The world-famous FAMU Marching “100” band will unveil their new uniforms during their halftime performance at the Florida Blue Florida Classic game on Saturday, Nov. 18.
The new uniforms were designed and developed after the band received a generous $250,000 donation at last year’s Classic from FAMU alumni Bernard and Shirley Kinsey. Bernard Kinsey was a member of the band and met his wife at FAMU. A special tribute to the Kinseys will be performed at the game.
The Kinseys challenged the University community to match their gift to ensure the band received a total of $500,000. The Office of Academic Affairs answered the challenge and provided $250,000 to purchase instruments for the music department. The FAMU Foundation also provided an additional $100,000 in scholarships for band members.
In addition to a Rattler skin pattern and the University’s official colors (orange representing Florida’s citrus industry and green representing the state’s roots in agriculture), the uniforms also incorporate chevrons and the color black, which represent prestige, authority and elegance.
The drum majors debuted their majestic black uniforms with orange and green embellishments and a pattern of the nostalgic Rattler patch.
The new uniforms replace the band’s 15-year-old uniforms and will have another national audience – a performance at the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade (Rose Bowl) in 2019.
To make a donation, contact the FAMU Foundation at 850-412-5755.
A sneak peek at the uniforms is available here:
https://youtu.be/6D0q23ZwZmw
