Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Nothing electrifies a football crowd more than the crisp beat of drums from a marching band's percussion section. In that rhythmic lineup at a Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) game, you'll find Jefferson Somerset Class of 2020 graduate Allen Washington playing his snare drum with the world famous Marching 100.
Washington imagined himself attending FAMU from his elementary school days. He took up playing snare drum in seventh grade, and he alternated playing drums in the band and linebacker on the football team up through high school.
“Music was my first love,” says Washington. “It helps me to express myself because, to be honest, back a few years ago I wasn't too social. I used music to be my voice.”
Now a sophomore at FAMU, he's loving the university scene and breaking out of his shell a bit.
“College is treating me right so far,” says Washington. “Being in the 100 just opens my eyes to bigger and better things overall.”
Indeed, FAMU's Marching 100 lays claim to more accolades than any other marching band, ever. It is credited with being the innovator of more than 30 crowd-pleasing techniques that have been taken up by many other high school and collegiate marching band programs inspired by the Marching 100. With traditions reaching back to 1892, the band continues to bring its amazing sound and spectacular style to many venues beyond the football field, including national parades, television appearances, documentaries and performances across the country and globe. Washington is now a part of that tradition. While he's been with the band, they've filmed Pepsi and Uber commercials for national distribution. Be on the lookout for those!
Because of his love of music, Washington has chosen Music Industry as his major area of study at FAMU. He's learning about the business side of music, sound engineering, songwriting and producing. Like any college student, he's also been learning what it means to be an independent adult and how to manage his time for himself to stay on top of things. Intent on becoming a music producer, he has come to appreciate the networking opportunities on campus that bring him closer to his goal.
In addition to classes and band activities, Washington also participates in the Strikers Dance Troupe. Founded 32 years ago, the Strikers perform contemporary and urban soul dance numbers. It's one more enriching aspect of the vibrant life that Washington is making for himself at school.
“I love seeing different faces and personalities on campus,” he says. “It's a sea full of culture, a sea full of great people to bond with.”
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