Joshua Ford was appointed as the 66th head drum major, and Brian Speckman was appointed as the assistant drum major. Following a grueling tryout procedure that took place within the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, both individuals emerged triumphant, demonstrating their outstanding talent and dedication to the pursuit of their goals.
There were five individuals that participated in the trials, and all of them were now members of “D-Row,” which is the band’s dedicated drum major training team. The competition was high and intense. By participating in this rigorous curriculum, aspiring drum majors are guaranteed to get comprehensive training that will adequately prepare them for the challenging and legendary position that they play in leading “The Best Damn Band in the Land.”
The following three essential components were included in the comprehensive evaluation that was performed on each candidate:
This classic performance features a high strut from the north side of the field, a backbend that defies gravity, and a dramatic goal-post toss. The traditional pregame ramp entrance is a part of this sequence. When it comes to exhibiting the showmanship and physical prowess that is demanded of an Ohio State drum major, this component is absolutely essential.
A Twirling Routine for Each Individual: Set to music that was given by the band (this year, “Gonna Fly Now”), each contender performed a bespoke performance that highlighted their intricate baton twirling talents as well as their artistic expression.
Five High Aerial Tosses: This portion of the competition evaluated the candidates’ precision and control as they demonstrated their mastery of the instrument by performing a series of high-flying baton tosses as part of the selection process.
There was a panel of respected previous drum majors and members of the band’s staff who served as judges for the tryouts. This ensured that the evaluation was comprehensive and based on years of expertise. The realistic atmosphere of the tryout was enhanced by the presence of student musicians from the spring Athletic Band and the 2024 Marching Band, who provided the musical accompaniment.
Joshua Ford, who hails from Gahanna, Ohio, and anticipates entering his fourth year of college with a concentration in aviation, has been working hard toward the realization of this desire for more than seven years. “Being able to be a part of this program for such a long time and to look up to the head drum major for years, it’s great seeing that hard work pays off,” Ford said, expressing his thanks and excitement about the opportunity. The realization that I will be able to contribute to the continuation of giving back to this program and organization for many years to come is a really satisfying feeling. In addition, Ford has a unique family connection to this accolade because his uncle, Brian Berendts, was the drum major at Ohio State University during the 1992-1993 academic year.
Additionally, Brian Speckman, a student from St. Marys, Ohio who is in the process of entering his second year of college and majoring in accounting, discussed his path and preparation for the job. My routine consisted of going out at the same time every day and practicing as if every day were an audition. My preparation for today was greatly enhanced by it, and I am thrilled that all of my efforts have paid off and that I will be able to assist in the leadership of this marching band. Speckman acknowledges that his development and self-assurance can be attributed to the fact that he participated in the D-Row program during his freshman year at Ohio State Marion. In addition, he discovered that the unanticipated presence of his extended family at the tryouts, cheering him on, provided him with a great deal of comfort.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the selection of Ford and Speckman as the first two confirmed members of the Ohio State Marching Band for the year 2025. The other seats will be filled through auditions in the month of August. In the process of getting ready to lead the band into the forthcoming season, both Ford and Speckman are exemplifying the dedication, tradition, and spirit that are characteristic of TBDBITL. On account of their leadership, it is hoped that they will bring a new rhythm to the field, thereby sustaining the band’s heritage of quality and capturing spectators with their exceptionally impressive performances.
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