The Student Voice of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Since 1900
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011
VOL. 114 ISSUE 17
Former football player slain Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Deputy News Editor
The body of O’Bryan Brandy, former Florida A&M football player, was discovered in the early morning of Saturday, Oct. 29 in the cab he had been driving. Four men, Davin Bowers, Derrick Butler, Nelson Alexander and Deondre
Hansford, have been arrested in relation to the shooting which took place on Idlewild Drive near Apalachee Brandy Parkway. The four suspects were interviewed by the Tallahassee Police Department
in connection to the incident. The probable cause affidavit filled out by TPD states that a Whitney Penn alerted authorities after seeing one of the suspects with blood on Hansford’s shirt. Included in the affidavit are responses from the four suspects during the interview. Both Bowers and Alexander
told authorities they heard Hansford say “I burnt him.” Both said they understood that meant Hansford had killed the victim. Bowers, who admitted to bringing the firearm into the Laura Lee Ave. residence and hiding it in the backyard, told police they concocted the plan after seeing a taxicab
in the Apalachee Parkway Whataburger parking lot. Bowers said he had gotten the gun from a “crack head.” “They got into Butler’s White Ford pick-up truck and began driving around the area attempting to find a good location for the robbery,” reads a portion of Bowers’ response in
Brandy 4
begins new DRS offers safe haven SGA appeal process Marie Eustache Staff Writer
Clarece Polke/The Famuan For students enrolled in FAMU Developmental Research School’s Extended Day Program, having recess outside is a privilege, not a right, earned through consistent good behavior.
Clarece Polke Editor-in-Chief Hanging on the black wire fence surrounding Florida A&M’s Developmental Research School near the main entrance is a small laminated sign stating: “NO Staff Supervision Before 7:30 a.m. and after 3:45 p.m. Do NOT Drop Students Off!” On Oct. 21, Congress voted on amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), formerly known as the No Child Left Behind Act. Amendments include greater community outreach and
partnerships in creating and keeping after school programs. According to the Afterschool Alliance, a not-for-profit organization advocating afterschool programs for children, Congress proposed a more than 40 percent cut in funding to the Child Care Development Fund, leading to a nationwide decrease in afterschool programs. While there are several afterschool programs available for students, elementary school principal Angelia Rivers said students loitering after school hours is an ongoing issue FAMUDRS faces. There are three main programs
Florida A&M’s Research and Extension Center in Quincy, Fla., will host the 2011 Farm Fest on Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event highlights new and improved technology for crop production and best practices for agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship. For information on registration call 850-599-3546.
The sixth annual Puppies in the Pool event will be held at the Trousdell Aquatics Center this Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Entry fees are $3.75 per person and $3.75 per dog. For more information contact the Trousdell Aquatics Center ar 850-891-4901.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Manufacturing growth slowed in October from the previous month, a troubling sign that factories are struggling in the economy. The Institute for Supply Management says its manufacturing index dropped to 50.8, down from 51.6 in September.
Lifestyles pg. 6 Conductor Shelby Chipman and the Florida A&M Department of Music has revived the string orchestra ensemble after the program was cut over 40 years ago.
Sports pg. 8 The Florida A&M football team will play against the North Carolina A&T Aggies for the final home game of the season on Saturday. Taylor said special teams and consistency are key for a conference victory.
offered to students for afterschool care: a program sponsored by St. John Missionary Baptist Church, the SMART program, sponsored by FAMU’s College of Education, and FAMUDRS’ Extended Day Program. While the program through St. John and the SMART program are free for students, the Extended Day Program has a registration fee of $50, a monthly fee of $130 and a daily drop-in fee of $20 for students who aren’t enrolled. The program is funded through the student fees.
