The Legendary Florida A&M University Marching Band The History of “The Hundred‪”‬

“Dr. Foster has been referred to as the “Maestro,” a “musical and organizing genius,” and the “greatest band director in the country.” Since assuming the baton at FAMU in 1946, he has led the world-renowned FAMU Marching 100 Band in the pursuit of innovation and perfection. FAMU’s Marching 100 boast a long tradition of excellence and an impressive list of achievements, including, appearances on television shows such as 60 Minutes, 20/20, and ABC’s Good Morning America, as well as performances in Super Bowls.” Alcee L. Hastings Member of Congress, United States of America. “As a Journalist, and creator of the nation’s first marching band poll – “The Big John Top Ten Marching Bands” for the Atlanta Inquirer – they (The FAMU Band) were ranked number one from September through December, 1975. The 100 became the first marching band in the nation to be ranked at this position in a printed poll. C. P. Abdul – Latif Moore, President, Afro American Hall of Fame. “The NFL has been proud to feature Dr. Foster and the world-famous Florida A & M University Marching Band at several NFL games, including four Super Bowls.” Frank A. Supovitz, National Football League, Senior Vice President of Events. “I came because of the world renown “Marching One Hundred Band,” I came because of them! I think it’s great that you have the best music program around.” The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton, Former President of the United States of America. “His (Dr. Foster) accomplishments are both quantitative and qualitative – he has pioneered the development of the Florida A & M University Marching Band into a world class marching machine.” Dr. Thomas C. Duffy, DMA, Director of Yale University Bands, Former President of the College Band Directors National Association. “They (The FAMU Band) have been trained athletically and have used energy, enthusiasm, innovation and hard work. They are tremendous role models. Dr. Foster has taught young people that they can do better than they think they can.” Willie Nelson, National Country Music Recording Artist and Actor. “Among the great experiences of my life was to have been a member of “FAMU’s Marching 100” Band. To this can be added extraordinary privilege of being the head drum major at Super Bowl 111, and later watching myself on the big silver screen in “Halftime USA”, in a movie theater in Atlanta. I learned so much about leadership watching the famed Dr. William P. Foster. ” Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Former FAMU Head Drum Major. Head of the 11th District, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Representing the State of Florida and the Bahamas.