Nathan Haymer officially named Director of Bands

I am overjoyed to accept the position as Director of Bands at Southern University and A&M College.  I look forward and eager to making positive contributions for our band program, SUBR, the Southern University System, and state of Louisiana.  The last four months as Interim Director of Bands has been exciting and intense, an opportunity to live out my dream and fulfill my destiny. 

Today my dream has officially become a reality.  I would like to say thanks to the SU Board of Supervisors for your confidence in me, Chancellor Flandus McClinton and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Brandon Dumas for your leadership and guidance during the interim period, and the entire SUBR family for standing behind your Southern University "Human Jukebox" Marching Band during this exciting time. Change is something that is inevitable and I ensure you that we will continue to embrace change for the better!

Our band staff is young and innovative and they are my eyes and ears. Mr. Lorenzo Hart oversees the percussion section as well as the band's equipment and logistics with travel among many other things. Mr. Kedric Taylor is responsible for arranging music for the marching band, rehearsing the band and is the conductor of the symphonic band. My youngest assistant, Brian Simmons arranges for the band and is the director of the Pep Band. Sandra Byrd is the administrative assistant and is the rock of our department. She served 27 years with the late Dr. Isaac Greggs, 8 years with Mr. Lawrence Jackson and now in her first year with me.  I oversee the entire operation as well as the conductor of the Wind Ensemble. The energy that the staff provides is immeasurable and we are truly a cohesive unit. 

I have no doubt that our band program will continue to be the best in the land!  If you were excited by our high level of performance, marketing & branding to secure funds for the band program, production of a documentary highlighting the past and present of the SU Marching Band, and the celebrity endorsements that we managed to achieve during the interim phase, I truly say the best is yet to come!

My predecessors, Lawrence Jackson and the late legendary Dr. Isaac Greggs, left behind a great legacy. It is now up to me to continue the legacy by doing what the SU Band has done in the past (Dr. Greggs' blue print), which is to be innovative and not be afraid to push the envelope. We will remain true to our trademarks (circle, star, halftime score, etc.), but insert new field designs as well as old designs with a new twist. Expect our tradition of excellence and for us to continue to be the benchmark of greatness! I am a defender of the gold and blue and I will always be loyal to Southern University.

Go Jags!!!! 

Nathan B. Haymer

Director of Bands