April 18, 2024
TUSKEGEE, Ala. (AP) — Tuskegee University will replace its band director and make other changes in response to members of the Marching Crimson Pipers refusing to perform to protest the state of the music program, WSFA-TV .
Warren Duncan will replace John Leonard as acting band director, President Charlotte Morris said in an update released Tuesday. An assistant director will be hired to oversee day-to-day operations, and a review will look at budgets, new uniforms and instrument acquisition.
The changes were announced came after the band missed two football games to what an a statement last month said was a lack of resources and support.
The university said an analysis of the band's budget will be informed by “historical context,” and officials will look at the funding levels of scholarships for band members.
“Though more work is ahead of us, my goal is to create a shared vision for a path forward. Centrally, this includes how we can work together to ensure that the university’s actions reflect the Tuskegee community’s deep appreciation for the band and our unwavering commitment to students’ success,” Morris said.
The historically Black college is located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Montgomery.
