Courtesy of GSU Communications
Grambling State University will honor a century of sound, showmanship, and cultural impact as the World Famed Tiger Marching Band celebrates its 100th anniversary with the World Famed Tiger Marching Band Centennial Gala & Concert on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Frederick C. Hobdy Assembly Center on the campus of Grambling State University.
The evening will begin with a VIP Reception at 6 p.m., followed by the general program at 7:30 p.m.
The milestone celebration will bring together alumni, students, former band members, University leaders, supporters, and friends of the World Famed for an unforgettable evening honoring one of Grambling State University’s most treasured traditions.
Founded in 1926, the World Famed Tiger Marching Band began with a vision to create a group of marching musicians at the institution now known as Grambling State University. What started with 17 instruments and a determined group of students has grown into one of the most celebrated collegiate marching bands in the nation, known for its powerful sound, precision, showmanship, and unmistakable Tiger pride.
“As we celebrate 100 years of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, we are honoring generations of students, directors, arrangers, musicians, alumni, and supporters who built and sustained a standard recognized around the world,” said Dr. Nikole Roebuck, Director of Bands. “This Centennial Gala & Concert is a moment to celebrate our history, uplift those who helped carry this legacy forward, and inspire the next generation of World Famed musicians.”
The Centennial Gala & Concert will feature music, special recognitions, fellowship, and a special guest performance, with the featured artist to be announced at a later date. More than an evening of celebration, the event will help support the future of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band and sustain the next century of musicianship, leadership, performance, and cultural impact.
The celebration comes during Grambling State University’s historic Multiversary year, honoring 125 years of academic excellence, 100 years of Tiger Athletics, and 100 years of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band.
“For a century, the World Famed Tiger Marching Band has carried the sound, pride, and spirit of Grambling State University to audiences across the nation and around the world,” said President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “This centennial celebration is an opportunity to honor those who helped build this extraordinary legacy while celebrating the students and leaders who continue to move the tradition forward.”
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the World Famed Tiger Marching Band Centennial Gala & Concert are available at gram.edu/world-famed-gala.
About the World Famed Tiger Marching Band
Founded in 1926, the World Famed Tiger Marching Band is one of Grambling State University’s most recognized and beloved traditions. From its earliest days under the leadership of Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones, the band has grown into a nationally celebrated program known for its powerful sound, precision, showmanship, and unmistakable Tiger pride. For generations, the World Famed has represented Grambling State University on some of the nation’s most visible stages, serving as a cultural ambassador for the University and a lasting symbol of HBCU excellence.
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