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The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s Titan Thunder Marching Band has taken another step forward with the announcement of students selected for section leadership positions.

Section leaders guide students who play the same instrument or are in the same section. In these groups, section leaders will lead music rehearsals, teach and refine marching techniques and collect and distribute information. Since they also are on the field or in the stands with their fellow students, section leaders have the best sense of the individual challenges members face. They also help coordinate social activities to build camaraderie.

Here are the students who’ll lead their sections. More leaders may be selected as the band fills out.

  • Piccolo: Brittney Harrison, a junior music education major from Racine
  • Clarinet: Hannah May, a senior international studies major from Algonquin, Illinois
  • Alto sax: Alex Wolf, a senior computer science major from Arpin, Wisconsin
  • Tenor sax: Jaxon White, a junior music industry major from Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
  • Trumpet: Robin Crooks, a junior general and instrumental music major from Menasha, and Erick Martinez, an undeclared junior from Appleton
  • Mellophone: Kate Rothschadl, a junior music composition major from Waukesha
  • Trombone: Alex Martinez, an undeclared junior from Appleton, and Lillian Stupey, a junior radio TV film major from Oshkosh
  • Baritone: Sean Lawrence, a senior music education major from Kimberly
  • Sousaphone: Ben Demo, a senior social science major from Waukesha
  • Drumline: Nicky Cameron, a junior music industry major from Waukesha; Matthew Hoh, a junior music industry major from Eagle, Wisconsin; and Miles Schmidt, a junior radio TV film major from Neenah
  • Color guard: Devan Hohn, a senior special education major from Hortonville, and Haily Sankovich, a senior human services leadership major from Mount Prospect, Illinois
  • Twirlers: McKayla Wallace, a first-year student from Omro studying on the Fox Cities campus

As previously announced, Chandler Sumner-Gehrig will serve as drum major. The senior music education major from Wauwatosa will serve as the leader and chief student liaison connecting the band’s members and staff. Sumner-Gehrig will help with key components of the student experience, including preseason communication, band camp, social events, outreach and an annual banquet. Musically, the drum major serves as the primary rehearsal and stands conductor and develops highly visible routines for on-field performance.

The marching band’s public debut is planned the first home Titans football game of the 2022 season, when East Texas Baptist University comes to J. J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium on Sept. 3.

Applications for students to join the band are now open. Students from UWO’s three campuses are eligible. Enrollment also is open to any student enrolled at a postsecondary institution, meaning current students at Ripon College, Lawrence University, Fox Valley Technical College and beyond can join the band through a special admission process. Open positions include piccolo, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, trumpet, mellophone, trombone, baritone, sousaphone, marching percussion, color guard and baton.

Those who take part in the Titan Thunder’s inaugural year will have the chance not only to make new friends, play great music and cheer on the Titans, but they’ll also be laying the foundation for the program—including developing new traditions, cheers and social events that will make the marching band exceptional for years to come.

Titan Thunder virtual information sessions are held every other Thursday in spring and summer. These Zoom meetings include audition and membership information, a chance to meet the staff and student leadership, the sharing of ideas for fall and more. Sessions are at 8 p.m. June 9 and 23, July 7 and 21, and Aug. 4 and 18.

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