Alabama A&M University announced on April 30 the appointment of William J. Young as its new Director of Bands after a national search.
The selection is significant for the university’s music program, as Young brings over 25 years of experience in music education, ensemble development, and arts leadership to the role.
Young currently serves as Associate Director of Bands at Southern University and A&M College. He previously held the same position at Langston University. Throughout his career, he has built high-performing programs and promoted musical excellence with a focus on discipline and precision. His ensembles have received Superior Ratings in University Interscholastic League Marching Band and Concert & Sight-Reading evaluations.
Young has also worked as Director of Fine Arts in two school districts, where he improved program standards and expanded opportunities for students in fine arts disciplines. He is an alumnus of Southern University and performed with its “Human Jukebox” Marching Band. Young holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Music Education at William Carey University. He is known nationally as an arranger, clinician, consultant, adjudicator, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The university expressed gratitude to Carlton Wright for his 13 years leading the band program. During Wright’s tenure, the program experienced growth and maintained high standards.