Florida A&M University Marching 100
FAMU’s “Marching 100” hosted “Clash of the Titans,” a battle of the bands fundraiser and showdown against the South Carolina State University “Marching 101,” Friday, in Jake Gaither Gymnasium.
Hosted by Amberly Williams, the 110th Miss Florida A&M University, and Ki-Jana Garmon, served as the hosts of the evening. The fundraiser showcased not only the two marching bands, but also the dance troupes Boyz of Poison and Elite Dance Squad.
SCSU’s Marching 101 entered the packed gymnasium first and energized the crowd. The band impressed many members of the Rattler crowd including Khoi Wilson, a junior business administration student at Florida A&M. “The other band was really clean. Their intro was really nice,” said Wilson.
Kiannah Laurent, a member of the Marching 100s’ flag corps, was ecstatic to be a part of her second battle of the bands. “Compared to my first battle last year, I would say that I was much more prepared. I was so nervous last year, and this year, I was ready to cut up out there and battle,” said Laurent.
FAMU sophomore Casey McGowan was particularly waiting to hear the “Marching 100’s” new renditions of “No Problem” by Chance the Rapper and “Father Stretch my Hands” by Kanye West. “I was able to see the band work really hard, and to see them perform [the songs] was really good,” said McGowan.
Watching the bands perform gave the event goers a taste of what is to come during FAMU’s first home football game of the season. “It’s the day before the first home game, so this is like a preview of what the band might do on the actual field. I was really excited to see what they were going to bring to the table,” said Wilson.