1970s

Richard Mayo, FSU alumnus and past drum major, assumed the helm of the Marching Chiefs. The same year, membership grew to more than 200 students, and the Marching Chiefs were finalists in the Best College Marching Band Contest on ABC-TV and established the reputation of being one of the country’s finest.

The Marching Chiefs were guests of the United States Department of State to perform at the International Trade Fair in Damascus, Syria. While in the Middle East, the band traveled to Amman, Jordan, for a command performance for King Hussein. Thus, the title of world-renowned became associated with the Marching Chiefs name. The following year, flag, rifle, and color guard auxiliary were added to the ensemble. 

FSU and Marching Chiefs alumnus Bentley Shellahamer took over as Director of the Marching Chiefs.

The Marching Chiefs made their first of many performances at a National Football League game for the New Orleans Saints.