Alumni Student Leaders

Drum Major and Leadership. Wow, what an interesting phenomenon!

There is an unspoken rule that applies here. One is reverent and undisputed because of the dynamic nature of influence, trust, information and understanding that accompanies the role of being a Drum Major…it is trifold in its efforts. It is a very demanding representation of the best intentions for every aspect of the ambition, reverence, history and focus of what the Band represents and inspire to become.

The Drum Major has the trust of the Band Director and his/her assistants. The Drum Major represents the extended arm, if you will, of the vision of the Band Director’s ambition. As in the case of a great show band with an extraordinary history as the Franklin D. Roosevelt High School Mustang Band has rendered since its inception.

Under the direction of the Legendary Director of Bands, Thomas “HOSS” Ross, Jr., pride, honor, integrity and commitment was exhibited from the Band Members, Majorettes and Drum Majors/Drum Majorettes. Majorettes and Drum Majors was and still is a monumental task and duty which is regarded in one’s effigy as a Pillar of Honor. Drum Majors exemplifies the role of Student Leaders. Student and Leadership must co-exist in order to be the most effective to employ the Band Director’s concepts and ambitions of being the BEST of the BEST in high school marching show bands. Being a Drum Major is indeed a Badge of Great Honor that instill Integrity, Consistency and honest Communication.

Our First Student Leaders: 1963-1966

“Thank You to my fellow Drum Major/Drum Majorette predecessors who destined me and my twin brother, Wilbert Pritchett, to become Drum Majors. To those Drum Majors and Drum Majorettes who served after my tenure, thank you for continuing the legacy of representing the Franklin D. Roosevelt High School Mighty Marching Mustang Band as Student Leaders.”

Gilbert Pritchett, Drum Major, French Horn, ’77