Introducing Our 2019 Drum Majors
The Battalion held auditions for the backbone of the student leadership team - the 2019 drum majors - during the corps' Utah Audition Event in January. Many talented and qualified candidates applied, and four individuals were selected through a rigorous audition process to select the best fit for the 2019 season. The corps will be led by returning head drum major and fourth-year member Andrew Blomfelt with assistance from third-year member Collin Moore, third-year member Everett Shryock, and first-year member Staylee Koller.
"We've been really fortunate to have some outstanding student leaders since the beginning of The Battalion," said Program Director Mark Hartman. "There's no question that these four individuals are perfect examples of the servant-leader that we look for when selecting the students who will lead this corps. I'm thrilled for the opportunity to work together with them as we prepare the corps to reach a new level of excellence this season."
Check out their bios below to get to know a little bit more about the 2019 drum majors!
Andrew Blomfelt (Head Drum Major)
Andrew Blomfelt is in his final semester at Colorado State University studying music composition with Dr. James M. David. Throughout his time at CSU, Andrew has had many significant premieres, including The Loveland Orchestra, The Pikes Peak Philharmonic, The Quarthot Quartet, and the CSU Wind Ensemble. Andrew was a part of the inaugural season of The Battalion in 2016 and has served 3 seasons with the corps as a drum major since, returning in 2019 for his fourth and final year.
Personal Statement: "I couldn't be more excited to spend my age out season with The Battalion! Every summer has been an incredible exploration of my own abilities and limitations, as well as those of the entire drum corps. I can't wait to see what walls and limits myself, my drum major team, and the corps break through this summer."
Collin Moore (Assistant Drum Major)
Collin Moore is a student at Snow College where he is studying music education and bassoon performance. This will be Collin's third year with The Battalion - having previously served on the drum major team for the 2017 and 2018 seasons- and his fifth year as a conductor. Collin hopes to build his skills as a conductor and leader, and help others learn to develop their own talents and abilities for the 2019 drum corps season.
Personal Statement: "The Battalion is a very special and unique opportunity for many that would not ordinarily get the chance to do drum corps, and I am excited and honored to help the corps to cultivate a culture of unity, service, passion and excellence. I hope to raise the bar and inspire the corps to find their maximum potential!"
Everett Shryock (Assistant Drum Major)
Everett Shryock is a first year music education major at Colorado State University. Everett has helped incoming sixth graders learn how to play clarinet and recently worked as a visual tech for the Fossil Ridge High School 2018 marching season. He spent the last two years at The Battalion as a member of the euphonium section.
Personal Statement: “This year is going to be another big stepping stone for The Battalion and I’m thrilled to be a part of history as we move into our fifth year as a corps. I’m ready to help continue building the corps and move it in the right direction so Battalion can be here for years to come."
Staylee Koller (Assistant Drum Major)
Staylee Koller is a senior at Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs, Utah. She has served as Drum Major for the Westlake Marching Thunder for the past two years, marching clarinet two years prior. Staylee has also played bass clarinet for 3 years in Westlake's Wind Symphony. 2019 will be Staylee's first time performing with The Battalion, she is excited to spend her summer serving The Battalion and it's members.
Personal Statement: “I know The Battalion is a unique place and this will be a special opportunity for me to continue my Drum Major experience and do what I can to make others' experience the best it can be."
