Memory (Drum Major

J uly 31, 2016

Strange, how things in life happen. That aren’t, part of your plan. Was not at all, a goal of mine. To be drum major. Band.

I loved, playing my trumpet. All, I wanted to do. But Director, asked more of me. Somehow of course, he knew.

Directors, have this special sense. Of what, each child can be. Tried out. Selected. Still unsure. Of what, he saw in me.

My senior year, in high school. Was chosen, for this role. My future changed course, at that point. Direction, that was bold.

A drum major, does conducting. But so much more, than that. You are a leader, from within. While wearing, many hats.

My duty list, grew longer. Each day, given new task. The band, was at the core of me. Would do, all that was asked.

I know, I made an impact. On success, the band had. Drum majoring, got in my blood. I really, had it bad.

But then, was off to college. That phase of life, in past. Re-focused, on my trumpet. And that, was still a blast.

Strange how sometimes, things repeat. Yet still, not in your plan. The college director, pushed me. Be my drum major. Band.

It was just, my sophomore year. Lots, of upperclassmen. Would they accept me? Let me lead? They did. I did not bend.

I owned the role. Gave my all. For three years, grew with band. We evolved. Show band to Corps band. New style, caught many fans.

Progressed, from mace to free style. Set trends, and broke old rules. Was more, than a field conductor. I was spark plug. And fuel.

Generated, excitement. Not sure, how it happened. But, when in uniform, became…very different person.

Band grew large. The sound was BIG. So loud, my ears would ring. The left ear, took it better. My right ear. It would sting.

Extreme effort, on the field. Physically exhausting. The day after, performances. Whole body, was hurting.

Shoulder muscles, burned and bit. Could not, raise arms next day. But through the week, I would improve. Fight through pain. Find a way.

Sometimes voice, became so hoarse. That I, could barely speak. Rested. And tried not to talk much. Until, late in the week.

Was it worth it? Yes, it was. Looking back. Older man. Endured. Excelled. Also became. The person, who I am.

The story, did not end there. Became, band director. Along the way, taught drum majors. Helped many. Watched them soar.

Was instructor. DM camps. Across the south. For years. Shared what I knew, and pushed them hard. So proud, I would shed tears.

Some of my best memories. Are DM’s, from the past. These drum majors, live in my heart. Strong feelings, that do last.

No, the whole experience. Was not, part of my plan. Two wise directors, did lead me. To unknown, promised land.

Was it worth it? Yes, it was.

Looking back. Older man.

Endured. Excelled. Also became.

The person, who I am.