Florida Memorial University’s chorale to perform at UM vs. Indiana game

The National Football Championship game is gearing up to feel even more homegrown with South Florida’s only HBCU, Florida Memorial University, bringing their Chorale to perform “America The Beautiful” during the pregame ceremonies.

Monday’s performance, which also coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The University of Miami Hurricanes will battle it out with the Indiana Hoosiers. This means FMU will be on a national stage with at least 20 million viewers, if last year’s ratings are an indication.

“We are honored to represent Florida Memorial University and the Miami Gardens community at one of the most watched sporting events in the country,” FMU’s chorale director Argarita Johnson said in a statement. “Our students have performed on some of the world’s most respected stages, including Carnegie Hall, and this opportunity continues that legacy of excellence. To share our voices on this national platform, especially on the day we honor Dr. King, is truly inspiring.”

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Founded in 1879, Florida Memorial is the only HBCU in South Florida. The Ambassador Chorale, as it is formally called, was founded in 1975 by late professor Roosevelt Williams with just four members. Today, the Chorale has upwards of 50 members that perform as an independent academic ensemble.

Monday’s performance will come on the heels of the university performing in Saturday’s Pepsi National Battle of the Bands in Palm Beach. The school’s band, The ROAR, will compete alongside six other HBCU bands, including Florida A&M’s Marching 100, and is expected to receive $50,000 in scholarship funds.

The Ambassador Chorale will sink before soul artist Jamal Roberts performs “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

This story was originally published January 16, 2026 at 11:43 AM.