Performing in a packed Charles Winter Wood Theater, the FAMU Connection showcased their high-energy, recruitment tactics with their “Seize the Day performance,” on Wednesday.
With a strong show tune presence and a blend of soul, jazz and gospel, the 12 members of the FAMU Connection chronicled the history of the university, while highlighting its accomplishments and recognized prominent alumni.
Luther Wells, theatre department chair and director of the group, wanted to revisit show tunes and said it was appropriate for the FAMU Connection’s 27th and FAMU’s 125th anniversary.
Songs such as “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” by The 5th Dimension, and “Celebration,” by Kool & The Gang, were transformed by music director John Flowers to relate to FAMU.
To open the show ensemble members came from different directions and then introduced themselves.
They proceeded to tell the university’s history which began in 1887 as the State Normal College for Colored Students.
A variety of audience members were present at the performance in support including the Tallahassee Boys Choir, the FAMU Gospel Choir, fashion, dance teams and professors.
Bubbling crowd members stood up with applause and cheers to recognize different numbers, dances and songs.
Carrie Noll, a junior, mathematics student, had been to three other schools before FAMU and had never seen anything like it before.
“This was my first time seeing the FAMU Connection and if I were trying to decide on where to attend, I would definitely consider FAMU after that,” said Noll.
Several times the ensemble walked through the audience waving their hands and urging the crowd to participate.
“Its high energy and we try to make sure it is something that young people can relate to,” said Wells.
The performers summed up the purpose of the performance by urging potential students to seize the day and to choose FAMU to be the place to make their dreams reality.
The FAMU Connection was created in 1985 by Ronald Davis at the request of former FAMU president, Frederick Humphries.