Hard work really does pay off. At least it did for the “Marching 100.”
Ten bands from historically black colleges and universities will be showcased at the Honda’s Battle of the Bands, which will be held on Jan. 24, 2004 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. FAMU was named as one of the top ten bands and will compete for a second consecutive year.
For some band members the good news did not come as a surprise.
“It feels good,” said Deanne Davis, a 22-year-old senior health sciences student from West Palm Beach.
“It didn’t surprise me,” said Davis, a rank sergeant who plays the clarinet. I’m glad we got chosen by everyone who loves us.”
Danny Burke, the vice president and percussion section leader of the band, said the invitation to the showcase is an honor.
“It’s like we are the people’s choice,” said the 21-year-old senior music education student from Bainbridge, Ga. “We went last year and we put on an excellent show and of course they want us to come back because we were the best band there,” Burke said.
Aside from band members, students were happy to hear of the news as well.
“They did a lot of hard work,” said Anthony Bryant, a 24-year-old senior history student from Tallahassee. “You don’t see that type of commitment sometimes.”.
Byrant said he commonly hears the band practicing early in the morning and late at night.
“I can hear the sound of the drums and the horns,” Bryant said.
Along with being a finalist, FAMU along with the other ten selected schools, will receive a $10,000 grant from Honda.
Burke said the grant will assist the “100” in purchasing new uniforms and instruments. It will also help to create more scholarships.
Davis said every year the “100” gets better and she’s looking forward to the showcase.
“We don’t get to see all the HBCU bands,” Davis said. “It’s good that we will see all the top ten bands. “It will be fun and a good experience.”
Ryanne Persinger can be reached at RBPersinger@hotmail.com.