The HBCU marching band world will have its eyes on Southern University as the Human Jukebox enters the 2026 season with new staff members, fresh talent and a championship standard to maintain.Southern University is the reigning Division I Red Lobster Band of the Year champion. The Human Jukebox defeated Florida A&M’s Marching “100” in Atlanta last December to claim the title for the first time. The university later received a Key to the City of Baton Rouge for its achievement.Now Director of Bands Dr. Kedric Taylor must keep the machine moving after two members of his staff left to lead programs of their own.William “Billy” Young departed Southern University to take over the marching band at Alabama A&M. Another former staff member, Dr. Cedric Todd, is now leading the band program at Arkansas Baptist College.Both will see their former boss during the Legends at Legion Field Battle of the Bands in Birmingham on Aug. 30.