DRS 4
On Thursday, the Florida A&M Student Government Association’s Judicial Branch implemented a new system of appeals for students with on-campus traffic tickets. The new system is designed to inform students of the basics of appealing a traffic ticket. Once a student is ticketed, he or she has five business days to appeal the citation. If found guilty, students then can appeal at a leveltwo hearing. The Student Body Statutes on SGA’s website chapter 409, section 409.1, states, “The FAMU Student Traffic Court shall serve as an official hearing body for the disposition of unresolved non-moving student traffic tickets arising from cited violations. The Student Traffic Court is under the general supervision of the Division of Student Affairs and will be coordinated by the Dean of Student Affairs.” “The Judicial Branch is being redeemed under new leadership. They have new innovative ideas and
they’re ready to serve the student body at FAMU,” said Sen. Natalie Amore, a second-year biology student from Miami. Tavures Williams, a fourth-year political science student from Fort Lauderdale, is the branch’s new associate chief justice for student Traffic Court. “My vision is to make this branch of the court grow as much as possible,” Williams said. The associate chief justice will be accepting tickets in SGA and taking them to parking services to begin the appeal process. Because the new system will not be proactive but reactive, students must bring citations to SGA to be assisted. Next semester, the justices will organize a “Know Your Rights Seminar and Traffic Jam,” an informational seminar where students will be informed on parking rights and privileges. “I think this is extremely important and will be very helpful,” said Guerby Destina, a fourth-year physical therapy student
Traffic 4
Students kicking manual parking to the curb Frank Peterman Correspondent Finding a parking spot before class might be a little easier thanks to Florida A&M graduate students Sihle Wilson and Ronald Benson. The name of the project is the FAMU valet parking technology. Its purpose is to make the self-parking car a reality. Benson and Silhe are both software engineering students. The two have worked as a team to create a prototype to start testing the product. “We started working on the project and it became eventually became our thesis,” said Wilson, a software engineering graduate student from Claxton Bay, Trinidad and Tobago. There are other cars on the market that already have the ability to park themselves, such as the Ford Focus. But the FAMU valet technology can pick up or drop off the driver. “You can actually just let your car just drop you off,” said Wilson. The project also incorporates artificial technology, which allows the car to learn and follow commands. This will allow the car to navigate more efficiently and make use of shortcuts and alternate routes. The valet is run off a phone application, which would be
Silhe Wilson
Ronald Benson
available through the Android Operating System. The app features options to command the car to pick up the driver, valet park, track the vehicle and “teach and share.” With the sharing component of the app, users would be able to share routes and shortcuts with other users who have the app. “We were thinking about a smart car and how we could make a smart car smarter,” said Benson. The idea for the project was realized when Wilson was taking a class taught by the duo’s adviser Jason Black during her junior year. She said she did not understand his field of study, but had an idea that might work. Black said he hopes to see the finished product take off. “I see this being a viable product,”
said Black, associate professor in the Department of Computer Information Sciences. The inventors of the FAMU valet technology have already talked to Ford about trying to implement the new technology. Black said Ford is already working on a similar project with another university and didn’t want to take on two universities at one time. The inventors have already received a provisional patent that will protect their ideas until next summer. They are working with the Office of Technology Transfer to help get their product ommercialized. According to Benson and Wilson,
Car 4
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011
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Events and Announcements Announcements November 4, 2011
Forum presents “The Graduate Feeder Conference and the Graduate Recruitment Fair.” The event kicks off Monday, Nov. 7 with the Student Research Forum/ Poster Contest. On Nov. 8, the workshops on graduate education will be held. On Nov. 9, the Graduate Feeder Recruitment Fair will take place. The fair is open to undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines. The recruitment fair will be held in the School of Architecture atrium. For more information, contact Renee Reams at reneereams.famu@gmail.com.
The Health Care Management Student Association presents: Enough is Enough A Sexual Abuse Prevention Seminar, hosted by Joseph Ward and Rashida Marshall. The seminar will be held Friday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m. in the Lewis-Beck Allied Health Building Room 107. For more information, contact Kandi Horne at 954-520-8476 or email kandihorne@yahoo.com.
November 6 , 2011 The Fall 2011 Induction Ceremony of the Kappa Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society will be held Sunday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m. in the FAMU Teleconference Center. The speaker is Ray Mobley, professor and associate administrator of FAMU Cooperative Extension Program. For additional information on Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, please contact Veronica Yon, AKM Advisor, at 850-412-7697 or email her at veronica.yon@famu.edu or Cortney Gould, AKM President, 850501-5003 (cortneygould18@yahoo. com).
be a part of HC FAMU. Applicants must have new, fresh, bright and unique ideas. For more information, contact the Campus Correspondent Itopia Mills at itopiamills@ hercampus.com.
Have you received a ticket that you felt was unjust? Know your rights, with these easy tips: 1. Students have five days after receiving a ticket to appeal with Student Parking.
November 2011
2. If found guilty, students have the right to appeal and go before the SGA Traffic court.
The “Show N Tell” event at Walker-Ford Community Center has been postponed until further notice. For more information, please call or text 352-874-1186.
3. If the SGA Traffic court finds the student guilty, they can appeal at level 3. A decision will then be made by student parking services.
The Student National Alumni Association along with the Campus Activity Board are hosting a dorm canned food drive until Nov. 16. The dorm that donates the most cans wins a dorm lobby makeover. Boxes have been placed in the lobbies of each dorm facility. For more information please email famu.snaa@gmail.com.
