TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – African Americans have made many contributions to music- as artistic expression, and also as a sign of unity and resilience.
The influence of Black culture can be seen in blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip hop as we know it today, according to Dr. Shelby Chipman, director of bands and music professor at Florida A&M University.
“Where we are now with music that all people can relate to, no matter what nationality they are, Blacks have been a major part of that, people of color, and certainly African Americans,” Chipman said.
The man behind the music at FAMU said African American music dates back to the days of slavery. Slaves would sing work songs to lift their spirits while creating a sense of unity and connection to one another.
Some of the earliest traces of gospel music can be traced back to negro spirituals, which became a way for slaves to cope with trauma.
“When you think about music such as Amazing Grace, Good Ole Spirit, Old Time Religion and I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me, those are all songs that helped to nurture and mentor us and get us through different times,” Chipman said.
Jazz also has a rich and cultural history on its own.
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FAMU Marching 100 band member, Grace Macfoy said she has always loved the essence of jazz music. “It calms me when I hear it and when I play it,” Macfoy said. “It was adapted from negro spirituals and folks songs as a way to express ourselves and our people.”
As the music education student has seen evolution in music, she has also seen advancement in black female musical artists.
“In today’s society, more black women are getting to express themselves in music,” Macfoy said. “It’s not something that’s been very common in the past.”
Jazz has extended to different genres like R&B and Soul. The rhythms can also be heard in modern-day HBCU band culture, including The Marching 100.
The infamous ensemble was organized in 1892 and is continuing to break glass ceilings in music and culture.
“Our legacy stems its way from some of the double-time marching that we’ve been able to generate and the instrument horn swing that creates that excitement and the flash,” said Chipman.
He serves as the fourth band director of The Marching 100. Chipman said with each note and tune from their instruments, the marching band works to pay homage to those who came before them.
“The culture and heritage that was established many many years ago certainly lends itself to something we should always recognize,” Chipman said.
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