What year(s) did you march in the Blue Knights?
2002
What section?
Quadline!
Where did you attend high school?
Buena High School, Ventura, CA
Education beyond high school?
Berkeley College of Music
What is your current occupation/what are you doing now?
Touring Drummer on Drum Set
Why did you choose to march with Blue Knights?
While with the Black Knights, I had some friends in the Denver area, 3 out of the 4 of them were in the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble and they asked me to come out, and I decided to be the 4th guy and join them later with the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps!
How did you come about this opportunity for the Tonight Show?
I am currently touring with Kacey Musgraves. I’ve been with the band for awhile and while I was in Nashville I had met up with her and she was looking for a drummer, so it was the perfect opportunity!
What was your favorite part of the experience?
Good environment, talking with Jimmy Fallon. In the music world, the positive attitude trickles down from your boss, making the experience that much better.
What about the Blue Knights prepared you for this moment on TV?
Learning how to not worry about pressure when you’re in the spotlight. Do what you know how to do, let your training and hard work take over.
What did you learn with the Blue Knights that helped you later in life?Â
Learning how to function and get along with people that you spend an extreme amount of time with. Learning how to deal with conflicts and adapt to your different personal dynamics is huge.
What advice would you tell someone considering trying out for the Blue Knights?
Drum corps are not only looking for great players, but players that are hungry to get better and work hard. There is plenty of good information given out by staff members. Being able to catch on quickly and improve on their instructions will drastically improve your chances.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kenly Shanks was raised in Broomfield, CO and will be attending Metropolitan State University in Denver, CO this fall. Kenly will be fulfilling her dream to earn a degree in Advertising and Marketing. With her degree she hopes to become apart of the film and television industry. Kenly was involved in percussion and marching band at Broomfield High School, as her percussion ensemble won the state championships two years in a row under the instruction of Corey Anderson and Danny Sibley. Kenly is incredibly passionate about percussion and will hopefully continue her love for music this winter. With the Communications & Marketing internship, she is excited to learn more about herself as a future marketer, and to be surrounded by the environment that she loves.