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The Pride of Mississippi Announces 2020 Drum Majors

Thu, 04/09/2020 - 10:43am | By: Mike Lopinto

Head Drum Major Chase Romans and Assistant Drum Major Jeremiah ParkerThe Pride of Mississippi is proud to announce its 2020 Drum Majors. Leading the band during its 100th anniversary celebration season will be Head Drum Major Chase Romans and Assistant Drum Major Jeremiah Parker.

Taking the reins as Head Drum Major for the 2020 season is Chase Romans, assuming the role of Head Drum Major after having served as Assistant Drum Major for the 2019 season. A sophomore music education major who grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he plans to complete a degree in saxophone performance and then a degree in music composition to eventually write scores for movies.

“Being a drum major for the Pride of Mississippi is one of the biggest honors and challenges that I could have ever asked for” said Romans. “Not only do I get to work with amazing people on the staff and on the leadership team to improve this organization year by year, but I also learn so much more about who I am as a person and how to apply all the lessons I learn in band to real world experiences outside of marching band.”

Parker is from Ocean Springs, Mississippi where he attended Ocean Springs High School and played under the direction of former Director of The Pride of Mississippi (and former Drum Major for The Pride of Mississippi), Dr. Mohamad Schuman. A saxophonist, he is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in music education and serves as a member of the 41st Army Band, the National Guard Band for the State of Mississippi.

“I am extremely honored to be given the great opportunity to help lead such an incredible band” said Parker. “I am looking forward to a year full of hard work and growth with The Pride of Mississippi!”

The Drum Majors for The Pride of Mississippi are the most visible facet of a student leadership team which numbers approximately 35. In addition to conducting the band during performances, they assist in facilitating the regular rehearsals and logistics of the 280-member Pride of Mississippi.

“Chase and Jeremiah will be excellent leaders for our program and will not only meet the high standards which have been set for students who hold this position, but also will set the bar even higher for those who come after them” said Dr. Colin McKenzie, Director of The Pride of Mississippi. “I am excited for our community to see how these student leaders contribute to our organization and The University in the coming year.”