TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Already suspended and with uncertainty about whether the future of Florida A&M's band program, the longtime director of the Marching 100 has chosen to retire.
Dr. Julian White, 71, announced Thursday that he will retire as director of bands and chair of the FAMU's Department of Music.
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FAMU officials tried to fire White following the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion in November. White initially fought the dismissal and was placed on administrative leave at the urging of criminal authorities investigating Champion's death.
Last week, 11 FAMU band members were charged with felony hazing. Two others face misdemeanor counts.
The band has been suspended since November. FAMU President James Ammons is expected to discuss the band at a special meeting of the university board of trustees either Friday or Monday.
White was a band member and later drum major of the Marching 100 before his 1963 graduation. White returned to his alma mater 1973 after a decade as a high school band director, including years at Jacksonville's Raines High School.
White received numerous award and honors during his career and for 10 years designed drills for the McDonald's All-American High School Band.
"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," said his attorney, Chuck Hobbs.