Marching band returns to FIU

MIAMI – Florida International University soon will have its rhythm back. The FIU Marching Band is coming back in the fall – with a new look.

“We never stopped talking about ways to bring it back,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “Everyone loves a marching band and we are pleased to be able to give our students an opportunity to participate in such an iconic part of university life.”

The marching band fell victim to budget cuts last June. In the fall, Rosenberg brought together several groups from around the university including student government leaders from both campuses, several vice presidents and deans to formulate a financial plan that would sustain a new band. The FIU Marching Band, is expected to cost approximately $300,000 a year and be funded from several sources, including private donations.

“We are proud to be part of the solution to bring back the band,” said Student Government Association-Modesto Maidique Campus President Anthony Rionda. “This is not an athletic band but truly an FIU band that will participate in all aspects of university and community life. I know the students will be overjoyed to see our band return to the field and help us cheer on our fellow Panthers.”

The FIU Marching Band is expected to sport a new, more tropical uniform, said Senior Vice President for External Relations Sandra Gonzalez-Levy, who is working with a donor to select the new look.

“The marching band brings an important synergy to university life,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Rosa Jones. “Their activities are key to everything from freshmen convocation to sporting events. It’s a delight, with the help of the students, to see the return of this important university activity.”

For students, the band’s comeback means the return of an important factor in the expression of Panther pride.

“Now that we have the marching band back, I think it revitalizes our whole school spirit,” said Student Government Association-Biscayne Bay Campus President Sholom Neistein. “It’s an indispensable asset to the university.”

A search will soon begin for a band director. Catherine Rand is serving as the Interim Director of the Marching Band.

Media Contact: Jean-Paul Renaud at 305-348-2716.

-FIU-

About FIU:
Florida International University was founded in 1965 and is Miami’s only public research university. With a student body of more than 38,000, its 12 colleges and schools offer more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, international relations and law. More than 100,000 FIU alumni live and work in South Florida. FIU has been classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a “High Research Activity University”. In August 2009, FIU welcomed the inaugural class of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. For more information about FIU, visit http://www.fiu.edu.