August 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the Marching Chiefs first trip overseas, as goodwill ambassadors of the United States in Damascus, Syria.
In June of 1974 the United States was invited to participate in the International Trade Fair in Damascus, Syria, which was scheduled to take place from July 25 – August 20 of that year. The fair was one of the largest of its kind in that region, involving participation from more than 30 nations, but this would be the first time that the US had been involved in more than seven years. Tensions were high, and a good impression was a must.
Enter the FSU Marching Chiefs.
As guests of the United States Department of State at the 1974 International Trade Fair, 150 members of the Marching Chiefs performed en masse and in smaller ensembles at various locations in Damascus during their 10-day visit, and then went on to perform by invitation for Jordan’s King Hussein and over 15,000 people in the city of Amman. The trip was hailed as a success by everyone involved.
Photos courtesy of Nancy C. Fowler Collection, Warren D. Allen Music Library Special Collections, College of Music, Florida State University.
The anniversary of this momentous occasion was celebrated this weekend as part of the College of Music’s homecoming activities during a Marching Chiefs alumni banquet in the Dusenberg Banquet Hall at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum.
Alumnus Bob Duke, drum major of the Marching Chiefs from 1974-1976, was the featured speaker at the banquet where Chiefs of all eras – including 36 of the 150 who went to Syria in 1974 – were present for the slideshow and presentation by the anniversary committee.
For more photos of this and other 2024 College of Music alumni/homecoming activities, find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ musicFSU.
