After the death of drum major Robert Champion in an alleged hazing incident in late 2011, Florida A&M University suspended all activities of its famous Marching 100 band. The suspension is still in place.
However, the university has hired Sylvester Young as the new director of its marching and pep bands. He will begin his new job on June 14.
Larry Robinson, interim president of Florida A&M University, stated, “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.”
Dr. Young was planning on retiring after a nearly 25-year career at Ohio University in Athens. There he served as director of the marching band and was an associate professor of music. Earlier in his career, Professor Young served as director of bands at Hampton University in Virginia and Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Young is a 1969 graduate of Florida A&M University and was a member of the Marching 100. He earned a master’s degree at Bowling Green State University in Ohio and a doctorate in music education from the University of Missouri.
