DENVER, CO – The Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps is excited to announce the Drum Major team for the 2021 season!
Bekah Blanchard
Bekah Blanchard, 20, is from Richland, Washington, and is currently a junior at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington where she studies English.
This is Bekah’s sixth and final year of drum corps and her second season with the Blue Knights, having spent the previous seasons as a drum major with the Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps. She graduated from Hanford High School in 2018 and participated in marching band all four years, two of them as a drum major, and she helps teach marching band at Chiawana High School in Pasco, Washington.
“The uncertainty of the past year has solidified my passion to serve the Blue Knights organization and I am so excited to be doing that alongside this wonderful team. As we approach a season unlike any other, I’m honored to be a member again and I can’t wait to work hard to make this season unforgettable for members and fans alike.”
Ethan Masters
Ethan Masters is from Missouri City, Texas, and is currently a Junior at Texas A&M University where he is studying Electrical Engineering. Ethan graduated from Ridge Point High School where he played saxophone and was a drum major for three years. This will be his third season of drum corps and second season with the Blue Knights. He also marched in 2019 with the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps as one of their drum majors.
“I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to return to the Blue Knights this season,” said Ethan. “I know we will make the most out of this summer and can’t wait to be with this family again in person doing what we love!”
Hannah Cussen
Hannah is a fourth-year member of the Blue Knights, having marched euphonium since 2018. She previously served as section leader and horn sergeant.
A Colorado native, she graduated from Cherry Creek High School in 2018. She’s now on a gap year from Stanford University, where she studies computer science and plays trombone. In place of school, she writes software as an intern at NASA.
“I am so grateful for my time with the Blue Knights,” said Hannah. “And I’m very excited to work with this team and serve in a new capacity.”
Tyler Osterman
Tyler Osterman, 21, is from Webb City, Missouri, and is seeking a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
A horn player, Tyler has spent the last three years in the Razorback Marching Band, two of those as a drum major. In addition to this role, he holds leadership positions in his university’s chapters of the National Association for Music Educators and Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity.
“Participating in this activity has been a longtime dream, and I never imagined I’d have the great privilege of doing so as a Blue Knight,” said Tyler. “I’m continually awestruck by the excellent people of this organization and humbled to join an extraordinary team of leaders as we work to bring back the sights and sounds of drum corps this summer.”
Dallan Heard
Dallan Heard is from Donalsonville, Georgia, and is currently in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a focus on clarinet studies at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. At Troy University Dallan spends most of his time balancing a full schedule of classes, band, Phi Mu Alpha, and ROTC.
As for his Drum Corps career, Dallan served as a drum major for the Seattle Cascades in 2019 and was selected to be the head drum major for the Southern Knights in 2020. Additionally, he served as drum major for two years at Seminole County High School.
“Ever since I auditioned two years ago I have been in love with the Blue Knights,” said Dallan. “Their constant efforts to make sure that every member is loved and cared for is what makes Blue Knights so special to me. I am truly humbled to be serving alongside the other members of this team and cannot wait to learn from them!”