In January 2016, Master Sgt. Julian R. Ayers became the first African-American to hold the position of head drum major in The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." It was the latest milestone in a 17-year career with the band and the culmination of a love for playing music that began when he was in fourth grade.
Ayers, a native of Washington, D.C., joined Pershing's Own in 1999 as a trombonist after graduating from Duquesne University with both bachelor's and master's degrees in music, achieving a dream he'd had since high school.
"When I came out of high school, I wanted to be a professional trombonist performing in a national orchestra somewhere," Ayers said during an interview with the Pentagram. "When I went to [college] that was my goal, to prepare to get a gig in an orchestra somewhere. I knew this was a professional-level job, I took the audition and was fortunate enough to win it."
During his time as a trombonist with the Army's ceremonial band, Ayers also served as an assistant drum major and a supply liaison. He has played in three presidential inaugurations, at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, and at the recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.
Ayers said he's proud of his achievements and to be the first African-American to serve as head drum major of Pershing's Own.
"I'm proud of it," he said. "I just did the best I could and thought, 'Maybe one day.' Now that it's here, it's great. I want to represent my culture, I want to represent the Army Band and I want to represent the Ceremonial Band to the highest levels ... When you're the first at anything, you have the opportunity to make a mark. I look forward to that and just contributing to the best of my ability."
Although he's had a rich career on trombone, Ayers actually started as a trumpeter.
"I started on trumpet when I was in fourth grade," Ayers said, laughing. "When I got to tenth grade, my band director came up to me and said, 'You're not very good on trumpet.' I'll never forget it, I love him for it."
That band director was John Mitchell, now the director of the Wind Ensemble in the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America in D.C. Ayers said Mitchell is still one of his inspirations to this day.
"He recommended I try trombone," he said. "The rest is history; I took off. I owe my career to him."
Ayers said other musicians who inspire him include Nitzan Haroz, principal trombonist in the Philadelphia Orchestra and Joseph Alessi, principal trombonist in the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
But don't think Ayers just listens to trombonists. As the father of a 16-year-old and a member of a top-40 cover band, he also pays attention to what's on the radio.
"I have a 16-year-old, so I try to stay up with today's pop," he said, adding that his favorite pop song is Beyonce's "Love on Top."
As head drum major, Ayers is responsible for leading the Ceremonial Band during funerals in Arlington National Cemetery and any other events that require ceremonial support.
Ayers said his new position makes him feel more connected to the ceremonies he now leads.
"I love it," he said. "I feel a connection between the family and the band. While I was in the band as a trombonist, I did enjoy contributing, but it ended as soon as we stepped away from the marks. Now I feel like we have a little connection between the family and the band. I feel more connected and more involved in the ceremony."
For more information about The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," visit www.usarmyband.com.
Social Sharing