TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For 410 middle and high school musicians from across the country, Florida A&M University’s Summer Band Camp was more than just a week of music; it was a lesson in endurance, excellence, and the legacy of the Marching “100.”

"This camp is more than a summer activity — it is an investment in the future of music and leadership," said Shelby Chipman, Ph.D., director of the Marching "100." "We immerse these students in the discipline, stamina and precision that define our program, while also giving them the confidence to lead in their own schools and communities."

Last month, the annual camp welcomed aspiring drum majors, instrumentalists, and auxiliary members to the historic “drumline capital,” where they experienced firsthand the rigor and rhythm of the world-renowned FAMU band.

Campers began their days well before sunrise, with wake-up calls at 6 a.m., followed by intense, back-to-back rehearsals under the Florida sun. Practice blocks stretched deep into the night, with students still on the field as late as 10 p.m., perfecting their drills, building stamina, and fine-tuning the sound that defines Florida A&M Marching “100.”

Discipline on Display

For Sebastien Simeon, a William H. Turner Technical Arts High School student and incoming drum major at Miami Central Senior High, the early mornings and long nights at band camp were a test of leadership.

“Even though it was early, I knew it was necessary,” Simeon said. “We had a short amount of time to put together a full field show, and I understood the discipline it would take to make that happen.”

He credited his drive and focus to his discipline and the example set by the Marching “100.”

“Learning from them firsthand was an absolute honor,” he said. “It helped me grow not just as a musician but as a leader.”

Simeon shared that a moment that boosted his confidence came when he was trusted to guide others.

“Helping other campers learn their parts, and then being moved to the front of the line showed me that my counselor trusted me to lead,” he said. “That meant a lot.”

Mentorship in Motion

For Marciela Carlos-Valentino, a junior business administration major and music industry scholar, serving as a camp counselor meant more than just running drills; it was about impact.

A saxophonist, rank sergeant, and vice president of the Marching “100,” Carlos-Valentino said she took pride in balancing fundamentals with fun.

“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” she said. “I wanted the kids to enjoy learning, not just push through it.”

One of her proudest moments came during the dance routine, when shy campers in her section stepped out of their shells and embraced the spotlight.

“Watching them go from quiet to confident, cracking jokes, making faces, it warmed my heart.”

She called the campers’ work ethic “unmatched,” especially during the “Bring It On/Bring It Off” session.

"They had just learned it hours before, and seeing them light up like that reminded me why I go hard to inspire the next generation," she said.

Marching Toward the Future

The week-long camp ended with a high-energy Band Camp Parade, bringing the FAMU campus to life. On the final day, the 410 campers were split into two bands, the Orange Band and the Green Band, and marched proudly from Gamble Street to The Set, putting their newfound skills on full display

Led by the world-renowned Marching “100,” the parade was not just a show but a celebration of everything the students had worked for throughout the week.

"The parade showcases the week's hard work and growth," Chipman said. "When those campers march across campus and perform for the FAMU community, you can see the pride on their faces. It's a moment that captures their progress, their passion and the spirit of the Marching "100.'"

Each band delivered a spirited mini-performance in front of the crowd gathered on campus, showcasing precision, rhythm, and pride. From drill routines to musical execution, the performance was a powerful reminder of how far the campers had come in just a few days.

Lining the parade route were the Marching “100” counselors, many of whom had mentored the students all week. They danced, chanted, and cheered their campers on, bringing the same energy and encouragement that had carried them through early mornings and long rehearsals.

It was more than a performance; it was a possible glimpse into the next generation of Rattlers.

Media Contact

Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu 

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