Drum line teaches leadership

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Anne Fritz
  • 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) --  Hearts race as walls pulsate, surrounded by the deafening beat of drums. The audience sits on the edge of its seat as quickening tempos bring the rhythm to new heights.

This may be a common scene at any rock ‘n’ roll concert, but there are no paid performers laying down the beat. They are just local children brought together by the love of music.

Before September 2003, this type of musical expression was never an option for the students at a local high school. That changed when a man, whose life was led by the rhythmic beating of the drums, stepped forward to march out a new path for local youth.

First Lt. Jamiel Vadell, 741st Missile Squadron deputy missile combat crew commander, said music was always a major influence in his life. When he discovered the high school did not have a well-established drum corps, he saw an opportunity to share his passion with future generations.

“I’ve played music all my life,” Lieutenant Vadell said. “I even used to play in the drum corps. Since then, I just kept marching. It’s something I knew I could share.”

Donating his time alongside Capt. James Pitney, 91st Operation Support Squadron classroom section chief, the two musicians began transforming the high-school percussion section into a professional performance group.

“We began exposing the children to a different style of marching and musicianship that hadn’t been offered in this area for many years,” Captain Pitney said. “By rearranging the music, each instrument has been given more of a flash, making it more challenging to the kids.”

“Jamiel is an awesome teacher,” said student Layne Nordquist. “He treats us like equals and pushes us as far as he thinks we can go.”

Helping the young musicians master their performance skills Tuesday nights, the veteran performers gain more then just the admiration of the students they help.

“Right now, the possibilities seem limitless,” said Rochelle Feldner, the school’s band director. “The whole experience has been wonderful for the kids. The new experience hasn’t only improved their musical skills, but it’s also exposing them to a new form of leadership.”

Besides teaching the children the standardized marching style used by bands nationwide, Captain Pitney said they are also focusing on teaching students what it takes to be a good musician and a great leader.

“Leadership takes a lot of discipline,” the captain said. “We’re showing them that it doesn’t only apply to the drum corps but to all areas of their lives -- that they should always try to be a good person and that they should never stop searching and learning.”