Former Marching Hurricanes Are Drum Majors at VSU

Valdosta State University (VSU) and former Jasper County High School (JCHS) colleagues Tristan Harper (left) and James Sampson (right) are now sharing the field as VSU drum majors of the university’s marching band known as the Blazin’ Brigrade.

Readers may remember that James became a drum major for the Brigade last year, he will retain that role and now share it with fellow JCHS graduate. Tristan is a music education major with a concentration in percussion. He has been playing music since middle school and participating in the marching band since he was a freshman at JCHS where he started out on playing the tuba.

Tristan switched to percussion his sophomore year of college and even though he switched instruments, he was still able to pick it up at the collegiate level. Last semester he was first chair in Valdosta State’s Wind Ensemble and this fall he is auditioning for a pending scholarship with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. Tristan is married to Claire Harper.

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James, currently in his fourth year at VSU, is still a marketing major. Before James was drum major last year, he and Tristan were on the drum line together. When James auditioned last year he competed against seven other individuals for the drum major role. Some of the task involved in the audition process included demonstrating advanced skills in score reading, tempo recognition, and conducting a prepared selection.

“I know everyone will be so proud of these young men. They work extremely hard and I feel like I can speak on behalf of everyone to express how proud we are of them!,” said Mrs. Harper. “They are very excited to be in a position of leadership together and represent Monticello.

Tristan and James will also share drum major duties with Amaka Nwoko at VSU.