Page 13 - Bands on The Hill

FOREWORD
Diron Holloway performs on the tenor saxophone during
commencement ceremonies with former President
William “Bill” Clinton in attendance. Tallahassee. 2009.
(Photograph courtesy the FAMUAN and Keenan
Doanes.)
I am honored to write the foreword for “Bands on “The Hill” - A Pictorial History
of Bands at Florida A&M University. It will serve for decades to come as one of the
primary sources for scholars and laymen alike who wish to learn about arguably one
the greatest and most influential college band programs in the history of the United
States.
Sitting atop the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University,
founded in 1887, has educated some of the world’s best scientists, educators, athletes,
physicians, lawyers, and musicians. From Phillip Amos von Weller, Nathaniel
Campbell Adderley, Herman A. Spearing, Arnold W. Lee, Captain W. Carey Thomas,
Leander A. Kirksey, Jr., J. Richmond Johnson, William P. Foster, Julian E. White,
Sylvester Young, and Shelby R. Chipman, the Florida A&M University Bands – and
its world-renown marching band, popularly known as the “Marching 100,” have set
standards that others admire and try to emulate.
I am a product of the excellence, professionalism, and caring from the Florida
A&M University Department of Music. Between the years 1982 and 1986, I was a
member of every band that required trumpet. I know firsthand of the greatness of my
former alma mater and music professors. I also know from personal experience that
being a student in the bands at A&M University greatly enriched my life. We were
prepared well to enter the professional world and have risen to the highest levels in
our professions as musicians, educators, engineers, actors, entertainers, clergymen,
law enforcement and military officers, attorneys, physicians, and business executives,
to name a few.
Please enjoy the journey into a world that I loved being a part of. It will always
be one of the most important chapters in my life.
Scotty Barnhart
Director, The Count Basie Orchestra
Professor of Jazz Trumpet/Jazz Studies, Florida State University
B. S. Music Education, FAMU Class of 1986
2017 Music Gallery of Distinction Honoree
2022 FAMU National Alumni Distinguished Alumni Award Honoree
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