Name, hometown, corps: Jason Herron, Denver, Blue Knights What is your role in the corps this summer? Front ensemble section leader Where do you go to school, and what extracurricular activities are you involved with there? University of Northern Colorado. Involved with Collegiate Music Educators National Conference (CMENC) there.

Jason Herron
Give us your full drum corps/marching music background, and how each position prepared you for the leadership role you're in this summer. Blue Knights indoor percussion ensemble 2002-2004, Blue Knights drum corps 2002-2004. Over the course of the years that I have marched in the Blue Knights, I have been able to play Shostakovich, music from a Bulgarian women's choir and original music by Mike Nevin. I feel that each of these types of genres have helped me to adapt to the different styles and techniques needed to succeed in this leadership role. The last good book I read: "Inca Gold," Clive Cussler The last great film I saw: "Lost in Translation" Three CDs I'd want on a deserted island: "The Best of Vanessa Mae," "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" by Outkast and "Elephunk" by the Black Eyed Peas My favorite TV show: I like all types of television shows, I really don't have a favorite Favorite performers: Outkast, Keiko Abe How do you "blow off steam?" Listen to music and practice Why I march with the corps I am in: I started in the world ensemble in 2002 and was asked late to join the corps. Since then, I have loved its family-like quality. I feel that people treat the Blue Knights as a feeder corps and I think that if good players stay around instead of trying to go somewhere else, our corps will become very strong. Was it always your goal to be in a leadership role? No, I came to get away from the pressures of high school and play with people as serious as I was. After just doing my job as a member, I think that it was my time to step up and accept the responsibility of section leader. How will you go about balancing the roles of leader and corpsmate? I think that it is important to have that leadership role during rehearsal and shows. But out of rehearsal, I can lay back more and play the "friend" role without having to worry too much about being a leader unless needed. What has been your formative drum corps moment? Semifinals my rookie year in Madison. I loved performing for the crowd and hearing the response that they gave the corps. Best drum corps show ever: Cadets 2000 What are you most looking forward to about the summer? Getting out with my "Family" and traveling for three months Best thing about being a drum corps leader: The responsibility is a challenge. I like to have and face challenges. Even as stressful as it might get at times, I love it. Worst thing about being a drum corps leader: It can get very stressful at times. There are sometimes people in the section that want to do your job for you and it gets agitating until those people realize that they are members. During tour, the best part of the day is: The night. During tour, the worst part of the day is: Noon Favorite drum corps personality and why: Ralph Hardimon. He taught BK through 2001. His charismatic attitude and the approach that he takes to teach leaves me in awe. Who doesn't love Ralph? What do you want to be when your drum corps career is over? I am currently going for my bachelor's degree in music education. I hope to be a band director one day.