White ends fight for reinstatement, tenders resignation

Julian E. White has chosen to end to his fight against FAMU President James H. Ammons' decision to terminate him.

Statement from Chuck Hobbs, Attorney for Dr. Julian White

After 40 years of service Dr. White, 71, has chosen to retire as Director of Bands and Distinguished Chair of the Florida A&M University Department of Music.

Dr. White has been a proud FAMU Rattler for more than half a century, first as a student member of the marching band, and later as a drum major of the world-renowned Marching 100. A 1963 graduate, Dr. White returned to his alma mater 1973 after a successful stint as a high school band director. Dr. White was associate professor and associate director of bands from 1973-1997. Dr. Julian E. White, a tenured and Distinguished Professor of Music, who has served as Chairman of the Music Department and Director of Bands, including the wind ensemble, symphonic and concert bands, as well as the world-famous Marching 100 since 1998.

 For a period of ten years, he served as drill designer for the McDonald’s All-American High School Band with appearances at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California and the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona. His drills have been featured in performances on all major television networks, and the Bastille Day Ceremony in Paris, France.

Presently Dr. White assists with halftime shows for Bowl Games of America and is on the adjudication staff for Music Festivals USA, International Music Festivals and Heritage Music Festivals, in addition to writing drill shows for high school and college bands. He has also served as guest conductor at the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. He is very active as a conductor and clinician for middle and high school bands, summer band camps, and district, state, national and international music conferences and workshops.

Dr. White leaves a legacy that includes having taught thousands of students, many of whom have become successful has produced doctors, lawyers, nurses; educators in all fields, school administrators, musicians, music teachers, and band directors on the elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels themselves.

Most recently, White was recipient of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity’s Achievement Award, which is the organization’s highest honor. At FAMU, White was a two-time the recipient of the FAMU Teacher of the Year Awards, as well as the FAMU Army ROTC Teacher of the Year Award. Just last month, he received the FAMU Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity/Kappa Delta Alumni Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. White has received the NAACP Achievement Award and is a past recipient of the Florida A&M University Superior Accomplishment Award. He also has received the FAMU Distinguished Professor/Advanced Teacher of the Year Award, the FAMU Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award; the FAMU Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Thurgood Marshall Outstanding Achiever Award sponsored by the Fed Ex Orange Bowl Committee. Dr. White was honored by the Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity with the Distinguished Service to Music Award, first won by the legendary John Phillip Sousa.

Next week, White will be honored as a William N. Raines Sr. High School Legend, which will include the designation of the Julian E. White Performing Arts Wing in his honor.

Dr. White remains a loyal FAMU Rattler and wishes his alma mater continued success in the future. He looks forward to spending more time with his family.