Leonard Robinson
Soprano, 1989 – 1993
Where did you attend school?
Dobson High School, Mesa AZ / Blanco High School, Blanco TX
B.S. in Computer Information Systems, Arizona State University
Senior Product Manager, Ontic Technologies, Inc.
Why did you choose to march with the Blue Knights? I was introduced to the Blue Knights by my High School band director. He was good friends with the BK percussion instructor at the time, and recommended me. Within a week, I was on a plane to Denver for my first Memorial Day camp. I came to Blue Knights because I was a drum corps fan, and this was the opportunity that presented itself. I came BACK to Blue Knights for 4 more years because of the people I met, the lessons I learned (about music and life), and the memories I will carry with me forever.
How have the Blue Knights impacted your life? The Blue Knights taught me what I was truly capable of. Being in a drum corps was the hardest thing I’d ever done. After completing my first season, I had a chance to reflect on all the things I’d tried before drum corps (and sometimes quit, because it was too hard).That’s when I realized, if I can make it through a drum corps season, I could have done any of those other things I *thought* were hard. As a result of my time in Blue Knights, everything else life has thrown at me has been a little bit easier.
I met my wife because of Blue Knights, and proposed to her on the night of my age-out banquet (We just celebrated our 31st anniversary!). I have met total strangers who became instant friends because of our common bond. In the Alumni Corps, I got to meet fellow Blue Knights from different generations, and realized that we all have some version of the same stories. I once landed a job interview primarily because I had my time in the Blue Knights listed on my resume.
What advice would you tell someone considering trying out for the Blue Knights? Do it, even if you think you can’t. I wasn’t sure at first. By the end of that first night of camp, when I thought my arms would fall off, I really wasn’t sure. Countless other times during my first season, I thought I wasn’t going to make it. My biggest regret in life would have been not going for it, and not sticking with it. This is an amazing activity, and an amazing corps, and you have no idea what you’re capable of until you pour yourself into it.
How would you like to see other Blue Knight alumni get involved in the organization?
First, I would love to see regional groups of alumni get to know each other. Wherever you are, there are other alumni nearby. They may have marched at different times, but we all share the same experiences, and I have never been disappointed when I met a fellow Blue Knight from a different era.
Second, get involved more than a fan. Get to know the marching members. Let them know that you’ve been there, and you know how hard they are working, and how great they are. I always find it much more exciting to watch the corps perform when I know a few of the members on a personal level, and get to witness their triumphs.
∴ Want to be featured in a future Alumni Spotlight? Email us at Alumni@AscendPerformingArts.org