “The Creation” to President Ammons.
Frances Stallworth, an associate professor of English, also added her own musical talent with an original song, “FAMU My Choice.”
The Big Bend Community Orchestra, the FAMU String Ensemble, the trumpet section of the Marching 100 and the FAMU Wind Ensemble gave strong performances as well.
The show concluded with some theater acting, a one-woman show by FAMU graduate Libya Pugh, and two small, entertaining skits from the FAMU Essential Theatre.
By the end of the show, no one could question the amount of pride FAMU had in its’ culture and heritage. An almost constant applause occurred during the showcase, and every performance art imaginable was represented.
“FAMU will not let us forget who we are as a people,” said provost Cynthia Hughes Harris. “The question shouldn’t be whether or not culture is important. It’s here, and it’s a part of the mission of FAMU to showcase it.”