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Update: New FAMU band director announcement postponed

FAMU Students and faculty leave as band director announcement is cancelled
Posted at 5:58 PM, Jan 15, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-07 07:29:14-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--The sound of the marching 100, is what Florida A & M university student Chauncey McKinney, says he's been enjoying since he was a kid.

McKinney from a legacy of FAMU band members himself... like most people said he's ready for the 100 to return from indefinite suspension---but with some changes.

"If the marching 100 comes back, kudos, awesome, bring it on, but just don't come back and be the old marching 100," said McKinney.

The question now, is when will they return?

"I do want the 100 back and I'm sure there are many students, like almost half the student body, the majority say they do want the 100 back, but if it takes a bit longer for that change to occur, then so be it...I'll wait, McKinney.

University administrators postponed the announcement of the new band director after not being able to reach an agreement with the finalist on a contract.

The position was left vacant after 40-year veteran, band director Dr.Julian White retired nearly a year ago--

following the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion.

A tragedy that still to this day has lasting effects on campus.

"I personally don't need anymore students dying. "This is the classic band, they are world renowned, they've traveled and I've kept up with that and I just miss the presence they have its not the same anymore, I mean the volume on FAMU has been turned down," said McKinney.

Students like McKinney just hope the volume is once again turned up but he understands- picking the right person may take time.