Rattlers Who Came Back
The FAMU → Miami Central director lineage
A line of FAMU-connected band directors who returned to help lead generations of Rockets.
Students left Miami Central and became members and leaders of the FAMU Marching Band, while FAMU-trained educators returned to Miami Central to prepare later generations. These are the Rattlers who came back.
Kenneth R. Tolbert1971–1985
John Ladson1985–1989
Dr. Shelby Chipman1990–1998
Johnnie Tracey1998–2004
Bobby J. Jackson Jr.2004–2006
Timothy Barber2017–2018
Kermit Virgil2018–PresentInterned under Johnnie Tracey (2002) and served on staff at Miami Central 2003–2006 before returning as Director of Bands.