Classifieds Employment
Her Campus Florida A&M is looking for writers, photographers, models, videographers and new members. Applicants don’t have to be writers to
November 7 , 2011 The 2011 Joint Student Research
Bartenders Wanted!!! $250/day potential. No experience necessary. Training provided age 18+ okay. Call (800) 965-6520 ext. 189
To place an announcement in the Calendar, email your submission to famuancalendar@gmail. com at least two days prior to the desired publishing issue. All submissions must include the student organization along with information in paragraph format to include “who, what, when and where.” A contact number and email address is required to correspond with the individual submitting announcements. If you do not desire that number to be published with the announcement, indicate so in your e-mailed submission and provide an alternate method for readers to obtain more information. If you do not follow the paragraph format then your submission will not be able to be published.
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3.news
FAMUPD releases crime stats Jason Lawrence Managing Editor The Florida A&M Department of Public Safety has released its annual report, complete with crime statistics from the last three years. According to the report’s findings, the most frequently reported crime, burglary, decreased by 34 percent since the 2008-09 year. Robberies decreased by 71.4 percent since 2009-10, and by nearly 90 percent over three years. The report also reveals that there were no reported rapes during the 2009-10 school year. The number of on-campus arrests decreased by 70 percent over the three-year period examined in the report. From 2007-10, no hate crimes were reported on the main campus or any of the satellite campuses. Lt. Norman Rollins, FAMUPD’s patrol commander said the department has and will continue undertaking measures to decrease crime. “There are some initiatives we have taken in terms of our staffing and with the utilization of our officers when it comes to patrolling and investigating crimes,” Rollins said. He said that an increase or decrease in the prevalence
Special to the Famuan Department of Public Safety The 2011-12 Annual Campus Security Report can be accessed on the university’s website. Reports from previous years are also available.
of crime, however, does not necessarily depend on efforts made by law enforcement. “Not only are we finding more efficient ways to use manpower, we are also integrating crime prevention, communitypolicing and also doing things to make the citizens more aware,” said Rollins. He said making members of the university community aware of how not to become a victim is key to reducing the frequency of crime on campus. “Victimization education plays a big role in prevention,” he said.
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Briana Fife said she has noticed the decrease in crime since her first year. “I feel much safer on campus. I never had anything taken from me and never been violated,” said Fife, a sophomore student who walks on campus at night to go to the library. In an effort to keep students safe and the occurrence of crime low, the Department of Public Safety has several preventative measures. The e2Campus alert system instantly notifies the university of any hazards or safety concerns via email or cell phone.
All students are encouraged to sign up for the service. Also, the department monitors the emergency blue light system, which facilitates the report of emergencies throughout campus. When one of the strategically placed lights is activated, FAMUPD is able to geographically pinpoint the location of a reported incident. Along with the emergency blue light system, the department also monitors 75 closed-circuit cameras that operate for 24 hours daily. In the event of natural disasters, the university has two
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Federal Warning Center sirens, one placed by the band practice field and the other behind the Dyson Pharmacy building. The report also includes safety tips and programs, information on parking enforcement regulations and a list of numbers for area law enforcement agencies. FAMUPD encourages students to report the incidence of crime or suspicious activity by calling (850) 599-3265 or by dialing 911.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011
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4.news DRS Rivers said while St. John’s program and the SMART program specifically target low-performing students, it is open to all students who fill out the required paperwork. “Every student could use help, whether on grade level or not,” Rivers said. The Extended Day Program, however, has a limit of about 35 students, with a waiting list of parents interested in enrolling their children. Natalie Richardson, the EDP coordinator, said one of the main focuses of the program that she believes makes it so popular is the balance between work and play. Around an hour and 15 minutes is spent daily on homework, she said. Then, once all work is completed, students play games and do arts and crafts. For the month of October, the focus was art. Students learned about famous artists and emulated painting styles of artists like
Brandy the affidavit. A witness is mentioned in the affidavit as seeing a black man between 5-foot-1-inch and 5-foot-5-inches waiting at the location of the incident. “The witness was walking a short distance later (within 3-5 minutes) and heard what sounded like a gunshot,” states the affidavit. “The witness
Van Gogh. “We really try to keep them entertained,” Richardson said. “They don’t always want to do homework, reading and math, so we try to let them have fun, too, with activities that involve movement and play.” Jonah Smith, 7, a secondgrader at FAMUDRS, said his favorite part of participating in the Extended Day Program goes beyond playing “freeze dance,” planting gardens, creating Chinese lanterns and eating snacks. “I sure hope they keep it, because I just want to see my friends again,” Smith said. Pamelia Hawkins has enrolled her son Tyler in the program every year for the past three years. Hawkins works full-time from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and said the program is not only convenient, but a great resource for her 7-year-old. “I like the school, and they do a lot of educational things,” Hawkins said. “I didn’t want to put him somewhere where they’re
just babysitting and he’s not learning anything. I missed it so much over the summer.” According to a survey from the Afterschool Alliance, around 20 percent of all children in Florida are enrolled in an afterschool program, higher than the national average of 15 percent. However, more than 25 percent of children in the state are in self-care, where they are alone after school between the hours of 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., the survey reported. Richardson stressed the importance of parents finding an afterschool program or activity for their children. “It provides a safe place for students to be. Sometimes students are just hanging around outside, and it’s really not safe,” Richardson said. “There’s no adult supervision. Programs like this allow them to interact with kids their own age and have fun.”
