A Different Drummer

Band under new leadership in '99

This Saturday, as a stadium packed with more than 111,500 screaming fans anticipated the beginning of another Michigan Football season, Music senior Greg Whittmore tried desperately not to lose his lunch.

"I almost threw up, standing there waiting to run out of the tunnel; I was so nervous!" Whittmore said laughing after Wednesday's band practice at Elbel Field.

Saturday's game against Notre Dame marked Whittmore's debut - Michigan's 42nd marching band drum major.

Music senior Greg Whittmore leads the Michigan Marching Band during the Notre Dame game last weekend.

Whittmore has big shoes to fill after three-year drum major Ramon Johnson graduated last spring.

"Ramon Johnson wrote the book on Michigan marching, but Greg has been doing an awesome job," said Engineering sophomore Ken Maschke, who is also a member of the Michigan Marching Band. "To be that good, you have to love what you do."

But love is not everything when it comes to getting the job.

In March, drum major candidates plunged into an extensive selection process, including an application with essays regarding the band member's philosophy and qualifications, interviews and an audition. The audition consists of performing a full routine and delivering an inspirational speech in front of the entire marching band.

"The Michigan Marching Band has a high standard and a tradition to live up to," band Director James Tapia said. "We look for someone who is inspired as well as inspiring."

During auditions last spring, Whittmore admits his confidence level was high. He conducted his high school band, played the clarinet for Michigan his sophomore year and was assistant drum major last year.

Despite his qualifications and confidence, Whittmore felt the need to practice other skills traditionally performed by the drum major.

"I'd come out here all summer and work out," Whittmore said. "There are a lot of traditions that haven't changed, things I have to know how to do."

Whittmore explained that the famous back bend drum majors do before every game was first performed by a drum major many years ago who was missing a vertebrate in his back, making him capable of performing such a stretch. But for Whittmore, who possesses all vertebrate in his back, practice is inescapable.

Along with a tall, feather topped hat and a baton, the job comes with an immense responsibility. Besides leading a week of marching workshops for all band members in the fall, Whittmore serves as a teacher, leader and mentor to the band.

"This position is an extreme honor and something I take very seriously," Whittmore said. "I want to use my given position to do what I can to help other people out."

As not only a showman, but a leader to the Michigan Marching Band, Whittmore's new job holds great importance.

"The drum major is the on-field commander," Tapia said. "He is inspiring and motivated; his heart and soul is always a part of it. He embodies what the band is thinking at all times."

Although this is Whittmore's only year as drum major before he goes on to conducting high school bands, there are still five more home game opportunities to witness Whittmore's motivation lead the Michigan Marching Band to musical perfection.

09-10-99