TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--Dr. Sylvester Young, Florida A&M University Alumnus has been named as FAMU's new band director.
"At this time ladies and gentlemen I would like to present to you the next director of the marching and pep band at Florida A&M University, Dr. Sylvester Young," said FAMU's Interim President Dr. Larry Robinson.
It's a victory for Sylvester Young, a former rattler who will now take over the famed Marching 100 as band director.
"My experiences over the years i think has brought me to the point, I feel very capable that i can actually handle this position," said Dr. Sylvester Young.
Young is stepping into shoes of former 40-year veteran band director Julian White who resigned amid the fallout over the 2011 hazing-related death of drum major Robert Champion.
"We're going to make every student in the band an ambassador for the university. To do that, they have to somewhat define very clearly why they came to FAMU, and it has to be more than just the band," said Young.
Young worked for Ohio University for 25 years as a music professor and was also served as the band director.
Members of the 100 and student body are hoping young will bring the same tunes who taught in Ohio, to famu's campus.
"This is a great day today that we finally have a band director, and we can finally move forward to getting this band where it needs to be," said Kachi Ukpabi, FAMU band member.
"Its great to see something they've worked so hard to build to come back and make step one of their progress," said Anthony Siders, Student Body President.
Young will also work closely with the new special anti-hazing assistant to make sure students are safe.
"Its again putting the right people in place, great leadership, and great support for our student, and our faculty, as well as our alums," said Bryan Smith, Special Anti-hazing Assistant.
Young is planning to enforce some strict rules.
"We'll monitor those policies and if anyone violates those policies of course they'll be dealt with," said Young.
Dr. Young will start his new position as band director on June 14.