described hearing a second bang, possibly another gunshot, and then a third louder pop like a definite gunshot.” When Hansford was interviewed, he said he was left at Penn’s house and the three codefendants came back later to pick him up. When told of the inconsistencies in his story compared to the others, Hansford terminated the
interview and requested an attorney. Brandy, who was in the recruiting class of 2004, played football for FAMU after transferring from Mississippi. Details are still emerging and the investigation is ongoing.
SGA
Clarece Polke
thefamuaneic@gmail.com
Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez famuannews@gmail.com
on campus to know the basics of their rights,” Williams said.
from Delray Beach, Fla. Parking services representatives will be at the seminar to cover student responsibilities in the appeal process. “Our vision is to get every student
Car
Marie Eustache
famuan.metro@gmail.com
as their own patents,” said Wilson.
the product could be available to the general public in the next five to ten years. “Parts of this project can stand alone
Frank Peterman
famuannews@gmail.com
Famuan News
Fall Preview to kick off Saturday Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Deputy News Editor On Saturday, Florida A&M will kickoff its annual Fall Preview and Parents/Families Weekend, welcoming prospective students and families of Rattlers to become familiar with the Hill. This year’s theme for Parents/ Families Weekend is “Spotlight on You: A Place Where Family Counts.” Throughout the weekend, parents and students will be given special tours of the campus. Attendees will also be able to take a tour of the Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center. Also, attendees from the Fall Preview and Parents/Families Weekend will get a chance to interact with key officials on campus as well as different organizations. The FAMU Connection will perform Saturday at Lee Hall and attendees will also hear from Mr. and Ms. FAMU and student government officials. “We want the parents to get a chance to see the student environment and academic environment with a great football experience,” said Marvin Green Jr., director of student activities. There will also be vendors, a fish fry and both a men’s and women’s basketball exhibition game. For prospective students, the Fall Preview offers a chance to meet with faculty and administrators from the different
degree programs on campus. “Fall Preview is essentially the university fall open house, giving prospective students a chance to learn about the university,” said Sheryl Cooper, director of new student orientation. “If they are seriously interested in coming to the university and have paperwork to turn in, now would be a great time to bring transcripts and health records instead of mailing them.” Before the game on Saturday, FAMU is hosting the alumni pre-game party at the university clubhouse. Parents are welcome to attend as special guests. President James Ammons will be giving the “Rattler Charge” before the game starts at the pregame party. “We want the parents to know that they obviously made the educated decision to come here and that they are being developed not only inside the classroom, but also outside the classroom,” said Green. The weekend ends with a brunch on Sunday for the parents. Registration for the Fall Preview begins Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and festivities will continue until 2:30 p.m. before the last home football game of the season against the North Carolina A&T Aggies.
Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez famuannews@gmail.com
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A dedicated few Andrew Skerritt Adviser
Lessons from a dream deferred Nov. 1 marked the end of a journey. It also marked the beginning of a new, uncharted one. The date marked the publication of my first book, “Ashamed to Die, Silence, Denial and the AIDS Epidemic in the South” (Lawrence Hill Books), and the reaching of a dream. Years ago, I became a newspaper journalist because I believed it was the best route to my dream deferred: being an author. But for too long, I was one of those millions of people who vowed to turn those stories into much more and write a book. I promised and procrastinated through my 30s and 40s like everyone else; and for a long time, it seemed as if it would never happen. My flash drives are overloaded with prematurely aborted projects. Over the years, however, I grew tired of sitting in rooms listening to authors tell their stories of how they wrote their books. Each passing year made me appreciate the difference between potential, talent and accomplishment. No amount of potential and talent will accomplish much without consistent effort. It’s a lesson I wish I had learned much sooner. It’s a lesson I desperately want to teach my students. Yes, there are shortcuts. But those are unlikely to take them where they really want to go. The idea for my book goes back more than a decade to the time when I was a local newspaper columnist in South Carolina. There I met a woman, Tricia Ann Starr, who waged a campaign to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Her sister Carolyn’s infection with HIV opened Starr’s eyes to the devastation in her rural neighborhood, where blacks are still buried in the allblack community cemetery, and whites are buried in a separate graveyard less than a mile away. Segregation among the living may be dead, but segregation among the dead is alive and well. Ashamed to Die is a narrative about people – those who died of AIDS and those who valiantly tried to save them. It is also a book layered with the history of Jim Crow segregation and the South’s historically high rates of sexually transmitted diseases. No story of the South is complete without the history. And like my personal journey, that history should inform us now and always. Let a new journey begin. Andrew J. Skerritt is the Famuan adviser. For more information visit andrewjskerritt.wordpress. com or follow him on twitter at andrewjskerritt.
