Most people see Saturdays in the Grove as a relaxing experience to enjoy some amazing food, loving friends and good ol’ fun. For drum major Chris Presley, it’s a job, but a job he has an immense passion for.
Presley, a junior Biology major, has been in band since age 12, and has developed a passion for music. When he’s not playing his alto sax or bassoon, Presley is conducting the beloved Pride of the South through the Rebels’ good downs and bad.
From early morning to late at night, Presley is always full of life and ready to keep everyone energized and excited, no matter what the action on the field is like.
Before even making it to the field, Presley prepares from his home as early as 7 a.m. “The day of the game, I make sure I have my whistle with me about two or three times before I leave the house,” Presley said.
During the Walk of Champions when the team gets off the bus and makes their glorious entrance into the Grove, Presley rapidly moves his arms and assists in the familiar musical atmosphere that we always remember about the Grove. Even at the earliest kickoff times, as the music begins to swell in front of the Student Union, people began to gather with giant cameras, red cups and little children to see what “tradition” really means. Through all of the excitement rushing around him, he always keeps a focused but relaxed face while keeping perfect time.
By the time the band wanders to the Grove stage for their final hurrah before heading to the stadium, the crowd had more than triples around them, ready for the familiar fight songs and chants that brings Rebel football to life. Presley rushes around, taking roll and answering questions from different directions, all while smiling and loving everything. “My favorite part about being the drum major is knowing that I can be a positive role model for those in the band and being a voice for the band when trying to raise money and letting people know how hard we work so they will appreciate our performances at football games,” Presley said.
Once the game ends, he returns everything to the band hall and wishes everyone a wonderful rest of the weekend. While most people are rushing home to freshen up for a night on the Square, Presley takes a different approach: studying and a good night’s rest.
“The greatest rewards of being a part of the Ole Miss band are developing skills like pride, discipline, and teamwork that aren't taught in the classroom and getting to do something I am already passionate about (playing and listening to music).“
Whether a seasoned veteran since it’s early beginnings or a freshman looking for a place to socialize, the Grove is and always has been a place of southern elegance, good-hearted camaraderie, and (most importantly) SEC football.
For more information, visit the Pride of the South website here.
No comments:
Post a Comment