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Is FAMU's Marching Band Coming Back? 'We'll Make A Decision Shortly'

Florida A & M University’s Marching 100 band is still under an indefinite suspension due to the hazing death of a drum major in 2011. FAMU’s interim president is  still mum on when or if, the band’s suspension will be lifted.

The Fall football season is approaching and FAMU is facing the possibility of a second year without its main halftime attraction. But Interim Florida A & M University President Larry Robinson he’s still evaluating whether  the “right conditions” are in place for the band to return:

“And that’s still where I am. We’ve put a number of things in place, including a new administrative structure in the department of music, a new student handbook, a revised policy on hazing.”  

FAMU has a new marching band director, and a hazing czar. Enrollment is also open for a marching band class in the fall...but Robinson says just because the class is posted, doesn’t necessarily mean the ensemble will be able to perform. Robinson says he’ll make a decision on the band’s fate “shortly”. But in the meantime, the rumors of the band’s return persist.

Follow @HatterLynn

Lynn Hatter is a Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lynn has served as reporter/producer for WFSU since 2007 with education and health care issues as her key coverage areas.  She is an award-winning member of the Capital Press Corps and has participated in the NPR Kaiser Health News Reporting Partnership and NPR Education Initiative. 

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