Andrew Skerritt
famuanopinions@gmail.com
D.A. Robin Multimedia Editor I was in the kitchen kneading dough for a pizza, when my E.I.C. calls and says, “Robin, you trippin’ with the staff ed.” Oh, crap! I had to kick out another editorial before 10:00p.m. and it was 8:55 p.m. There I was, slapping the dough around and perusing possible subjects in my head And then, I thought, “Well, it’s
pretty great going to FAMU.” Maybe it’s because I just got here and only have one soulrending Foote-Hellyer (not a typo) story so far, but I think Florida A&M is a great school. Sometimes, I feel alone in that belief. Time and time again, I walk into conversations about how FAMU sucks, financial aid is the devil and whatnot. I disagree. FAMU has some incredible opportunities awaiting anyone who wants them. For instance, I just got here and I’ve been to the nation’s capital three times, seen the White House up-close and represented some really incredible organizations that promote the health and well being of the planet. All thanks to FAMU. Yes, administration can be a hassle. Yes, we need modernized classrooms. But
many of the professors I’ve met are trying. And there are some really dedicated students who sincerely believe in making FAMU the best. From what I’ve heard, we’re already beating out most HBCUs in the quality of our school paper, our business school, our pharmacy school and the list goes on. So, here’s a thought: let’s not gripe about what’s wrong with FAMU unless we’re willing to work to make it better. A lot of older people I’ve talked to say that if students want to see a change they should organize and make it happen. And maybe the cynicism will set in a couple semesters down the road. But, as for right now, FAMU rocks.
D.A. Robin famuanopinions@gmail.com
Editor-in-chief thefamuaneic@gmail.com Clarece Polke Managing & News Editor: famuan.metro@gmail.com Jason Lawrence Deputy News Editor: famuannews@gmail.com Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Opinions Editor: famuanopinions@gmail.com Angie Meus Deputy Opinions Editor: Kristin Broner Lifestyles Editor: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Winnie Moime Deputy Lifestyles Editor: Roscoe Thompson Sports Editor: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd Photo Editor: famuanphotography@gmail.com Keenan Doanes Deputy Photo Editor: Britney Buchanan Assistant Photo Editor: Alvin McBean Visuals Editor: jeffrey1.morris@yahoo.com Jeffrey Morris
7 Billion Sips
Multimedia Editor famuanlive@gmail.com D.A. Robin PR Coordinator: famuancalendar@gmail.com Chakiara Tucker Program Coordinator: Valerie McEachin Adviser: andrew.skerritt@famu.edu Andrew Skerritt
Jeff Parker, Florida Today
Don’t blame me, I’ve got senioritis:
Constructive criticism made me who I am today
Jason Lawrence
Managing & News Editor Last week Shawn Abel, a Memphis high school football coach and AP calculus teacher was fired after his profanityridden tirade at his players for not being a cohesive unit on the gridiron. And of course, it follows that one of the players thought-itnot-robbery to record his coach’s rant and post it on Youtube. After being heard by the wrong ears, the coach decided to resign, presumably before he was asked to leave. Here’s just some of what was on the tape: “That’s what’s been our problem all d*** year. It isn’t age, it isn’t injury, it isn’t officials,” and “It’s individuality. Go f***ing play golf.” Anyone who has ever played a sport or been a participant in anything that requires the slightest bit of passion has heard worse. I can recall several occasions where I’ve been
profanely grilled by two of my high school band directors. As recently as a couple weeks ago, I had a professor give me the ugly truth on why I received the lowest grade on a test in the class. He, in a very matter-of-fact manner, told me in few words that I was an entitled idiot. And, after rebounding to get one the highest grades in the class on the following test, I realized that, even with his harsh words, he was right. But it wasn’t until yesterday evening, while tutoring a kid at the FCAT Reading and Homework Club that I came to a startling realization. Generation by generation, our youth are becoming softer. I swear all I asked the kid to do was finish his homework. Although he managed to finish his work in a puddle of tears, I felt kind of bad. But after about 10 seconds, I realized it wasn’t my fault that no one had ever pushed him to do what he was supposed to do. And, however horrible it may seem, his tears were a sign that I
had done him a favor. I came to the startling realization about the “tough love” I received at home, that I honestly hadn’t learned to appreciate until reading this story. I’ve had coaches and even three band directors who’ve used swear words to get their point across. And not once, even as an unsuspecting child, did I run home crying to mommy. Why? Because whatever they said to me, however harsh it was, I knew that they only had my best interest at heart. As a then-developing black man, they unselfishly did not want me to end up a statistic. And today, as I prepare to enter the “real world,” I realize that if it weren’t for people giving me tough love it wouldn’t be in the position I am today. As much as I hate to admit it, hearing harsh, well-intentioned criticism turned me into a healthy, reasonable adult.
