Alabama A&M lands former Southern University band director
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Former Southern University Human Jukebox Director Nathan B. Haymer is making his return to the HBCU band world after being named to the band staff at Alabama A&M University. The move marks a new chapter for one of the most recognizable figures in collegiate marching band culture, reuniting Haymer with the Southwestern Athletic Conference and bringing his decades of musical experience to the Bulldogs' renowned Marching Maroon & White program.
His hiring comes as Alabama A&M continues to reshape its band leadership under Director of Bands William J. Young, while signaling Haymer's return to mentoring student musicians after several years away from the collegiate spotlight. Haymer announced the news in a post on Facebook, describing the opportunity as the beginning of "a new chapter." He also expressed gratitude to Alabama A&M Director of Bands William J. Young for extending the opportunity.
"I'm incredibly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to join the Alabama A&M University family," Haymer wrote. "My sincere thanks to Director William Young for believing in me and trusting me with the chance to help build something special alongside an outstanding staff and talented students."
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Haymer spent years working within Southern University's band program before being named Interim Director of Bands in 2014 following the retirement of legendary director Lawrence Jackson. The appointment fulfilled a dream Haymer said he had held since middle school, allowing him to lead one of the most celebrated marching bands in the nation.
Haymer remained in the role until 2018, when Southern University terminated his employment following an internal audit. The audit found that approximately $300,000 in band camp and other program-related fees had been deposited into accounts under his control. The investigation was launched after allegations surfaced that Haymer had received payments connected to the Human Jukebox's appearances at various events, including Mardi Gras parades.
In 2020, Haymer pleaded guilty to a federal embezzlement charge, admitting that he submitted fraudulent invoices for band-related expenses and kept the funds for personal use. While federal probation officials estimated the university's losses exceeded $100,000, Haymer pleaded guilty to the theft of approximately $30,000. The following year, U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson sentenced him to 13 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay $78,690 in restitution, in addition to more than $34,000 he had previously repaid to the university.
In April, the university announced the hiring of William J. Young as Director of Bands following a national search. Young joined Alabama A&M after serving as Associate Director of Bands at Southern University and, like Haymer, is both a Southern alumnus and a former member of the Human Jukebox. Therefore, Haymer's addition to staff comes during a time of major transition at the university.
For Alabama A&M, the addition of Haymer brings a veteran educator with decades of experience and deep ties to the HBCU band tradition.
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