TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Florida A&M University's marching band reached a milestone Wednesday. "The Marching 100" celebrated its 70th anniversary.
The band also recently welcomed a new director.
Dr. Shelby Chipman says he's "blessed" to lead this group, which has been a hallmark at the university now for seven decades.
"The Marching 100" was founded on June 1, 1946, under the direction of Dr. William Foster.
The band grew over the years, making a number of national and international performances, including Super Bowl appearances and the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Chipman says his time marching with the band as a student was special.
"Those were great times," he said, "and I never thought being here as a young pup, trying out for 'The Marching 100' in 1982 would lend itself to me being in the position I am."
Chipman takes over the role from Sylvester Young, who will stay at the university. Chipman says he's excited to take the band to the next level.
"I would hope that I would be able to continue this legacy with adding a new 21st century, innovative technique or techniques that would allow the FAMU band to always be one of those that, when you see, you always want to come back and see more of what they're presenting."
As part of the band's anniversary, the university launched a social media campaign called "70 for 70."
The goal is to have 10,000 people donate $70 to support band operations and student scholarships.
Wednesday night, a special documentary called "Point and Drive" -- directed by Marching 100 alum Brandi Mitchell -- was screened in the band room.
The doc takes a look at the history of the band, in light of its major milestone.
