What year(s) did you march in the Blue Knights?
I marched with the Blue Knights from 2010-2013.
What sections?
Trumpet (2010-2011), mellophone (2012), and aged out as one of the drum majors (2013).
Where did you attend high school?
Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas.
Education beyond high school?
After high school, I attended the University of Houston and earned a Bachelor of Music Education in the spring of 2016.
What is your current occupation?
I am currently the Assistant Director of Bands at Heritage High School in my hometown of Frisco, Texas.
Why did you choose to march with the Blue Knights?
The Blue Knights had a satellite audition camp in November of 2009 at Colleyville Heritage High School for the 2010 season. It wasn’t very far to drive, so I decided to go. I was invited to the December camp in Denver and offered a contract there. After my first summer, I was hooked. My favorite thing about the corps was the quality of instruction I received.
What is your favorite drum corps memory?
My favorite Blue Knights memory was the immense sense of pride and accomplishment I felt at the end of my first summer after the final horn snap down of the closer. I had completed one of the most difficult journeys of my life up to that point.
How have the Blue Knights impacted your life?
I have always felt that I was surrounded by some of the finest educators in the activity when I was a member, both on the musical and visual side of the instructional staff. My approach to music and visual education has been enormously impacted by my time with the Blue Knights.
What are some of the Blue Knights’ core values/principles that have resonated with you in life?
Some of the things we’d talk about as a corps with Sully have stuck with me over the years. One of the concepts Marc Sylvester stressed to us was the importance of completing everything you do to the very best of your ability because it has “your name on it.” Your name and your brand are truly all you have in life. Get up and do the work required. What are you going to make your name worth, not just for your community, but for yourself?
What advice would you tell someone considering trying out for the Blue Knights?
Absolutely, a million times, 100% go for it. The quality of instruction and the attention to the needs of the members is outstanding. If you’re about performance, expression, and thoughtful show design, this is the place for you. Everyone always says it, but I believe it in my core to be true – the Blue Knights is a family.
How would you like to see other Blue Knight alumni get involved in the organization?
If you have the ability to, set up a monthly recurring donation. Even something as small as $10 every month can go a long way with an alumni base as large as the umbrella of Ascend Performing Arts.
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