Sylvester Young, Ph.D., who has led the band program since
May 2013, has decided to return to the classroom full time. He said he will
continue to provide support to the band, but explained that the time is right
for Chipman to lead the program.
Young expressed his satisfaction in the accomplishments of
the band and fulfilling his commitment to the University over the last three
years.
“Unbeknownst to the public, I said to myself, after coming
out of retirement, that I would roll up my sleeves and work with the FAMU band
program for three years to rebuild it and to shift the culture,” Young said. “I
am proud to say that we were able to restructure the program and grow it to
more than 200 members after starting anew. I am also very proud of the students
for stepping up to the plate to change the culture and for working together to
eradicate hazing. I am happy to say that we have had no incidents since the
program was reinstalled.”
Mangum praised Young for the impact he has had in the
University’s Music Department.
“FAMU has truly been blessed to have extraordinary men at
the helm of its band program since its inception,” she said. “We are sincerely
appreciative of the work of Dr. Young in building upon the great legacies of
Dr. William P. Foster and Dr. Julian E. White, as well as his tireless efforts
to strengthen and restore our beloved band program.”
Earlier, Chipman said he expressed his gratitude to
Young for the leadership he has shown during his tenure and for entrusting him
with taking the band program into its next era. He explained that he is
grateful to be standing on the shoulders of giants like Young, Foster, and
White.
“These great men have driven the bus in terms of standards,
innovation, and excellence. I am humbled and honored to be a part of the
successes they have achieved and the major performances and innovations that
have been undertaken over the years,” Chipman said. “We are going to continue
the tradition of being a role model of excellence in musicianship and
pageantry. I am looking forward to building upon such a creative legacy and
ensuring that the program remains on the cutting edge.”
Chipman said that he is grateful for the students, alumni,
and supporters who have helped to make the program a success over the years,
and looks forward to working with the entire University community to ensure
that the storied legacy of the Marching 100 continues to reach new levels of
greatness.
“I am extremely impressed by and indebted to the current and
former students who have served and sacrificed to align themselves with our
band standards and our motto,” he said. “I am excited to work with our students
collaboratively as we push the envelope of innovation in taking our
performances out of the box.”
Chipman thanked God, his late mother, wife, son, colleagues,
fellow alumni, and the community, for supporting his musical aspirations and
work as a music educator over the years and credited them all, in their
respective places, with his development as a leader.
When asked what he wanted fans and supporters to know about
the future of the band program and the upcoming football season, he said: “Stay
tuned… We are planning a special performance and tribute to a legendary
musician that will be like no other.”