Florida A&M marching band director to retire amid hazing scandal TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The embattled head of Florida A&M University's marching band is retiring. FAMU officials tried to fire Julian White, the director of the Marching 100, following the 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. On Thursday attorneys announced the 71-year-old White would retire instead of trying to fight to keep his job. 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.