Jason Lawrence famuanopinions@gmail.com
Fax 850.561.2570 Editor in Chief 850.561.2569 Secretary 850.599.3159 Newsroom 850.599.3011/ 561.2569
The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press Association non-daily finalist, is published on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not reflect the administration, faculty or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded partially by activities and services fees.
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6.LifeStyles
String orchestra plays again Jared Floyd Correspondent
After the program was cut more than 40 years ago, the Florida A&M Department of Music has revamped its string orchestra ensemble. Since the late 1960s, there has been no string orchestra ensemble housed on campus. Although the music department offers string technique courses, it hasn’t had an ensemble that accompanies the string music concentration. There are a number of instrumental and vocal ensembles in the department. Three years ago, however, Shelby Chipman, conductor of the string orchestra, decided to bring the program back. “The string ensemble is a performing organization. We have brass ensemble, wind ensemble, marching band ensemble…depending on what a student’s major is, that student would participate in a specific ensemble,” said Chipman. Music students are urged to participate in these ensembles to perfect their crafts and strengthen musical range and ability. Brian Hall, adviser and assistant professor for the strings program, said bringing the program back was an excellent idea. “The string ensemble is going to expand the depths of musicianship that we already have in the music department,” said Hall. “I feel strings are extremely important to the history of western music. The string instruments were the earliest instruments in the modern
Photos by: Keenan Doanes (left) and Jared Floyd (top right and bottom right)/The Famuan (clockwise from left) Associate Director Of Bands Shelby Chipman marches alongside members of the Marching ‘100’ Band. (top & bottom, right) Members of the string orchestra ensemble practice in the Foster-Tanner Complex.
orchestra starting in the 1600s up until present day.” Skylar Lewis, a senior business student and member the string orchestra ensemble said the program has challenged her skills and work ethic. “Ever since I joined, its forced me to really practice more than I ever have before because it’s a higher level of playing. We travel and do a lot of different things,” said Lewis. The ensembles are not only for students pursuing music degrees.
Chipman encourages any beginner, intermediate and expert level string musician to join the classes. Although interested students must get Chipman’s approval before becoming a member, he said it is only so he can be aware of the performance levels of prospective students. Nonetheless, Chipman said he is urging all interested students to come out and see what the program has to offer. First-year business administration student Cora Grant said her impression
of the music department is changing. “The strings bring more diversity to the music department,” said Grant. “I feel like before the department was known for its heavy bass, and now there is a classical element and more peacefulness.” The department is expecting high volumes of interested students to join the program because of their Facebook networking efforts and relations with campus media. The string ensemble meets
every Monday in the band room in the Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Complex from 5:30 -8 p.m. Chipman conducts the ensemble that includes violinists, violists and cellists from students. For more information about the string orchestra ensemble or FAMU’s Music Department, contact Shelby Chipman at 850-599–8165.
JARED FLOYD
famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011
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Fearless speakers Brittany White Correspondent Malcolm McFarlane recites 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 to himself before presenting in front of an audience to prevent stage fright. Like McFarlane, many students dislike doing class presentations because they must speak in front of an audience. With sweaty hands and trembling legs, students are often challenged with public speaking assignments. McFarlane, a fourthyear political science student from West Palm Beach, is no stranger to glossophobia: fear of public speaking. He faces his fears at Florida A&M’s Toast of 1887 meetings. “I plan on becoming a lawyer and know public speaking is going to be involved with my future professional goals,” McFarlane said. “I had my expectations high in search for a tool I could use to tend to my public speaking woes, and then I found Toast of 1887.” The Toast of 1887 is a non-profit organization; regular meetings consist of experimental learning with friendly impromptu speaking exercises. Members are even given a manual to learn how to critique their own speech. Other members that are supportive with no negativity give
Brittany White/The Famuan Since joining the Toast of 1887, Malcolm McFarlane said he has seen a drastic improvement in his public speaking skills.
verbal evaluations to the speakers. Olivia Jones, the sponsor for FAMU’s Toast of 1887 said the club breaks students out of their shell and get them to a place where they can fearlessly articulate how they feel. “The goal is to improve speaking and confidence among an audience,” said Jones. “Students need to face their fears of public speaking.” McFarlane said although he has only been
a member of the club since the summer, he has already made progress in his public speaking abilities. Former division head of the Tallahassee club of Southwood’s Toast Master Melisa Floriolli said although it is not an easy task that can be taught overnight, joining the club is an opportunity that students should take advantage of. “There is no proven special remedy to get more comfortable with
public speaking, but there is hope with repetition,” Floriolli expressed. “Everyone is welcome to polish their own craft by positive feedback after a speech or to get the confidence they need to be a more comfortable speaker.” Toast of 1887’s meetings are every Thursday night from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. in Benjamin Banneker’s Eli Lilly Sun Room.
