Two days after hiring an alum to usher in the return of its dormant marching band, Florida A&M University is launching a recruitment tour targeted at young musicians in South Florida.
The school is calling it the "Stop Hazing Tour," according to a post on WCTV's website. That is a nod toward the reason why the Marching 100 band is currently off the field: the November 2011 hazing death of drum major Robert Champion.
The band did not perform during the 2012 football season, and the Orlando Sentinel reported last year that many music students opted to apply at other schools, including rival Bethune-Cookman University.
The tour will make stops in Miami, Weston and West Palm Beach from May 18 through 21. Current FAMU music students will perform at each event, and prospective students can audition on the spot in hopes of earning music scholarships.
FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson refused to say Tuesday if Young's hiring is a clear indication the band will be back for the 2013 season. Certain policies and procedures still need to be finalized, he told reporters.
During the final round of interviews, Young told the search committee that if he were hired he would have the band ready by the first game on Sept. 1.
Each tour is free and open to the general public unless noted otherwise. The tour schedule is as follows:
Saturday, May 18 4 p.m. Bonaventure Resort & Spa 250 Racquet Club Road Weston, FL 33326
To attend this event, individuals must have a ticket from the National Alumni Association (NAA) Convention President’s Luncheon or be registered for the NAA Convention.
Sunday, May 19 6:30 p.m. Bonaventure Resort & Spa 250 Racquet Club Road Weston, FL 33326
Monday, May 20 6:30 p.m. Joseph Caleb Center 5400 N.W. 22nd Ave. Miami, FL 33142
Tuesday, May 21 6 p.m. Palm Beach Lakes Community High School 3505 Shiloh Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Individuals will have an opportunity to audition after the music ensembles for a music scholarship. Presidential scholarships will also be awarded to qualified students. High school students are encouraged to apply for admission before the event.
For more information, contact FAMU’s Department of Music at (850) 599-3024.
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