Florida A&M’s Marching 100 has been selected to perform in the Super Bowl XLIV pregame show scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 7, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
This will be the fifth time the band has been invited to participate in a Super Bowl.
“It’s great to see the ‘100′ recognized for their accomplishments. They are such an excellent band and a great representation of the university,” said Ayonna Dunbar, 21, a biology student from Tallahassee.
In an a press release issued by FAMU, Julian White, director of bands and chair of FAMU’s Department of Music, said he was notified of the news by the entertainment director from the National Football League.
“To be invited for a third time in only five year is confirmation that we give a quality performance,” White said. “Just last year in January 2009, the Marching “100” was preparing to participate in President Barack Obama’s inaugural parade. A year later, we are preparing to perform at the Super Bowl.”
Some students said they are not shocked that the band has been invited to perform again.
“I think it’s an honor for the band. They practice hard and now they get to show their talent to all the viewers who will be watching the Super Bowl this year,” said Camoins Telusnor, a healthcare management student. “The ‘100′ [is] definitely going to give America a show.”
White said the band will honor Michael Jackson again. “It is only fitting that we salute the King of Pop for the world to see,” he said.
The “100” has performed in the following Super Bowls: 1969-Super Bowl III, 1983-Super Bowl XVII, 2005-Super Bowl XXXIX and 2007- Super Bowl XLI.
“We are indeed America’s favorite college band,” White said.