Former drum major and 2015 KHS graduate Zechariah Hall fondly remembers his experiences in the Big Red Band, especially the confidence he gained throughout his tenure.
Hall and his family originally moved to Kosciusko from Gulfport in 2008 when Hall was still a junior-high student. When making his first fall schedule at KJHS, counselor Misty Holder asked him if he had ever considered joining the band. In retrospect, Hall credits Holder for piquing his interest.
“She said, ‘Would you like to join band?’ I looked at my mom, and mom looked at me. And I was like, ‘Sure, why not?’” said Hall. “From there on, I saw that I was really good, and I enjoyed it.”
An alto and baritone saxophonist, Hall served as assistant drum major during his sophomore and junior years of high school. Hall then served as co-drum major with Nylah Hill for his senior year in the fall of 2014 and spring of 2015.
He said his time as a drum major made him more responsible, more aware of his character, and inspired him to be an example to others. But he particularly enjoyed getting to learn more about what goes on in the background during his time as assistant drum major.
“At that age, it really gave me a sense of responsibility and awareness of my character. It really stuck with me about going forward and being an example to anybody, anywhere,” he said. “Being an assistant drum major was a great time to really do some of the background work and learn how these directors talk.”
Hall recalls performing under the leadership of former band director Jesse Yates, and he also remembers the direction of current band director Courtney Sanders during her time as assistant director.
He said his time in the band helped him grow as a person in many different ways, including encouraging him to pursue a degree in music, which he accomplished in 2019 after graduating from Delta State University.
“It really gave me an opportunity — from a scholarship to college, to just being social with people, being able to be around a crowd and understand people that you don't necessarily hang out with outside of school, but you're there together working toward a common goal. There are these different personalities and different backgrounds, but to be able to play one piece together or to come together in agreement over music is great.”
Hall said his favorite band memories come from trips to Bands of America competitions in Georgia, where the Big Red Band competed against other schools across the Southeast.
“Just being there was a great experience. That was one of the highlights of my band experience in high school,” said Hall. “To improve every year under Mr. Yates was another highlight, being able to get better every single year.”
Hall currently lives in Ruleville, where he continues leading a life of music, serving as a pianist at Sumner Church of God. Occasionally, he still breaks out his saxophone to play during church services as well.
“I plan on continuing to play at church and learning more. As far as music goes, I really want to be focused more on the worship side of it,” he said.
Hall said his time in the Big Red Band positively impacted his life and left nothing but good memories that he will continue to cherish.
“It was just nothing but good memories and nothing but a great time. I would not be the person I am today without those years in Big Red,” said Hall. “Especially as a drum major, it really allowed me to start growing confidence in myself to do what I want to do in life.”
