Three Students a ‘Major’ Part of Game Day Excitement
Three Students a ‘Major’ Part of Game Day Excitement
A Georgia Southern football game wouldn’t be the same without the infectious chants and age-old cheers led by the Southern Pride Marching Band drum majors.
Southern Pride drum majors Rebekah Daniel, Justin Graves and Ashley Hooker lead their peers with poise and precision.
Together, their individual leadership qualities and musical expertise help drive the 240-member band from within, as the eyes and ears of band director Collin McKenzie.
“Every day we come to practice, we have to be prepared. There’s no excuse,” said Daniel. “You also have to be ahead of the game and know what to expect before everyone else does.”
The drum majors have also been honing their music instruction skills inside the classroom as music education majors. The three were selected for their positions after proving to have outstanding talent and musical knowledge in their auditions.
“The audition process consisted of a prepared piece, field command demonstration, tempo recollection, score reading and drill chart reading,” said Hooker.
Under the direction of McKenzie, the leadership team uses their range of musical knowledge and experience to fine-tune performances in rehearsals three times a week and at game day rehearsals.
After the pre-game performance at the Recreation Activity Center band shell, the trio leads the band as they march through the tailgaters to Paulson Stadium.
“We start the band at every rehearsal, making sure everyone is there, rehearsal is going well and the right attitude is being displayed,” said Daniel, a Georgia Southern junior. “We also step in wherever Dr. McKenzie needs us.”
After being diagnosed with scoliosis, a debilitating spinal disease, Daniel was forced to consider her level of dedication to the band. She refused to let her condition hold her back from pursuing a career in music.
“In the end, the main thing that keeps me focused and allows me to cope with the scoliosis are my goals in music,” said Daniel. “I've been told by my doctor and my music professors that this won't inhibit my goals in music, so I won't let it.”
The drum majors’ goals extend far beyond those of an average music student, with plans of master’s and/or doctoral degrees in conducting to pursue a career in music instruction at the high school or collegiate level.
A Georgia Southern junior, Hooker realized she was suited for a career in music education after attending a band camp at Jacksonville State University and becoming a drum major during her senior year at Murray County High School in Chatsworth, Ga.
“To be drum majors, we have to be able to make fast decisions,” said Hooker. “We’re responsible for solving problems, which requires expert listening skills.”
When she’s not rehearsing, Hooker concentrates on honors coursework and involvement with Sigma Alpha Iota, an international women’s music fraternity.
The drum majors’ leadership goes beyond on-field music direction, often consisting of inspiring and motivating band members off the field. Graves knows the importance of raising morale.
“Whether we’re playing the fight song after a touchdown, getting them fired up for a big play on defense or playing the alma mater at the end of each game, we’re behind our team from start to finish. We think it makes a difference and we’re just excited to be a part of the game day experience. There is something special about marching into the stadium on Saturday and helping cheer our team to victory,” he said.
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