The history of Florida State University's Marching Chiefs is chronicled, from early efforts to form a band before the 1939 establishment of Florida State College for Women, to the Chiefs' attainment of ""world renowned"" status. The band's leaders, shows and music are discussed, along with the origins of some of their venerable traditions, game-day rituals and school songs, including the ""Alma Mater,"" the “Fight Song,” and the ""Hymn to the Garnet and Gold."" The story of the Chiefs takes in the growth of FSU and its School of Music, the rise of ""Big Football"" in Tallahassee and the transformations on campus and in American society that affected them.