Dr. Duane Bierman
UNK director of bands, 308.865.8607
The University of Nebraska at Kearney Pride of the Plains Marching Band will have two new drum majors for the first time since 2008.
UNK students Tyler Cobb of McCook and Jessica Sousek of Prague were selected as the 2011-2012 Pride of the Plains Marching Band drum majors.
“This is the first time we will have new drum majors since 2008,” said Dr. Duane Bierman, UNK director of bands. “I’m very excited to see these two outstanding students in front of our band next year. They will bring a wealth and variety of talent to the positions.”
Cobb, a senior music education major, plays clarinet in the UNK Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Sousek, a sophomore communication disorders major, is a Deans’ list student and plays bass clarinet in the UNK Wind Ensemble.
According to Dr. Bierman, the students were chosen through an interview and audition process. The process included an interview with the band directors, a conducting audition in front of members of the band, and they also performed a teaching demonstration of marching techniques with band members.
“The drum majors lead the band during virtually all field and parade performances, and they also help teach during rehearsals,” Dr. Bierman said. “The position of drum major is highly important to the success of the band, given the amount of responsibility these students carry.”
