FSU marching band releases statement on support of Mike Norvell, discontinuing War Chant on third down

The Florida State marching band is not playing War Chant on third downs during home games this season as the famous chant has been replaced by music from a DJ.

According to a report from SI, the decision to play music instead of the band performing War Chant was requested by the football team.

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The FSU marching band released a statement on the decision on Thursday while announcing its support of the Florida State football program and head coach Mike Norvell.

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“The Marching Chiefs and the Athletic Department have enjoyed a relationship of mutual respect for decades. We regularly meet with our colleagues in athletics to discuss all aspects of the game day experience,” the statement reads. “Our mutual goal, as it always has been, is to help the team on the field, and provide the best environment in college football for the fans. This continues to this day.

“The Marching Chiefs agreed in 2023 with the football team’s request to introduce new music during third down. We believe this was a reasonable request.

“We take pride in our role in the game day experience — one that Seminole fans have come to expect. We will continue to work in partnership with athletics to find ways to improve the game day experience. We encourage everyone to continue to support Coach Norvell and the football team. Go Noles!”

The message was signed by Florida State Director of Bands Patrick Dunnigan, FSU Director of Athletic Bands David Plack and Assistant Director of Athletic Bands Devan Moore.

As the statement says, the request from the Florida State football team actually came in 2023. However, it seems that people are just now starting to notice, and there has been some controversy about the decision.

The FSU band did its best to lower the controversy on Thursday by putting out a statement.

As for the Florida State football team, the Seminoles are off to a tough start to the 2024 season. FSU was upset by Georgia Tech in Ireland to open the year, before returning home to face Boston College.

The Seminoles once again struggled, falling to the Eagles 28-13 at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Norvell’s team has been bad on both sides of the ball as DJ Uiagalelei and the offense have been unable to find a rhythm, while the defense has been getting shredded, particularly in the run game.

Florida State now has a bye week to try and get back on track before hosting Memphis on Saturday, Sept. 14.