With the aim of getting its nationally-recognized marching band back into action, Florida A&M University (FAMU) has named Dr. Sylvester Young, a FAMU graduate and former member of the Marching 100 band, the school’s new director of marching and pep bands. FAMU interim president Larry Robinson announced the appointment during a news conference Tuesday.
Grappling with the suspension of the Marching 100 band following the late 2011 hazing death of former drum major Robert Champion, Robinson indicated during the news conference that with the selection of a new band director he is nearly ready to reactivate the band. Young, 66, assumes the FAMU director of marching and pep bands position on June 14 and will annually earn $105,000.
“Dr. Young is a talented and experienced administrator, musician and scholar whom I believe will provide strong discipline, leadership and vision for the Marching ‘100’,” Robinson said.
“Dr. Young has had a stellar career as director of bands at several universities, and I am looking forward to Young continuing the great traditions of the Marching ‘100’ when we deem it ready to return to the field,” he added.
Dr. Rodner Wright, the FAMU interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the search committee, which he chaired, looked for “someone who has the respect of his peers, the experience and the passion to continue the practices that have made the Marching ‘100’ a household name.”
“We are pleased with our choice,” Wright noted during the news conference.
