Historical Documentary Premier of the Return of The Marching 100

Marching 100 
Courtsey: FAMU

Many came to Lee Hall auditorium Sunday to see the premier of  the documentary “The Show Will Go On II… ‘The 100 is back.’”

The documentary was created by School of Journalism and Graphic Communications alumnus, Spencer R. Henderson.

The film was created to celebrate the way the Marching 100 has overcame the hazing situation they faced in 2011 with ex-drum major, Robert Champion.

The Marching 100 were suspended for a year by the university.

Interim President, Larry Robinson,  lifted the suspension June 2013, and they began practicing Aug 2013.

The documentary displayed memorable moments of the Marching 100, and also had current band students, the football players and community leaders weighed in on how the return of the 100 was important to the Rattler’s nation.

The documentary showed football players explaining that hearing the sound of the 100 made them pumped and amped to play harder on the field.

Jean Vilpin, a music Industry student from Miami, Fl and current trumpet principle, expressed that not being able to march really affected him, but he was extremely excited that he could participate in the 2013 return.

The documentary showed hard work and dedication leading up to their return.

Before the band was suspended there were 450 students, but only 160

Ralph Jean-Paul, the lower brass instructor expressed how the band had to improved themselves upon returning to Bragg stadium.

“We sound better than we have in the weeks prior to the first home game. I didn’t expect them to sound that good at the first game. The Marching 100 had a statement to prove and they did just that,” Jean-Paul stated.

Attendees of the premier were former, and current band members, directors and also supporters of the Marching 100.

Raynard Blackwood, first-year  social work student, from Miami, Fl  expressed that the Marching 100 didn’t let their past stop them from moving forward and creating new memories for themselves.

“The mistakes of the past don’t, or at least shouldn’t, affect the progress in the future. A lot of good things are in store for the band,” percussion band freshman,  Blackwood said.

Since they have been reinstated the band has went on to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York, a halftime show for the Jacksonville Jaguars and has been invited to perform the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in the spring 2016.

Jean-Paul added that the future is bright for the Marching 100 and they are expecting great things.