Sound of USD shapes drum majors’ futures

From conducting Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” to Mozart’s classic compositions, the Sound of USD’s drum majors are preparing for their futures. 

With practices and performances throughout the week, marching band involvement serves as a second life to 110 University of South Dakota students involved in the program.

Senior Sam Schroeder, head drum major, said the program is challenging yet rewarding. Seeking a career as a public school music teacher, Schroeder said marching band has given him all the necessary tools to achieve his goal.

“My main goal is to inspire,” Schroeder said. “I want to help kids find their passion.”

As lead drum major, it is Schroeder’s responsibility to conduct the band, bring in cues and change dynamic levels. He also serves as an assistant to Director Jonathan Alvis and is ready to help where there is concern. Having to memorize and perfect three to five new songs for every home game, being a drum major is no easy task, Schroeder said.

“It’s really nerve-wracking,” Schroeder said. “I know all the eyes are on me.”

Schroeder said this can be fun when he conducts a contemporary song, since it’s a time to let loose and jam out in front of the crowd.

Students practice every weekday, except Wednesdays, averaging about six hours per week to prepare for the show.

The most rewarding aspect of marching band, Schroeder said, is the amount of pride he feels from the audience.

“I love the enthusiasm of the crowd,” he said. “It makes all the time and effort so worth it.”

Senior James Galbranson, another drum major, joined the Sound of USD his first year after he saw the band play at a tailgate event.

Although it has been a passion of his, Galbranson has decided not to pursue a career in music after graduation but instead is pursuing political science and history majors.

“After I leave the Sound, I will be seeking to join another group where I can continue to play with others who love music,” he said.

The responsibilities of a drum major has infulenced Galbranson’s life by giving him the  necessary tools to become a leader and a successful worker in the future, Galbranson said.

Alvis said the three drum majors have helped him with a number of tasks throughout the year.

“The drum majors act as my liaison with the band, not only with conducting but also with the administration side of things,” he said.

Taking attendance and setting up props for performances, Alvis said they are important to the success of the band.

Schroeder and Galbranson are handing over their responsibilities next year to sophomore Kaela DeJong.

DeJong will become head drum major in the fall of 2015 after spending this year as one of the drum majors and learning the ins-and-outs of the shows.

“The hardest part about marching band is definitely the time crunch,” DeJong said. “We have a new show prepared for every home game, and it’s my job as drum major to make sure everyone is ready.”

First-year Megan Ellison was heavily involved in marching band throughout high school but decided this year wouldn’t be the time to add marching band to her schedule.

“I do want to join again,” Ellison said. “I already miss it so much.”

Ellison said seeing the Sound of USD at competitions invoked an energetic vibe and showed how they were different from other marching bands that played. The band was able to entertain her and the audience through exciting, interactive songs, Ellison said.

“The music is a lot of fun,” Ellison said. “I really enjoy watching them perform.”

Remembering the time she saw the marching band play “Gangnam Style” at a competition, Ellison is planning to join the fun next year.

Regardless of the time commitment, marching band has been rewarding to DeJong, she said, not only because of her leadership role but also the impact it has taken on her life.

“The bonds in band are so unique and close,” DeJong said. “We all have the same passion and when that’s the case, friends become more like family.”

(Photo: Now senior Sam Schroeder, middle, a Sound of USD drum major, leads the marching band before the USD football game versus Youngstown State Nov. 2, 2013. Schroeder said marching band has given him all the necessary tools to achieve his goal of becoming a public school music teacher. File photo / The Volante)