The Marching Chiefs of Florida State University - by Bill F Faucett (Paperback)

About the Book

"This story of the Chiefs takes into account the growth of FSU and its School of Music, the rise of "Big Football" in Tallahassee, and the transformations on campus and in American society that affected them"--

Book Synopsis

The history of Florida State University's Marching Chiefs is chronicled, from early efforts to found a band before the program's 1939 establishment at Florida State College for Women, to the Chiefs' attainment of "world renowned" status. The band's leaders, shows, and music are discussed, along with the origins of some of their venerable traditions, game-day rituals, and school songs. This story of the Chiefs takes into account the growth of FSU and its School of Music, the rise of "Big Football" in Tallahassee, and the transformations on campus and in American society that affected them.

Review Quotes

"Bill Faucett writes about one of the great university band programs with a historian's care for detail and a band member's insight and passion. The historical moments come to life, the personalities are critically and sympathetically portrayed, and the band's music resonates. Most of all, the book tells a significant and engaging story"-Douglass Seaton, Warren D. Allen Professor of Music, Florida State University; "Bill F. Faucett's superb chronicle of one of the country's best-known (and best, period) marching bands is written with the concise prose of a journalist, the narrative sweep of a novelist, the thoughtful objectivity of a historian, the deeper-digging obsession of a musicologist, and the Hymn to the Garnet and Gold-singing heart of a Marching Chief. Though Faucett is himself an FSU grad and Marching Chiefs alum (Flush and drum major) who now claims offspring among the Chiefs' current ranks, this doesn't skew his vision or keep him from shining his light into a shadowy nook and cranny or two. If anything, it may only fortify his resolve to get the story right. This is a rich and interesting tale, very well told."-Robert S. Thurston, former Chief Arranger-Composer, United States Air Force Band, Washington D.C.

About the Author

Bill F. Faucett is an arts administrator and fundraiser and a former classical music critic and columnist at the Palm Beach Post and American Record Guide. He is director of development at the University of South Florida's College of The Arts.