Brittany White
famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
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7.Lifestyles App helps student keep track of distance walked Danielle Avitable Correspondent Students and faculty may be exercising more often than they think. They can credit RunKeeper, an Apple application that uses a GPS to track fitness activity. Apple employee Andrea Gailet said the app serves many purpose, and is worth the memory space. “This app is free and would save you money if you wanted to buy an expensive GPS watch,” said Gailet. “It works in the same way and is just as effective.” This app was made free a couple months ago and its popularity has already sparked interest around campuses in Tallahassee. Breauna Larease, fourth-year English student, said she has had the app for about a week. “It’s amazing how much information I pick up from this app,” said Larease. “I had no idea I even walked that much around campus, and I have classes every day of the week. This app is definitely staying on my iPod.” Eva Gaverish, a thirdyear international business student at Florida State, said she was amazed at how much she’s learned from the app. “I knew my walk to class was far, but I didn’t realize that I was walking three miles a day,” said Gaverish. “I use
RunKeeper almost every day to see how many calories I burn and how long I walk.” RunKeeper tracks the calories burned and shows a map indicating the path traveled daily. Once an activity is completed, all the information is uploaded on the app’s website and students can compare daily fitness with other people’s activity. This app not only tracks running, but also biking and walking. With new updates to the app, there is now an auto pause that keeps track of heart rate zones. Jason Jacobs is the developer of the app. Jacobs said RunKeeper’s tools are just the tip of the iceberg for planned development and that much bigger things are on the way. He said he created the app to help people who can’t afford Nike’s iPod nano-cantric tracker, which is comparable to RunKeeper. Jacobs said the tool isn’t always used for tracking a run. Businesses also use RunKeeper to keep track of their employees to make sure the employees are always where they said they would be. The app is not only for iPhone users. RunKeeper has recently become available for Andriod phones as well.
Danielle Avitable
famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011
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8.Sports
Team ready for ‘special’ play Victor Young Correspondent
Keenan Doanes/The Famuan Trevor Scott is one of the more important members of the special teams unit, and will be pivotal in the Rattlers’ game against North Carolina A&T.
Special teams will be a major factor for the Florida A&M football team this week against the North Carolina A&T Aggies. FAMU (5-3, 3-2 in the MEAC) is coming off a 27-24 win against South Carolina State University on Oct. 22. It snapped an eightgame losing streak to SCSU. FAMU will face NCAT on Nov. 5 at Bragg Stadium. It will be the last home game of the season. The Rattlers are looking to continue to build momentum coming down the stretch of the conference schedule. NCAT (4-4, 3-2 in the MEAC) is coming off a loss to Norfolk State last weekend. FAMU had a bye week last week, which gave them two weeks to prepare for the Aggies. Head coach Joe Taylor said consistency on special teams is the key. “We have to continue to cover well on kickoffs and punts,” Taylor said. “We are probably number one on kickoff coverage in the conference.” Senior wide receiver and special teams gunner Edwin Baker agreed, and added that it is up to each individual player to contribute to the game. “Doing my part and holding my teammates accountable will have a positive impact on everybody,” Baker said. Taylor said FAMU’s defense should come up big against the Aggies rushing attack. The rushing attack features running back Mike Mayhew. Mayhew is averaging 100 yards a game on the ground and has seven touchdowns on the season. Taylor said to stop him, the Rattlers must stuff the stretch zone plays that NCAT like to run off tackle.
FAMU will also need help in the kicking game. Since the Aggies rely heavily on Mayhew’s rushing, the Rattlers want to give them bad field position on every kick off. “I have a full week ahead of me of executing and making the most of every practice,” Trevor Scott, a senior kicker from Jacksonville, said. “I want to make sure that I pin them back on every kick off and give them horrible field position on every kick.” Brandon Holden, a sophomore punter from Jacksonville, has the same goal. “I have to be a weapon out there. The further they have to go on offense gives our defense a better chance at making plays,” Holden said. NCAT is coming off of two losses and will be looking to steal a win on FAMU’s senior night. Both teams are trying to improve their MEAC records to 4-2. If the Rattlers win out the last three games, they will have a chance to advance to the Football Championship Series playoffs. The Rattlers will be leaning on freshman quarterback Damien Flemming and a steady rushing attack from Lavontae Page. Flemming was selected as the MEAC rookie of the week after going 35-40 (85 percent) against SCSU. For more updates, stats, gamecoverage, live blogs and profiles on this and all other teams on campus, check out thefamuanonline.com.
