Florida Memorial University Elevates Brian A. Snell to Director of University Bands and Welcomes Accomplished Music Educator Charles Moorer to FMU ROAR
Florida Memorial University > News and Updates > Florida Memorial University Elevates Brian A. Snell to Director of University Bands and Welcomes Accomplished Music Educator Charles Moorer to FMU ROAR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Miami Gardens, FL — Florida Memorial University proudly announces the promotion of Mr. Brian A. Snell to Director of University Bands and the appointment of veteran band educator Charles Moorer to the FMU ROAR Band Program. Together these leadership additions represent a significant investment in the continued growth and national prominence of the University Bands program.
Brian A. Snell
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Snell has served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Operations since 2020 and has been a foundational force in building the FMU ROAR program since inception. As a founding member of the program staff, he has been instrumental in shaping the distinctive “ROAR” concept as an innovative approach to sound, movement, and performance that has propelled the ROAR Marching Band to national and international prominence.
Under Snell’s creative leadership, the program has achieved remarkable recognition, including being named ESPN’s Band of the Year and performing internationally in France. The band has also become a dynamic presence throughout South Florida, collaborating with major professional sports teams and renowned artists while delivering high-energy performances that reflect the spirit and excellence of Florida Memorial University.
“Mr. Snell’s promotion signals a continued investment in the university’s commitment to providing transformative student experiences through the Arts” said President William C. McCormick Jr. “His work has elevated the visibility of Florida Memorial University while creating meaningful, transformative experiences for our students. We are confident that under his leadership, the band program will continue to thrive and set new standards of excellence.”
Under Snell’s leadership, FMU is home to the Heat Hype Band, the official marching band of the Miami Heat, marking a groundbreaking partnership between an HBCU band program and a professional sports franchise.
“Mr. Snell has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and a visionary approach to creating leaders and embracing student engagement through music,” said Dr. Tymon M. Graham, Vice President for Student Affairs. “His leadership, creativity, and deep understanding of the HBCU band tradition make him the ideal person to lead our band program into its next chapter.”
Snell brings a wealth of experience as a musician, educator, and creative director. His professional career divs music education, theatrical productions, and major entertainment collaborations, including work with leading film, television, and music projects to include engagements with BET, HBO, VH1, Trick Daddy, Trina, DJ Khaled, and the Grammy Award-winning Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
“I am deeply humbled by and grateful for the trust that President McCormick, Dr. Graham and the entire Florida Memorial University administration have placed in me as Director of University Bands. This appointment is one I accept with both profound honor and a full sense of responsibility,” said Snell. “I am committed to continuing the legacy built at FMU on the heels of Dr. Beckford, a pillar of this program. The ROAR will be heard, and it will be felt”.
Mr. Snell is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, Incorporated and Prince Hall, Free and Accepted Masons.
Charles E. Moorer, Jr.
Also joining the FMU ROAR, Florida Memorial University welcomes Mr. Charles Moorer, an accomplished and widely respected band director whose distinguished career spans decades of leadership in music education and marching arts. Moorer brings extensive experience in developing successful band programs, mentoring student musicians, and cultivating cultures of excellence both on and off the field.
The addition of Mr. Moorer strengthens an already outstanding program”, said Dr. Graham. His experience, expertise and passion for student development coupled with Mr. Snell’s leadership make for a powerhouse for educational performance, musical opportunities and artistic growth to our students.
As an active Honor Band clinician, active adjudicator for marching and concert band events and coordinator of numerous other large scale musical events, Mr. Moorer brings a wide range of talent, skill and experience to aid in the continued success of the ROAR Marching Band.
“When you have the opportunity to bring a highly respected figure in music education such as Mr. Charles Moorer, you seize it. His reputation for developing talented student musicians and unwavering dedication to excellence aligns perfectly with Florida Memorial University’s vision” said President McCormick.
Moorer, a three-time Golden Excellence Award recipient by the Southern Star Music Festival brings extensive experience performing on national stages to include Carnegie Hall in New York City, the 44th Annual Grammy Awards alongside Kanye West and Jamie Foxx, and Super Bowls XXXVII, XXXIX, and XLI. With over 16 years of experience leading music programs, Moorer has a proven record of competitive excellence, community impact and musical achievement.
“As someone who believes deeply in the power of music education to transform lives, I am excited to join the FMU family to help shape meaningful experiences that will impact students far beyond the rehearsal hall as we Pursue Excellence and Cherish Everyone” said Moorer.
Mr. Moorer is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, Incorporated.
About the ROAR
The ROAR, a premier collegiate marching band, is the Official Marching Band of Florida Memorial University located in the epicenter of musical excellence, South Florida. Recognized for its innovative performances, musical excellence, and commitment to student development, the ROAR has earned national and international acclaim through high-profile performances, strategic partnerships, and a distinctive approach to sound, movement, and showmanship that celebrates the rich traditions of HBCU band culture.
