National search for director of troubled FAMU band

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida A&M is looking for a new director of bands.

The university said Friday that it hopes to attract a new leader for its troubled band program by the end of the fall semester.

The school’s famed “Marching 100” has been suspended from all activities since the hazing death in November of 26-year-old drum major Robert Champion. University officials have been unsuccessful for decades to rein in the hazing traditions at the school that has resulted in serious injury to other band members in the past.

Longtime band director Julian White retired.

The new director would appear to have plenty of time to become familiar with the university’s goals since the band remains suspended through the entire 2012-13 school year.