Victor Young
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Fierce competitor but caring leader Khadijah Johnson Correspondent
Though Britney Dean considers herself a Georgia peach, the Riverdale, Ga., native is a fierce competitor for the Florida A&M tennis team. “No matter who she’s against, they’re the enemy,” teammate Vanessa McCall said. Dean got an early start in tennis at the age of nine, playing for the United States Tennis Association Junior league. Her father introduced her to the sport, though Dean said even without formal training, he was determined to teach her how to play well. “He encouraged me because he got me into it and made me stick with it,” Dean said. Dean said putting practice over her personal life made her miss out on spending times with friends and going out, but was worth the rewards in the long run. “At the time I didn’t understand and I didn’t like it, but now I appreciate it,” Dean said. Dean took private lessons
from Ernie Peterson, a tough yet personable coach according to Dean. Working with him for six years honed her skills and made her a competitive player. “He made sure I got into college without having to pay,” Dean said. “It is grounds for building a wellrounded student athlete. “ She attended North Clayton High School in College Park, Ga. Dean made it to state competitions both her freshman and sophomore years, ranking number one on her team all four years of her high school career. Coach Peterson passed away April 10, 2010, leaving a legacy of bright student athletes in his path. Dean was offered a full scholarship to Florida A&M. Her major is early childhood education. Adjusting to a collegiate team came easy to Dean. “It was a lot easier here because with juniors, all I did was play, play, play. Here we have a little break and leeway,” she said. But there’s still a lot of work to be done, especially with 6 a.m. practices.
“The hardest part was waking up for training,” Dean said. Even with a hectic schedule, Dean finds time to be involved in campus organizations. She’s actively involved in the Student Athlete Advisement Committee (SAAC), Students of Florida Education Association, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and Habitat for Humanity. Dean’s teammates also look up to her for leadership and friendship, as she dominates the courts while maintaining her sweet persona. “She’s very sweet, straightforward and speaks her mind. On the court, she’s always prepared,” McCall said. Coach Nikki Goldthreate feels that Dean is a great team leader. “Britney is a captain with great leadership, who’s hardworking and gives 110 percent,” Goldthreate said. “Having that (skill), for the underclassmen, makes them want to do the same.”
Khadijah Johnson
famuansports@gmail.com
Keenan Doanes/The Famuan Dean is a role model for the new ladies on the tennis team.
Soccer team fighting to earn Wilson walks the same path as his father respect in its inaugural season C became a two-time All-MEAC and G hantale
lover
Correspondent
Keenan Doanes/The Famuan The majority of students on campus are unaware of the school’s soccer team. The team is above .500 on the season.
As he holds the very same position his father held back in the early 70s, this Rattler is one of the powerhouses behind FAMU’s Athletics Department. Vaughn Wilson never imagined that one day he would sit in the same office space as his father, Roosevelt Wilson. Wilson’s father served as both Sports Information Director and Athletics Director during the early 70s and 80s. Prior to Wilson being appointed Interim Sports Information Director (SID) in 2009, he worked for a local newspaper his family owned, the Capital Outlook. While at the “Capital Outlook,” he served as the director of photography for 11 years before his family sold the company in 2009. Wilson said the skills he used at his previous job correlate with his position as the SID. Wilson’s list of duties includes maintaining the FAMU athletics website, serving as the athletics official videographer, handling game day operations and much more. “I am most proud of how we’ve expanded our multimedia offerings,” Wilson said.
Special to The Famuan In April, Wilson and his team upgraded the sports site after partnering with web provider “Neulion.” Wilson said just six months after the upgrade, the FAMU athletics website reached one million views. “Considering most of that was in the off season, we are proud of that accomplishment,” Wilson said. Wilson also shares a close bond with the student athletes. Wilson played football at FAMU for three years, so he’s familiar with the routine. During his sophomore year, coach Ken Riley saw potential in Wilson and immediately recruited him as a punter. Wilson
two-time All-American punter. Wilson graduated with seven punting records under his belt, one of those in which he still holds: most yards punted in a season (2,812). Wilson’s accomplishments as a one-man-band do not go unnoticed by the team. “He’s a cool guy. Most of the time when I see him around he’s taking pictures,” said Damien Flemming, freshman quarterback. “He does a great job with the football team and with the website, the info is up first thing Sunday morning.” Wilson said he loves his job, but the most exhilarating part of it all is seeing the athletes as they walk across the stage. “No championship or achievement makes us prouder than when an athlete graduates,” said Wilson. “We know they have achieved something very special.” Wilson said there are pros and cons to his job but he couldn’t have asked for a better fit. “Working in FAMU athletics is truly a dream job,” Wilson said.
Chantale Glover
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