America’s Band Strikes Again

The Incomparable Marching “100” has done it once more.

By Lawrence Goss Delta Iota - KKΨ Florida A&M University

When looking at the past 76 years, the success of the band is second to none. It is no coincidence that FAMU is home to the ONLY HBCU band that is a Sudler Trophy recipient. From multiple Presidential Inaugurations, Super Bowl performances, NBA All-Star Performances, the list can go on and on. This time around is no different. Over the summer, the band got a call and was invited to travel to Paris, for the second time in the history of the Marching “100”.

The band was enjoying their summer break and preparing for a great summer band camp and season when they got a call from Louis Vuitton, who extended the offer. Head Band Director Dr. Shelby Chipman broke the news to the band while announcing their newly appointed leaders for the upcoming Fall 2022 marching band season. This time it wasn’t an invitation to perform in France’s

Bastille Day celebration, but rather an invitation to perform at the Louis Vuitton men’s fashion show. The Marching “100” took 35 students and 10 members of band staff on the once in a lifetime trip. The trip was all paid for by Louis Vuitton. The band got to spend 5 days overseas, where they not only got to perform but got to visit worldwide landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the world famous, Louvre Museum.

The band got to perform in front of many well-known celebrities such as, Naomi Campbell, Russell Westbrook, and even FAMU alum/Fear of God streetwear creator Jerry Lorenzo. But the biggest celebrity during the event was none other than Grammy-winning artist, Kendrick Lamar. Not only was Lamar there but the Marching “100” got the honor to perform with him, while he was performing songs from his most recent album, “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Though Kendrick was a highlight on the runway, the “100” still brought some of their school spirit songs to the runway. They played “Rattler to the Bone” and their most famous rendition of “S.O.S.”

Though the Incomparable Marching “100” is used to big-time performances, the students know that going to Paris again since the band first went in 1989 is nothing to forget about. Head Drum Major and Delta Iota Bro. Jadon Roberts said, “This is a once in a lifetime experience and I was glad to be able to be a part of something so grand that will be remembered in history forever.” Sousaphone player Dean Verret said, “Going to Paris was so much fun, and I made memories with the band that I will never forget.