Members of a marching band stand together as they play the drums (Justin Banks / FAMUAN)
For high school musicians looking to take their talents beyond their hometowns, the Florida A&M University Rattler Strike Band Festival offers a chance to perform on a college campus, receive feedback from experienced musicians and envision a future in collegiate band programs.
Hosted by FAMU’s Marching “100” during Homecoming, the festival brings middle and high school bands together to showcase their talents while learning from musicians who have experience performing at the collegiate level.
Anyla Williams, student assistant to the director of bands at FAMU, said the festival is designed to encourage young musicians to perform in front of supportive audiences and bring what they learn back to their own band programs.
“The point of the Rattler Strike Band Festival is to encourage middle and high school students to exhibit greatness and to do it front of audiences that are welcoming, that are encouraging,” Williams said.
Williams said the Marching 100 supports each participating band by cheering them on and providing an example of the performance and showmanship that students can continue developing throughout their musical journeys.
The festival also extends the Marching 100’s influence beyond FAMU by encouraging young musicians to build on their experiences and potentially pursue opportunities with the university’s band program.
Rashaud Joseph, director of bands at Glades Central Community High School, said the festival gives his students an opportunity to perform for college band directors and receive valuable feedback outside their usual performance environments.
Traveling from South Florida to Tallahassee challenges his students to step outside their comfort zones and share their talents with audiences from different communities.
“They’re used to just performing in their regular communities, whether it be Palm Beach, Broward or Miami, but this brings them out,” Joseph said.
Joseph said the experience allows his students to represent their community while seeing other audiences appreciate their performances.
For the Marching 100 members helping host the festival, the event also provides an opportunity to give back to aspiring musicians.
Giovanni Rodriguez, a third-year band member, said supporting younger musicians helps them recognize what is possible when pursuing music at the collegiate level.
“It’s definitely a blessing to give back to the community and to support fellow musicians, especially ones that aspire to be collegiate musicians, and just to give them feedback,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriquez said guidance from musicians who have already experienced collegiate band programs help younger performers build confidence and pursue their goals.
The experience can help students develop not only as musicians but also as performers, preparing them for future opportunities on larger stages.
Through the Rattler Strike Band Festival, FAMU’s Marching 100 continues to connect with young musicians, encourage their development and introduce them to the possibilities of performing at the collegiate level.