Razorback Marching Band Announces 2013-14 Drum Majors

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Band faculty and graduate assistants in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences have selected Nathan Cunningham of Conway, Dylan Gililland of Sherwood and Jamey Julian of Alma as the Razorback Marching Band drum majors for the 2013-14 academic year.

“We appreciate the active leadership that the drum majors provide,” said Robin Roberts, dean of Fulbright College. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop skills that will serve them in their future careers.”

Drum major candidates go through a rigorous audition process adjudicated by faculty and graduate assistants in the department of music. Active band members must apply to be considered for the position.

The most qualified students move to the second phase, which includes teaching fundamentals, demonstrating the traditional strut and conducting a live band. After final interviews, drum majors are chosen and announced for the following season.

The three students also receive the Preston and Kathryn Woodruff Drum Major Scholarship. Tyler Thompson, a Fulbright College alumnus and former drum major, created these scholarships to honor the Woodruffs for their long years of unselfish service and devotion to the members of the Razorback Band.

“The Woodruffs were fantastically beautiful people, fanatically excited Razorback fans and just humorous, wonderful people to be around and want to be next to,” said Thompson.

2013-2014 Razorback Marching Band Drum Majors:

Nathan Cunningham, head drum major

Nathan Cunningham is returning to the position as head drum major. He is a senior instrumental music education major and plays the trumpet.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be selected as head drum major for the Razorback Marching Band,” said Cunningham. “The opportunity to serve such an accomplished and nationally recognized organization is something I accept with great responsibility and respect.”

Jamey Julian, assistant drum major

Jamey Julian is returning as assistant drum major. She is a sophomore music education major and plays the clarinet.

“It is truly an honor to serve the Razorback Marching Band as assistant drum major,” said Julian. “I am looking forward to working with such a talented group of individuals in this coming season.”

Dylan Gililland, assistant drum major

Dylan Gililland is a first-time assistant drum major. He is a senior instrumental music education major and plays the trumpet.

“This is my first experience in a drum major position,” said Gililland. “I am really looking forward to being in front of an amazing group like the Razorback Marching Band to continue to fuel my passion for music.”