Alabama A&M Band Enters New Chapter Under Director William J. Young

When Alabama A&M takes the field in Atlanta for the MEAC-SWAC challenge, the university’s renowned Marching Maroon and White will debut under new leadership. William J. Young, the band’s new director, arrives in Huntsville with championship credentials and a comprehensive vision that extends far beyond trophies and competitions.

Young brings the DNA of one of HBCU culture’s most storied programs. He trained under the legendary Dr. Isaac Greggs, the architect of Southern University’s iconic “Human Jukebox,” and most recently served on the staff that led Southern to the 2025 Red Lobster Band of the Year title.

Building on a Championship Foundation

Young’s approach to band direction traces directly to the lessons instilled by Dr. Greggs, whose influence shaped generations of HBCU band leaders across the nation. Speaking with HBCU Gameday, Young reflected on that foundational mentorship.

Dr. Isaac Greggs was my band director, and he gave us the tools to say that the sky’s the limit. Whatever we dream to be, we can be. And whatever we want to be, we can do.

That competitive culture at Southern prepared Young and countless others for leadership positions throughout the HBCU band world. “He trained us well to not only strive to be the best, but to be the best that we want to be outside the classroom, outside the band hall,” Young explained. “That’s why that place is so special. That’s why it produced so many band directors.”

Young’s recent experience contributing to Southern’s Band of the Year victory under Dr. Kendrick Taylor reinforced the importance of collective effort.

Strategic Staff Additions

Young demonstrated his collaborative philosophy by hiring former Southern University director Nathan Haymer, viewing the experienced leader as an asset rather than competition. “Mr. Haymer is just an excellent arranger,” Young said. “He’s an excellent person, and he’s also an excellent director. He’s changed the game to what it is today.”

Young compared the hiring strategy to recruiting a high-impact free agent. “When you have a person, a free agent out there that’s available, you want to go out there and seek that knowledge,” Young said. “We’re here to all put our heads together.”

Institutional Support Powers the Vision

Young praised the comprehensive support system at Alabama A&M, citing backing from university president Dr. Daniel K. Wims, Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant, administrators and the Board of Trustees.

“We are one family,” Young said. “That’s the great thing that I love about Alabama A&M. We all work together. We are very supportive of each other.”

As the season approaches, Young’s vision is clear: combine program-building experience, championship knowledge and institutional commitment to create something sustainable. “We want the best for our students,” he said. “We want the best academically and the best musically as well.”

The Red Lobster Band of the Year may represent one milestone on the journey, but Young’s ultimate destination is a program built to chase excellence every single day.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.