1940s

The Florida Flambeau ran an advertisement announcing tryouts for the first formal band, which was officially organized in 1941. 

In 1942, Frank Sykora became the Interim Director while Director Sellars took a three–year military leave during World War II. This same year, the first uniforms were purchased and worn for the inauguration of the new college president, Doak S. Campbell. 

Marching band was first offered as a course for credit. 

The Florida State College for Women became the coeducational Florida State University. The band also became coed and began its long relationship with the football team in a five–game season. Robert Smith took over the band, and rehearsals were held on Landis Green. 

In 1949, Robert T. Braunagel became the new band director. After a newspaper survey sponsored by the University Student Government Association, the marching band officially adopted the title of Marching Chiefs. The band’s first appearance as the Marching Chiefs was at Stetson University.